Three eco-regions along one river
On the eastern border of Rwanda lies a park so vast it contains three distinct eco-regions. Akagera National Park covers 2,500km² and is composed of savannah, mountain and swampland, all of which follow the meandering course of the beautiful Akagera River.
The park is home to some of the country's most stunning wildlife and serves as the premier destination for those looking to enjoy a Rwandan safari. Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, leopards, baboons, zebras, crocodiles and a variety of antelopes are just some of the creatures you may see on a safari through Akagera. The numerous rivers and lakes throughout the park are also home to one of the highest concentrations of hippos anywhere in Africa. Birdwatchers too will be thrilled with the over 500 documented species of birds found throughout the park, including one of the continent's largest concentrations of big water birds.
Game drive
Take a safari through Akagera and you will find yourself in the humbling presence of soaring giraffes, eye-catching zebras and a variety of different antelopes. Drive alongside the Akagera River, the most remote source of the Nile, and find yourself staring into the eyes of hippos that comprise one of the largest concentrations of their kind in the world. During your drive, you might also stumble upon leopards, spotted hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, baboons, crocodiles, bushbucks or the ever-striking impalas. A game drive allows you to stop at your own convenience as you come across wildlife.
Boat safari on Lake Ihema
Boat trips are offered along Lake Ihema, one of the park's eight scenic lakes. Cruise the waters and you are all but guaranteed to see some of the largest concentrations of hippos in the world, not to mention the giant crocodiles that your boat will coast by. You will also find yourself in the awe-inspiring presence of water birds too numerous to mention, including fish eagles, malachite kingfisher hawks, African jacanas, marsh flycatchers, blue-headed coucals, herons and storks.
A boat trip presents you with wildlife that no game drive ever could, since many of the park's over 500 species of birds make their home along the shores of Lake Ihema. Follow up a boat trip with a rewarding evening safari and your visit to Akagera will be complete.