Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is located in the north-east of Rwanda, on the Tanzanian and Ugandan borders. It now covers an area of 100,000 ha, following a recent reduction of its original size of 250,000 ha. The topography of the park is characterized by rolling sandstone hills in the west, cut in places by deep, narrow valleys. In the east, flood-plains and swamps are predominant. The vegetation of the park is extremely varied and, indeed, has been described as the most heterogeneous savanna ecosystem in the region. The park has a variety of wildlife and is a habitat for over 500 different species of birds. Akagera National Park is known for attractions such as game drives to view wildlife and landscape, and bird safaris.
Game drive: In terms of game viewing, it would not be appropriate to compare it to the East African savanna ecosystems. Political conflicts together with poaching have greatly reduced wildlife populations. However, Akagera National Park is still worth visiting. During the game drive along a well designed network of tracks, there are plenty of animals one can see including elephants, buffalo, zebra, bushbaby, hippos, crocodiles and many other mammal species. On rare occasions, one can see species such as leopard, lion and black rhino. As one of the most scenic savanna in East Africa, the game drive in Akagera provides an opportunity to see gentle hills blending in beautifully with lowland swamps and water bodies.
Bird Safaris: Akagera National Park after Nyungwe is the most important ornithological site in Rwanda. Morning and evening bird safaris on the game tracks in Akagera National Park provides birdwatchers with an opportunity to see a selection of savanna bird species. This park is known for its richness in waterbirds in the East African region and one of the exceptional places to view papyrus endemics. Some of the common species on this safari are; the gorgeous lilac-breasted roller, black headed gonalek, heuglin’s robin-chat, grey hornbill, ross’s turaco, crested barbet and many more.
Value added:
- Evening walks around the hotel as you see various bird species.
- Participate in a day to day local pastoral lifestyle.
- Camping at various spots of your choice with magnificent landscape views.
- Presentation on the ecology of Akagera ecosystem and the conservation efforts including the coexistence dynamics between local people and wildlife.
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