Akagera National Park

Located in Eastern Rwanda spreading over 1,122 square kilometers n the borders of Rwanda and Tanzania, Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah Park, home to the “big five”. The Park derived its name from Akagera over which flows in its heart as a water source for wild animals. Established in 1934, Akagera National Park has gone through a lot of transformation and recovery over time. The 1994 Rwanda genocide greatly affected tourism in this Park to almost non-existence. Most of Rwanda victims fled the country to the nearby Tanzania through Akagera Park, which hindered the survival of wild animals. After the genocide, the returnees also entered Rwanda through Akagera Park and some tended to settle there surviving on wild animals for food and park trees for timber until when the Government of Rwanda came into their rescue providing land for shelter. The vegetation in Akagera National Park comprise of savannahs, swamps and montane forests that provide habitat and food for wildlife in the park. Through Rwanda Development Board, Akagera National park was officially handed over to African Parks management for a renewable agreement of 20 year. African Apes Tours gives you a guide to and through Akagera National Park, activities, attractions, accommodation and entrance fees among others. In addition to game viewing experience in Akagera Park, travelers with extended time love to add gorilla trekking, Kigali city tour and other wildlife experience to make a complete package.

Entrance fees to Akagera National Park
The entrance fee to Akagera National Park is categorized into days and nights. International visitors pay $100 for 1 Day/night, $150 for 2 nights and $200 for 3 nights. East African citizens /Rwanda residents pay $50 for 1Day/night, $75 for 2 nights and $100 for 3 nights. Children below 5 years are not asked to pay entrance fees. Regarding vehicle entrance fees, Vehicles/minibus (Rwandan/EAC registered) pay $10, Omnibus/bus/over lander (Rwa/EAC reg) pay $20, Vehicle/Minibus (Foreign registered) pay $40 while the Omni bus/bus/over lander (foreign reg) pay $100. East African Citizens children aged 6-12 years pay $30 for 1 night, $45 for 2 nights and $60 for 3 nights while international visitor children aged 6-12 years pay $50 for 1 night, $75 for 2 nights and $100 for 3 nights.

To Activities in Akagera National Park
Game Viewing is the number one travel experience done in Akagera National Park. Guided game drives are conducted in the morning, evening and night hours offering you chance for a close encounter with various wild animals feeding, socializing and resting together. Expect to see the big five (Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Buffalos and Rhinos) plus many other wild animals such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, duikers, gazelles, Topis, waterbucks, warthogs, black masked civet, bus pigs, serval cats, hippos, Hyenas, Roan antelopes, side stripped jackals and impalas among others. Day self-game drive per guide for half day costs $25 while full day game drive per guide cost $40. Night game drives per person for 2.5hrs/vehicle, driver guide/min.2/max 7 costs $40 for adults and $25 for children of 6 -12 years. If you are doing a full day game drive, picnic lunch and bush breakfast under the acacia trees is magical!

Boat Cruise
Enjoy a boat cruise at Lake Ihema feeling the fresh breeze of the waters. A scheduled morning boat trip for an hour costs $45 for adult foreign visitors and $20 for foreign children aged 6-12 years. The scheduled sunset trip for an hour for adult foreign visitors costs $40 and $30 for children aged 6-12 years. In addition a private (non scheduled) per boat for an hour costs $180. The shores of lake Ihema shelter numerous bird species such as white tailed blue moanrd, sunbirds, Cardinal woodpecker, African Harrier Hawk, Flycatchers and blue headed causal among others. A cruise also offers you scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, local communities, farms and homes. Other Lakes in Akagera include Lake Shakani, Lake Mihindi, Lake Rwanyakizinga, Lake Kivumbi, and Lake Hago.

Camping
Go camping and stay close to wild animals in the savannahs of Akagera National Park. Enjoy the offshore camping experience at Shakani camping site to enjoy the sweet melodies of birds which wakeup early singing. The other camping sites are Mutumba and Muyumba . Camping travelers are reminded to bring their own camping equipment’s. Camping costs $25 per person for adults and $15 for children aged 6-12 years.

Sport Fishing
Take part in the thrilling sport fishing adventure at Lake Shakani for catfish and Tilapias. Sport fishing costs $25 for adults and $25 for children aged 6-12 years. Sport fishing also gives you chance to see a variety of birds and wild animals

Best time for visiting Akagera National Park
Dry season from June to September is the best season to visit Akagera National Park. This time is characterized by no rains, which make grasses short easing game viewing experience. However, travelers this time are reminded that the roads are too dusty in the dry season which can affect those allergic to dust. For birders, the experience is done all year round since each season is unique in its own kind. Migrator birds are seen in November an April, Francolins best seen between June and September while September to November and March to April is the best time for songbirds. Camping experience is also best in the dry season

Accommodation/where to stay in Akagera National park
For overnight stay travelers, Akagera National Park has a variety of excellent budget, midrange and luxury lodges, camps and tents to offer you food and sleeping services. Some of the best lodges/places to stay in Akagera include Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Karenge Bush Camp, Dereva Hotel and Magashi Camp. These have well-trained and professional staff who ensure quick and timely service delivery system

What to Pack to Akagera National Park
Endeavor to pack the right attire for your Africa safari to Akagera National Park. Among the tings to pack include walking shoes, sunglasses, hat, short pants, Fleece jacket, Camping gear, Scarf and warm sweater for cold nights. Also, remember to carry insect repellants for safety from harmful insect bites

In general, Akagera National Park is a best place to visit. Contact African Apes Tours, book a customized game safari and discover the hidden gem in this savannah park.