This amazing trip will take you to Akagera for the big five as well as Lake Kivu for relaxation. Akagera National Park Rwanda is found in North Eastern Rwanda, at the country’s border with Tanzania. It is dominated by swamps and small lakes with flow in the wake of River Kagera.
The network of water sources and unique landscape together create very spectacular scenery. It is quite a remarkable eco- system. The park was obviously named after River Kagera that feeds different water bodies including Lake Ihema.
When we talk about the wildlife in this national park, the Akagera is the best Savannah destination offering wildlife tours in Rwanda where you can enjoy game viewing during the thrilling game drives and boat rides during which you will get a chance to see a variety of large mammals and a profusion of birds.
The Akagera national park serves as home to a great diversity of wild animals among which are: elephants, lions, buffaloes, hyenas, zebras, giraffe and several antelopes like the bush bucks, roan antelope, Topis, klipspringer, Oribi, Cape eland, water-buck, duikers and impalas.
There are a number of primates species found within this park such as the olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, and the nocturnal bush babies. The shallow waters of Lake Ihema are home to a large number of crocodiles and hippos which can best be viewed during boat rides.
This park is one of the places that is not to be missed by any birder along with the great Nyungwe forest national park. It harbours 520 species of birds which are found in this national park. The birders who visit Akagera National Park are always impressed by the large number and great diversity of the bird species that range from water birds to forest birds, and also Savannah species as well as migratory bird species.
There are also a number of species that are endemic to the park and are so rare like the papyrus gonolex which is found in the papyrus swamps. There are also the localized red-faced barbets, and the swamp fly catcher as well as the elusive shoe bill stork all found in Akagera National Park. Other species include: fish eagles, Grey-backed Fiscals, Cattle Egret, Black-headed & Viellot’s Black Weavers, Hamerkop, Pied Crow, Sacred & Hadada Ibis, Long-crested Eagle and the Augur Buzzard.
The game drives here are conducted in the early morning or in the late afternoon lead by tour guides in 4WD safari vehicles. Unique about this park is that each game drive is exceptional in its own way unveiling full new surprises as nature reveals its treasures in form of wonders that are so scenic, the wildlife like buffaloes, elands, topi, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, Savannah birds, civets, leopards, the hyenas, as well as the serval cats all for you to marvel at. These guided game drives also mean that you will be accompanied by the guide who is so knowledgeable about the flora and the fauna that is found in the park.
As you are carrying out the game drives, one should remain in the vehicle unless the park guides see that it’s safe for you to get out. For the longer game drives, you are advised to take a snack or a packed lunch and a lot of drinking water.
Night game drives are so thrilling since you adventure out with a spot light to view the wildlife creatures of the night that are found in Akagera National Park. This night game drive through the park is different from that of during the day since at night, there is a big opportunity to view the predators on the prowl as they look for dinner.
You will also see a few leopards, lions, civets, serval cats, the hyenas, birds as well as the bush babies with their large eyes. This night drive is also about 2 hours and will surely give you a different perspective altogether.
With the boat safari, you will be able to explore Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park. This is the largest lake in the park and it is found in the southern part of Akagera National Park, and has got one of the largest concentrations of hippos in East Africa. In addition, it is a sight to behold and there are also many crocodiles that you will find along the shores of the lake.
There are also many water birds that can be seen on a boating safari on Lake Ihema such as the shoe bill stork on a lucky day. Several animals like the elephants can find their way to the water to bathe and you will get the opportunity of getting closer to them than you would be in the vehicle on any game drive.
After all these amazing sightings, continue to Lake Kivu to relax and refresh. Lake Kivu is known as the Best Place to relax and chill out in Rwanda. After all the adventurous and tiring activities such as gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and hiking, you need a place to relax and wind down and lake Kivu is just the perfect place for that.
Lake Kivu the largest and most scenic Lake in Rwanda. It has a sandy beach and amazing views. There is no better place to visit as you end your safari trip in Rwanda. Here you can swim, lounge on the sandy beaches and simply enjoy yourself in the scenic and serene environment.
Lake Kivu is just the perfect place to just be instead of doing, the relax, read a book, enjoy the tropical sun, the splendid views of the Lake, the Islands, the Mountains, fishing boats, the smell of the water and the light breeze.
There is a variety of hotels to enjoy from budget to exclusive up-market lodges and hotels. The choice is yours according to what your pocket-book will allow you to spend.
