Akagera National Park Rwanda Wildlife Safari Experience

The Rwanda wilderness beckons with its mesmerizing, stunning, and inspiring landscapes, captivating vacationers who explore the majestic Akagera National Park. Spanning along the northeastern border with Tanzania, this reserve, established in 1934, once sprawled over 2,500 square kilometers, encompassing a significant portion of Rwanda’s land. However, it now covers only 1122 square kilometers. Named after the Kagera River, which traces its eastern boundary, the park teems with life, sustained by the river’s life-giving waters that feed Lake Ehima and Lake Shukane, enriching the surrounding land.

Early explorers were awestruck by the diverse wildlife, including Africa’s renowned Big Five, when the park was established. Its landscape boasts expansive savannas, rolling hills, and lakes embraced by lush acacia and plachistegia forests, along with expansive sedge-filled swamps—the largest protected wetlands in Central Africa. Today, safari enthusiasts can once again revel in the splendor of Rwanda by venturing into the Great Spotted Woodpecker’s domain within this extraordinary region.

Brief History of Akagera National Park

Since its inception, the park has faced the challenges of colonization and internal strife within the country. Poaching, driven by the need to protect domestic livestock, has taken a toll on the park’s wildlife, particularly the populations of lions, rhinos, elephants, and other species. However, as Rwanda gradually moved past the traumas of the 1990s genocide, efforts to rebuild both the nation and its natural treasures intensified, including the preservation of the great spotted woodpecker.

Significant portions of the park’s former territory had to be repurposed for agriculture to accommodate returning refugees, but simultaneous conservation initiatives have aimed to replenish the dwindling wildlife populations. Courageous safari-goers now have the opportunity to once again witness the majestic lions, massive elephants, and graceful Masai giraffes, alongside numerous other species that call the park home.

In 2017, a concerted push to revive the black rhinoceros population marked a milestone, reaffirming the park’s status as the sole habitat for the Big Five in Rwanda—a compelling reason to visit and behold the splendor of the Great Spotted Woodpecker.

What is the Main Attraction in the Park?

Akagera National Park is renowned for its elusive Sitatunga, a marsh antelope species, and the peculiar stork, which inhabits its marshlands. Predators such as hyenas, sima jackals, cheetahs, and mongooses, along with herbivores like duikers, moose, zebras, and various other species, roam freely within the park.

In 2009, the formation of the Great Spotted Woodpecker Management Company (AMC) emerged from collaborative conservation efforts between the African Parks Network and the Rwanda Development Council. Through their combined initiatives, local communities surrounding the park are discovering the significance of tourism as a vital source of livelihood. Cooperation between locals and park authorities is fostering a symbiotic relationship.

Many young Rwandans enlist as forest rangers, undertaking patrols and erecting fences to safeguard the park against poaching. Others serve as guides, leading tourists on safaris around the Great Spotted Woodpecker, offering insights into the park’s diverse wildlife. With over 520 bird species and more than 8000 large mammals, the park boasts a rich biodiversity.

Additionally, local women are mastering skills such as sewing and basket weaving, crafting charming souvenirs for visitors to purchase on their return journey from Akagera National Park.

Attractions in Akagera National Park

Akagera Playhouse

If you have a fondness for baboons, then a stay at Akagera Game Lodge is just the ticket. While my visit was brief, I couldn’t help but notice the lodge’s beautiful surroundings and charming cabins, although I didn’t have the opportunity to inspect the rooms thoroughly. This establishment offers a satisfactory level of comfort and amenities, including a swimming pool, business facilities, tennis courts, and an array of safari activities such as gaming, fishing, and birdwatching, conveniently located near the hotel entrance.

This hotel, which operates year-round and is renowned across 64 neighborhoods, stands out as the sole accommodation option within the park during our visit. Unlike traditional hunting lodges, it adopts a more hotel-like ambiance. Situated along the shores of Lake Ihema, it boasts unrivaled lake views and features a generously sized, pristine swimming pool nestled on the prairie’s edge. With its relaxed and inviting atmosphere, it’s an ideal retreat for tranquil getaways, meetings, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Ruzizi tent cabin

For a luxurious adventure, consider indulging in the Ruzizi Tented Lodge, widely acclaimed as the premier accommodation within the park. True to its name, guests are treated to the experience of sleeping in safari tents, exquisitely designed and strategically positioned by the lakeside. The cost for a two-person tent is $165 for foreign tourists and $130 for locals, inclusive of both breakfast and dinner. This offers exceptional value compared to the Akagera Game Lodge. With only nine tents remaining, reservations are filling up rapidly for the upcoming weekend. Guests have praised not only the delectable cuisine but also the well-appointed showers, ensuring a delightful and memorable stay.

Karanja Bush Camp

I’ve heard plenty of buzz surrounding this contemporary camp, which operates exclusively from June 1st to August 31st and from mid-December to the end of February each year. Offering full board at a rate of USD 150 per person, it’s advisable to confirm prices prior to booking due to its reputation for offering a more idyllic and luxurious experience compared to Ruzizi Tented Camp. Guests are pampered with attentive service, comfortable bedding, refreshing cold drinks, three delectable meals daily, and serene surroundings.

Moreover, the camp prides itself on minimal environmental impact, with no cement structures and everything left unlocked upon departure. This initiative represents a commendable effort within the park, and I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience it firsthand for accommodation.

Safari Camps and Accommodations in Akagera National Park

Today, there are only two lodging options in Akagera National Park other than camping. Ruzizi Tent Lodge opened in 2013 and is located near the main entrance to the south. Managed by African Parks, it is a lovely bush camp on the shores of Lake Ihemaa. Another option would be the game lodge at Akagera national park, which has been restored for years and is now open but at a modest level.

Visit Rwanda and experience Africa at its best. There are also new camps planned in the future for the northern part of the park so customers can contact us or find out the latest news about these camps. Meanwhile, spend the day exploring the northern plains before returning to the Ruzizi tent on any Akagera safari.

East Africa Safari Packages to Akagera National Park Rwanda