Running along the border with Tanzania in northeast Rwanda, Akagera National Park once spanned a tenth of the country. Though smaller today, Akagera nevertheless remains a spectacular destination, formed of protected wetlands, swamps and lakes trimmed with forest, savannah plains and highlands. These diverse habitats support an incredible variety of wildlife, including elephant, giraffe, leopard, zebra, lion and many species of antelope.
If plans to reintroduce black rhino are successful, Akagera National Park will once again be home to the Big Five. Naturally, guided game drives are the main attraction here, but the park is also popular with birding trips, boating and fishing. Akagera is very easily accessed, just two hours by road from the capital, Kigali.
Akagera National Park is one of the oldest in Africa. In the 1990s, the return of refugees from Rwanda’s civil war led to a worrying increase in poaching, and as a solution the government decided to the park’s size by half. So although Akagera is a lot smaller than it once was, the wildlife and habitats can be much better protected. The result is that this is now among the foremost parks for wildlife safaris in East Africa, with lion and Black rhino reintroduced to complete the Big Five. As the park is only three hours by road from Kigali, there is the potential for long day trips.
Guided game drives are the big attraction when visiting Akagera National Park, but this is also the largest protected wetland in central Africa, with several majestic lakes including Lake Ihema, which is the second-largest in Rwanda. The deep lakes and papyrus swamps provide fertile habitat for many species of birdlife, including African fish eagle and the rare shoebill stork, as well as animals such as hippo and crocodile. Boat trips in Akagera National Park are the best way to immerse yourself in this serene, beautiful landscape.
Lake Shakani in Akagera National Park is a popular location for sport fishing. Permits are required for fishing trips in Akagera, and it makes sense to head out with a guide to find the best spots, and also to keep you well clear of any crocodile or hippo in the area. You can also take the opportunity to learn about the diverse fishing techniques used here, including shooting fish with a bow and arrow! Catfish and tilapia are abundant, and many accommodations will provide facilities for you to cook your catch in the evenings.
