Embark on a self-drive in Rwanda with private car for your vacation to Akagera National Park and with accommodations spread over a number of rest camps, each featuring its own selection of rooms, you can tailor made the ideal safari. Akagera National Park may not have the quantity of wildlife that others parks might have, nevertheless we saw the Big 5 during our stay including up close/personal time with elephants, a pride of lions, a leopard and a pair of rhinos. And I do mean up close. A nice experience to see the wildlife by both vehicle and boat.
Akagera National Park is on the north –eastern edge of Rwanda. It is the largest National Park in Rwanda covering an area of 1,085km. It borders Tanzania and incorporates the Kagera River, hence the name Akagera. The National Park was founded in 1934 to protect animals and vegetation in three habitats: savannah, mountain and swamp.
Akagera National Park is the best wildlife park in Rwanda for self-drive tour, which is ideal for families because you travel at your own pace in the comfort of your own car. A self-drive tour will also cut safari costs significantly. This park is one of the most diverse and scenic of Africa’s game reserves in term of landscape and one where you can still drive for some hours without encountering another vehicle.
Self-Drive Kigali offers 4×4 cars with rooftop tents and camping gears and offer 4×4 car with rooftop tents and camping gears that are suitable for safaris in Rwanda. A self-driving safari in Akagera National Park is a safe way to visit the amazing park so long as you follow the park rules.
Wild Animals
Akagera with its many lakes, is big game country. A few of the species that you will encounter are: buffalo, elephant, zebra, giraffe and a variety of antelope. Important to note is that Akagera and its lakes are home to one of the highest concentrations of hippopotamus in Africa. One of the animals that you will probably also see is the Nile crocodile which is the world’s largest reptile.
Of the shy animals that you may be able to spot, Akagera has a small but nonetheless important population of leopards and spotted hyenas. Lions were re-introduced into the park. The smaller predators to be found within the park are mongooses, genets, serval cats and side-striped jackals. Also very common in the park, are the primates: olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, bush babies and more rarely, silver monkeys. Of the 12 antelope species that may be observed in Akagera, the graceful impala is the most common and will probably be impossible to miss.
Self-Drives in Akagera Park
On entering the park at the gate, you will receive a map to orientate yourself. You will be offered the option of taking an on board guide, should you wish to. Guides are experts in spotting animals in the wild, identifying them and they can help you find your way around the park. The cost to hire a guide is include in your entrance fee although a tip at the end of a trip is expected.
There are many circuits of various lengths to drive. These offer different game drive experiences as you drive through the varied habitats of the park. A popular one day leaving from the southern part of the park is to pass all the lakes going north and turn back when you reach Mutumba Hills.
Boat trips
Boating on Lake Ihema is a must if you come to Akagera. Boat trips are operated by Akagera safari lodge and the Rwandan tourism office. While enjoying the view of Lake Ihema, you are likely to catch sight of numerous hippos and the thrilling outsized Nile Crocodiles. For the bird lovers, there’s an opportunity to observe many water birds.
Accommodation in Akagera
The Mid –range Mantis Akagera Game Lodge is situated within the southwest of the park and is close to Lake Ihema and to the main gate. Built on a ridge overlooking Lake Ihema. This is a very beautiful and well-kept lodge, beautiful surroundings, in the reserve so an excellent location.
Wilderness Magashi an up-market luxury camp in Akagera National Park. The camp is beautifully designed and in a stunning location along the shore of Lake Rwanyakazinga. The luxury cabins are spread out, very private, immaculately clean, and have everything you need. The common lounge, bar and dining areas are also beautiful, and well laid out to take advantage of the stunning view. The beautiful and comfortable facilities. The smiles of the warm and welcoming staff. The abundance and variety of wildlife, and the knowledge and experience of camp managers, Dean and Nicole.
Ruzizi Tented Camp a great place to spend a few days by the lake in the south of Akagera Park. It is secluded, quiet, and romantic with excellent service from the staff. The rooms/tents are very well kept, clean and with all the amenities you can find in any top tier hotel room. Being so close to wildlife is unique. Monkeys were brushing off the sides of our tents, we could hear the roar of the hippos below. The tents are elevated from the ground so there is no risk with wildlife from the river. The dining space is set on a spectacular deck that overlooks the lake, and it is a perfect spot to watch sunrise.
Karenge Bush Camp is a Seasonal Bush Camp is Akagera National Park. Overlooking the plains in the northern part of Akagera Park, the camp is the perfect starting point for game drives in the early morning hours. The location is beautiful, with comfortable tents, each coming with its own terrace and outdoor shower and dry toilet. The tents and facilities are smartly positioned, guaranteeing maximum privacy for all guests. Food is excellent and the team provides for all dietary requirements. The staff is very friendly and discreet. The camp boasts a fireplace, a terrace for diner and a cozy chill-out area. So far the camp is not fenced which adds a lot to the particular charmed of this place.
A rougher but cheaper and also magical way to discover Akagera National Park is to camp. There are several campsites and facilities for camping available around the park.
