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.
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. Plains animals are plentiful, including zebra and Masai giraffe. Akagera is also home to 11 antelope species. The most common is the gracious impala, but of particular interest are the big herds of topi. Defassa waterbuck is regularly seen around the lakes, and bushbuck is a widespread resident in the woodland areas. Also look out for pairs of oribi on the Mutumba Hills.
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.
Game drives allow you to see a good selection of Akagera’s wildlife. It’s possible to self-drive, assuming you have a sturdy 4x4. Guided night drives increase the odds of encountering nocturnal creatures such as leopards, bush babies and genets. Boat trips are excellent for hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. Privately run balloon safaris offer an aerial overview of the lush scenery. For deeper insight, join a Behind-the-Scenes tour or Walk-the-Line patrol of the boundary fence.
Akagera National Park offers fantastic birding. Of the 480 species recorded, 100 birds are not found in any other protected area in the country. Akagera is Rwanda’s second most important birding site after Nyungwe National Park, and the two parks complement each other perfectly. A boat trip on Lake Ihema is a must for serious and casual birders alike. The highlight is a small island where thousands of birds, including cormorants, darters, herons, ibises and African openbills, roost.
Diederik Cuckoo
