What to see in Akagera National Park

Things to see in Akagera National Park refer to the attractions that can be seen while visiting the park. There are different things that you can see within the Akagera National Park. Exotic, exciting, and spectacular views are a given on any safari vacation. Everyone wants to witness something remarkable and out of the ordinary. National parks like Akagera are rich in beautiful beauties and are a great spot to have such experiences. Animals, birds, breathtaking scenery, and new cultures are just a few of the things that make African safaris so popular and unforgettable. Akagera has many attractions that will keep you coming back for more. The following are the things to see in Akagera National Park in Rwanda.

Several species of birds live in Akagera National Park: Bird species are present in one of the things that visitors have to do in Akagera National Park. The park is home to approximately 500 bird species, making it one of the best birding locations in Rwanda and East Africa. The rich natural ecosystem found at Akagera Park attracts several bird species. Live in Akagera: Bennett’s Woodpecker, Papyrus Gonolek, White-headed, Black, and familiar Chats, Carruther’s and Tabora Cisticolas, White-winged and Broad-tailed Warblers, and Miombo Wren-Warblers. African fish eagles, marabou storks, crowned cranes, cormorants, open-billed storks, herons, and egrets are among the other species.

Wildlife species in Akagera National Park: Akagera National Park has seen an upsurge in wildlife populations in recent years, with the most recent figures estimating that the park now houses 8,000 large wildlife species. The park’s biodiversity includes rare plains animals like the impala and topi, commonly known as tsessebe in Southern Africa. Other species found in the park include eland, oribi, the Masai giraffe, bushbuck, Defassa waterbuck, reedbuck, sable, and antelope. In park areas, regularly encountered species include the Burchall’s zebra, hippo, crocodiles, and buffalo. All these have attracted people to see and enjoy. The new perimeter fence, which was completed in late 2013, was introduced and initiated to help preserve and prevent the park’s wildlife from entering neighboring settlements. There are ongoing initiatives to bring lions and rhinos into the park, making it a suitable habitat for all big five animal species. Due to a lack of predators in the area, wildlife is currently relaxed, allowing for easy viewing.

The Akagera River and its environs: The Akagera River is Lake Victoria’s largest tributary, accounting for 34% of the lake’s intake. The Akagera river basin spans 60,500 square kilometers in four countries: Burundi (13,790 Km2), Rwanda (21,630 Km2), Tanzania (20,680 Km2), and Uganda (4,400 Km2). It is divided into four hydrological zones: the Congo-Nile divide, hills and mountain foot ridges, swamps and lake terrain, and the west Victoria lake region. The river basin is a branch of the Nile basin. The river Akagera originates in the wetlands and lake topography zone and has three (3) major tributaries: the Nyabarongo, Akanyaru, and Ruvubu rivers. Papyrus swamps, lakes, open water, and the river itself dominate this zone. The wetlands of Akagera are dominated by Cyperus papyrus and Phoenix reclinata, and the ecosystem is home to the rare Shoebill (threatened to extinction in Rwanda) and other water birds, as well as other species such as hippos, buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, and Sitatunga. Migratory water birds visit the Akagera marshes.

Sights of Giraffes in the Unique vegetation of Akagera National Park

Unique vegetation of Akagera National Park: Akagera National Park has extraordinary levels of biodiversity, thanks in part to its opportune placement at the crossroads of diverse vegetation zones. Forest-fringed lakes, savannah plains, papyrus marshes, and rolling highlands make up the park. The huge systems of freshwater lakes and papyrus swamps combine to form Central Africa’s largest protected and maintained wetland. Akagera National Park is the only outstanding protected region with savannah vegetation in the country of a thousand hills-Rwanda, making it the only national refuge for savannah-adapted plants and animals.

How to access Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is accessible by air and vehicle. The trip from Kigali can provide guests with a stunning aerial view of the park. Flights from the park to Kigali and back are organized by Akagera Aviation. It takes no more than three hours to drive from Kigali to the park on a well-paved asphalt route. Those who begin their trek in Rwamagana or Kibungo must travel for one hour before arriving in the park. The 27km route leading from the main road to the park entrance is dusty but passable by automobiles even during the rainy season. The roads within the park are not as good as those coming to the gate and will necessitate the use of a competent 4WD vehicle, especially during the wet season.

Private vehicles with drivers can be rented from Kigali or the park for approximately $175 for half a day or $275 for the entire day. The majority of international visitors choose ease and book their safari through a reputable tour operator. Accommodation, transportation, and activity reservations will all be handled by tour operators. We recommend that you engage the services of a tour operator if you have never visited or lived in Rwanda before. Mission Africa Safaris has organized tours to Akagera in the past. We will organize the car and driver/guide for you, as well as make arrangements for your hotel and activities.

What to consider while planning the Akagera National Park safari

Do you intend to visit Rwanda’s only Savannah wildlife park? The park is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and overseas visitors must pay an admission fee of approximately $40. Rwanda is a tropical country with insects and diseases to which international visitors may not be immune. You must visit your doctor and get vaccinated against yellow fever before flying to Rwanda. Bring malaria medications with you because the park has mosquitoes and even Tse-Tse flies. Furthermore, game drives are conducted with open car windows, which can attract unpleasant bug bites. An insect repellent is essential to keep insects at bay. You should also wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and neutral-colored clothing. You are free to join Africa Adventure Vacations for the best safari experience in Akagera National Park-Rwanda.