Everything about Akagera National Park: Located in the east of Rwanda, Akagera National Park is a wonder of conservation in terms of briefed geography, Rwanda is a small country, but it has a diverse geography with different ecological regions, and Akagera National Park is the most representative area of the region. It occupies the territory of 1120. 16 sq. km and for many tourists it is interesting for the unusual landscapes – steppes, swamps, water spaces, and mountains. Located in the northeastern part of Rwanda, this park is named after the Akagera River, which defines the eastern border of the park, with wildlife lovers flocking to the park due to this rich collage of bio-diversity and geographic beauty. Herein is a brief description of Akagera National Park especially in as much as its wildlife, the various things that one can do while visiting the park, where to stay as well as general information that any tourist should know.
A Rich Tapestry of Wildlife
It most certainly is because Akagera National Park boasts of some of the big five and other animals that main safari goers look forward to spotting. Looking at the park-one of the things that will impress any visitor is the number and variety of animals in the park including what is locally referred to as ‘The Big Five’ These are the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Through conservation efforts, the park has recorded the recent reintroduction of lions and black rhinos making the park a big five destination.
Despite the Big Five, other famous African animals such as giraffes, zebras, hippos, and antelopes are other animals found in Akagera. The vegetation of the park ranges from the Albertine Rift Endemic Agastache to the ground for over 500 bird species. Among the birds, there are shoebill stork; papyrus gonolek, and the African fish eagle species. Birds are even more diverse in the lakes and wetlands which are present in this park hence the best destination for bird watchers and photographers.
Everything about Akagera National Park: Activities and Experiences
Here are some activities that can be done in Akagera National Park to enable people to get to know more about the beauty that is in the park. No matter if one is interested in game drives, boat safaris or cultural activities, this park has them all.
- Game Drives: The easiest and most common means of viewing Akagera is through game drives where clients can view most of the park’s species. This park has numerous good networks of roads that enhance easy access either by a guided tour or even by a self-drive tour. Morning and evening practical for game drives, because most of the animals are awake and active when it is still cold. It could be more fulfilling to engage an experienced ranger for a game drive as he or she will be able to show you around the park and explain more about the park and the behaviors of some animals’
- Boat Safaris: As mentioned earlier, Akagera is full of lakes and among all types of lakes the largest one is Ihema Lake. While on the boats one is capable to see the different water and aquatic bird species within the park around the lake Ihema. Many game lovers get a close look at hippos, crocodile, and numerous types of birds. The boat safari activity is more of a leisurely means of experiencing the parks calmness, and famous for the water bird viewing and the overall scenic views.
- Birdwatching: Due to the availability of various types of land use within the park, Akagera is truly a birding enthusiast’s park. There is interesting avian life in the park as well; it is recommended to take an early morning car tour around the lake/wetland areas. Birds are most active in the early morning and the evening hence the best time for bird watching is either early in the morning or in the evening. To the bird lovers a well-organized bird watching tour will go along with the acquisition of more information about the birds in the park.
- Cultural Experiences: There is also cultural tourism related to the visitors as they carry out tourism in Akagera. A visit to the cultural bear, visiting other people in the park and learning about the cultural resources of the place. These are cultural encounters about the conventional means of living, arts and well-being of the community helping to enhance the general appreciation of the park.
- Fishing: For those interested less rigorous activity, fishing is permitted in some areas of the park especially at Lake Shakani. Fishing permits are available and fishing is recommended as it a silent and relaxing way to explore the park.
Accommodation Options
When it comes to a place to stay, Akagera National Park provides the tourist with a variety of choices starting from logistic shelters to luxury facilities. Depending on the clients’ interests, they can take cozy lodges, camps, or even green-tinted tents of the Afriexploitation style.
- Ruzizi Tented Lodge:The following is an example of an established eco friendly lodge providing the luxurious safari experience. This lodge is perched on the edge of Lake Ihema and Equity members will stay in large tents with built-in bathrooms the light and power are solar and every tent has a private view balcony on the lake. It is absolutely tranquil with the attendant possibility of sighting bird and / or wildlife from within the comfort of your tent.
- Akagera Game Lodge:Akagera Game Lodge is comfortable and with modern amenities although it is located on a hill top over looking the park. It has got accommodation facilities, dining facilities in the form of a restaurant and a bar, recreational facilities such as swimming pool and the facility of air conditioned rooms for residents. It provides a good view for the major entrance and the game drive tracks within the park.
- Magashi Camp: If one wants to indulge in a private and more opulent accommodation Magashi Camp is located in the northern sector of the park. This camp has a total of six large tents with verandas and with stunning views to supply the guest with natural aesthetic value of the Rwanyakazinga Lake. Magashi Camp practical goal is to build sustainable future for tourism in Africa as well as supporting of local wildlife activities and offering the guests unique and quality experience of the African safari.
- Camping: For the more adventurous, Akagera has several campsites whereby the visitors can spend the night in the park while enjoying natural beauty of the park. The camps are obviously not luxurious but they offer the bare essentials like washrooms and showers. Camping in the park is another interesting way to understand the wildlife and serious features of Akagera.
Conclusion
Therefore, Akagera National Park is an ideal destination for nature and wildlife lovers as a destination to visit. Due to the variation of terrains, a variety of wildlife and avian species, and cultural features, the park offers great opportunity for conducting safaris, bird watching, and cultural civilization. Depending on what you are interested in, whether it is a comfortable accommodation in a lodge, a camping trip, or a chance to interact with some of the people, Akagera has it all. Even though Rwanda’s leading tourist safari destination, Akagera National park stands out as a park, which never leave any visitors indifferent.
