Akagera National Park
Overview
Rwanda Parks
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Rwanda.
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah reserve, and after recent reintroductions of rhinos and lions, you have a chance of spotting the Big Five. You’ll also see plenty of plains animals, such as giraffes, zebras, impalas and topi. In terms of pure wildlife viewing, Akagera can’t compete with the more famous parks in Kenya and Tanzania. However, the park is very scenic and the birdlife is particularly rewarding.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Since African Parks assumed management of Akagera in 2010, wildlife numbers have been on the increase. Buffalo are abundant, and elephants are commonly seen on the lakeshores. After the first reintroductions of 2015, there are now more than 40 lions roaming the savannah plains. Leopards are common, but harder to spot. These secretive big cats are mostly seen on night drives.
Scenery
Akagera is particularly scenic and offers a wide diversity of habitats in a small area. Visitors can drive along a string of forest-fringed lakes and wetlands fed by the Akagera River. Tall mountains form a lovely backdrop to the ever-changing vegetation, which includes papyrus swamps and acacia woodland.
Weather & Climate
Akagera is located near the equator and has a consistent moderate to warm climate. Temperatures are very uniform throughout the year. The average nighttime temperature is about 10°C/50°F below the average daytime temperature, therefore warm clothing is recommended for early morning game drives. The main Dry season runs from June to September, but there is a relatively dry spell from mid-December to mid-February too.
Best Time to Visit
Although Akagera can be visited at any time, the best wildlife-viewing months are from June to September. This corresponds with the main Dry season, when animals are drawn to the lakes as a source of water. At this time the bush is not as lush either, which makes spotting animals a bit easier. Mid-December to mid-February, a dry spell in the Wet season, is also a good time to visit.
Want to Visit Akagera NP?
Safari Tours to Akagera NP
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12-Day Rwandan Safari
$5,200 pp (USD)
Rwanda: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Kigali (Start), Nyungwe NP (Chimps), Karongi (Town), Rubavu (City), Musanze (City), Volcanoes NP (Gorillas), Akagera NP, Genocide Memorial (Kigali), Kigali (End)
Golden Rwanda Safaris
5.0/5 – 128 Reviews
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![13-Day Rwanda Expedition with Gorilla Trek]()
13-Day Rwanda Expedition with Gorilla Trek
$9,000 pp (USD)
Rwanda: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & ResortYou Visit: Kigali (Start), Akagera NP, Musanze (City), Volcanoes NP (Gorillas), Rubavu (City), Karongi (Town), Nyungwe NP (Chimps), Kigali (End)
New Horizon Africa Safaris
4.9/5 – 15 Reviews
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![6-Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari and Nyungwe National Park]()
6-Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari and Nyungwe National Park
$2,133 pp (USD)
Rwanda: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Kigali (Start), Akagera NP, Nyungwe NP (Chimps), Kigali Airport (End)
Hermosa Life Tours and Travel
5.0/5 – 22 Reviews
