Game Drive Safaris in Akagera National Park
Game Drive Safaris in Akagera National Park are one of the best ways for visitors to explore the vibrant and vast national park. Being the only savannah national park in Rwanda, Akagera national park is a safe haven for a large number of savannah wildlife animals in the country.
Akagera national park is located in the northeastern part of Rwanda, in Kayonza district. The park is the largest of four national parks in Rwanda, spanning over a radius of 1,122 square kilometers.
Akagera national park in Rwanda was first established in 1934 by the Belgian colonial government. The park is mainly comprised of savanna, montane forests, woodland, marsh and swamps.
At the time of its establishment, the national park previously covered 2,500 square kilometers of vast savannah grassland. The park was famous for its rich bio-diversity in flora and fauna species.
The southern part of the national park is mainly composed of savannah grasslands and woodland, while the northern part of the park, which is situated in Nyagatare district, comprises montane forests, marsh and swamps. Navigating the northern part of the national park usually presents a challenge, thus visitors are advised to hire a 4×4 wheel drive safari vehicle when travelling to Akagera national park.
The park is being managed by Akagera Management Company, after a joint agreement in 2010 between Rwanda Development Board and African Parks, to manage the national park.
Game Drive Safaris in Akagera National Park.
Game drive safaris in Akagera national park in Rwanda give visitors a great opportunity to view a variety of wildlife species that roam the vast savannah grasslands in the national park.
Akagera national park has a record of over 8,000 large wildlife animals that roam its savannah plains. The park has over 100 savannah elephants, about 25 black eastern rhinoceros, and more than 20 lions to mention but a few. The park is also home to over 500 bird species including the grey crested crane and the rare shoebill stork among others.
Some of the wildlife animals that you can sight in Akagera include; elephants, rhinos, zebras, duikers, Sitatunga, giraffes, antelopes, impala, buffaloes, lions, waterbucks and so many more.
Akagera national park offers tourists both day and night game drives. The day game drives in Akagera are conducted both in the morning and late afternoon hours. Game drives in Akagera national park can be combined with an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema which is located within the park.
Morning Game Drives in Akagera national park.
Morning game drives in Akagera national park commence as early as 7am in the morning. Visitors on a morning game drive can explore the southern part of the national park where you will get to see lots of wildlife animals roaming the park. Some of the wildlife species that you can sight during a game drive in the national park include; Topi, Bushbucks, elephants, zebras and so many more. while on a game drive in Akagera, you will also have an opportunity to drive near swamps like those near Lakes Shakani and Ihema where you will see various species of birds such as; Pockefellers’ sunbird, Chapin’s flycatcher, the Rwenzori Batis, Hammerkop and even the rare Shoebill stork.
Morning game drive safaris in Akagera national park cost USD 30 dollars per person and extra USD 25 dollars if you are planning to hire a park ranger/ guide. The morning game drives in the park last between one to two hours of exquisite game viewing.
Night Game Drives in Akagera national park.
Night game drives in Akagera national park are the best option if you are looking to see nocturnal animals like lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals and serval cats among others. It is mandatory for visitors to be accompanied by a park ranger during your night game drive in the park. Night game drives in Akagera take between 1-2 hours and cost USD 40 dollars per person.
Game drive safaris in Akagera national park in Rwanda will also give you an opportunity to view the Big Five animals which are some of the most sought after wildlife species amongst tourists visiting the country and in Africa at large.
Accommodation in the park.
Accommodation in Akagera national park ranges from budget to mid-range and luxury lodges. Some of the outstanding accommodation facilities in the park include; Akagera Game Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, and Magashi Safari Camp to mention but a few.
How to Book your game drive safari in Akagera National Park.
Visitors interested in wildlife viewing in Rwanda can book your game drive safari in Akagera national park through a trusted tour operator company like Explore Rwanda Tours. Alternatively, you can book your game drive safari in Akagera directly through the reservation offices at the park or in Kigali.
How to get to the park.
Akagera national park in Rwanda can be accessed by road from Kigali city. The park is located about 110 kilometers from the city center, which is about a 2⅟₂ hours’ drive from Kigali. The park can also be accessed by air from Kigali International Airport using a charter plane from Akagera Aviation Company.
Contact us now and book your game drive safari to Akagera national Park at the most affordable prices.
