Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is situated in the North-eastern region of Rwanda. It was gazetted as a protected area in 1934 and covers an area of 1,200 sq km in the low-lying grasslands and woodlands the largest protected wetland in central Africa. The Park derives its name from the twisty Akagera River which surges along its eastern boundary emptying into Lake Ihema, the largest and one of the several lakes enclosed in the Park.
Set at a relatively low altitude on the Tanzanian border, attractive Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s notorious savanna reserve.
The topography of the park is characterized by undulating sandstone hills particularly in the west separated by deep, narrow valleys. Akagera Park harbors a number of safari wild animals and comprises three eco-regions categories namely mountain, savannah and swamp vegetation. The dominant is Acacia woodland punctuated with a few pockets of open grassland.

Akagera giraffes
Wildlife
Akagera National Park is home to over 20 species of mammals. The wet eastern side is the most scenic and best spot for Rwanda safaris in the park because it harbors a great concentration of hippos one of if not the most in the whole of Africa. Still on the eastern shores on the lakes are several crocodiles, lions, leopards and black rhinos although these are present in relatively small numbers.
Giant African elephants and buffaloes are also popularly concentrated in the woodland zones and are commonly seen around the lakes for quenching. Park visitors also have guaranteed chance to see Giraffe and zebras wandering through the dominated savannah regions. More than a dozen types of antelopes most commonly the gorgeous chestnut-coated impala also inhabit the park. Others are statuesque cape eland, the Oribi, bushbuck, Tsessebe as well as the Cape Eland.

Bird Life
Besides the animals, Akagera is another paradise for the birders. At least 525 species of unique birds have been recorded in the Park. The birdlife ecstasy here gives the visitors a chance to have closer looks at the diverse bird list found here. Common sightings include the Ring-necked Francolin, Shoebill, White-spotted Flufftail, Red-faced Barbet, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Leaf-love, Mountain Illadopsis, Green-throated Sunbird, Red-chested Sunbird, Black-billed Weaver, White-collared Oliveback, Brown-throated Weaver and Thick-billed Seedeater. The Park also hosts an inspiring concentration of big water birds such as the endangered Shoe bill stork, fish eagles attracted basically by the clear waters of the park lakes. A Rwanda birding safari into Akagera Park offers the most excellent way to spot these inspiring wetland birds.

Getting There
Akagera Park is nestled about three and half hours drive north east of Kigali, on the eastern border with Tanzania. The main entrance gate is at Kabarondo approximately15km north of Kibungo. Visitors are warned of the only dirt road to the park. It tends to be impassable during the  October and May rains, thus a 4WD safari vehicle is highly recommended for game drives. And for their own safety and wildlife in the park, visitors are urged to keenly abide by the Park’s rules displayed at the entrance.
Entrance fees for visitors and vehicles goes for about US$50.00 per person and it is payable at the entrance gate.
Where to Stay
Akagera Game Lodge, a modern hotel just inside the Kabarondo entrance is the best accommodation facility for the Park visitors. It is strategically located overlooking Lake Ihema and offers spectacular view of the Park.
Best Time to Visit
The peak visitor season is from June to September and the dry spell from January and December. These are the peak safari times in Akagera. June – September is when the grass is lush green and most wildlife freely wander in the Park  looking for food.
Activities
- Wildlife Camping alongside the picturesque lakes of Akagera. Camping at the park site offers the best wilderness experience to witness the several water birds as well as the sweet bird sounds specifically on Lake Ihema.
- Guided Game Drives  – The Game drives enable closer viewing of the roaring game species particularly the giant elephants
- Boat Excursions - These are conducted on Lake Ihema though this is risky because of the presence of crocodiles.
- Birding Safaris – Common sightings include the Red-faced Barbet, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Leaf-love, Mountain Illadopsis, Green-throated Sunbird, Red-chested Sunbird, Black-billed Weaver, White-collared Oliveback, Brown-throated Weaver
- Camping Safaris -  Camping in Akagera Park is more adventurous alongside Akagera Lake. It offer a mystical introduction to the wonders of Akagera National Park. Visitors get to spot oversized crocodile soakup the sun with their wide jaws on the shores.