Game Drive in Akagera National Park

Akagera National is a Park located in the eastern part of Rwanda a home to many animals such as giraffes, lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes,water-buck, oribis, duiker, impala, eland, leopard, and 500 bird species. It’s a savannah area where you can spot all the big amazing mammals.

The Akagera National Park was established in 1934 covering 1,222 km, named after the Kagera River flowing along Rwanda’s eastern boundary with Tanzania. It’s known to be the largest wetland protected area in East Africa. In 1957 black rhino were introduced from Tanzania more than 55 live in the savannah area. The population declined due to the poachers. After some years Rwanda Development Board entered into an agreement with African Network Park to increase the security of the national park and to reintroduce locally extinct species. The lions, giraffes were introduced that increased Akagera population since 2015.

Why Game Drive in Akagera National Park –Rwanda?

The game drive is an adventure through the areas to search for exclusive wildlife. It’s usually guided and led by wildlife rangers who are knowledgeable or familiar with wildlife behavior in the park. There are many activities that can be done in Akagera National Park but the game drive is outstanding because it allows you to see wildlife closer which can’t be possible when footing. This article explains why tourists have to do a game drive in Akagera National park.

Morning game drive –This morning, the lodge will give you awake up coffee to enjoy while listening to the singing African birds. Then your guide will drive you to start a day with a morning game drive. In such an hour carnivores are from searching for prey or going rest for the day. The morning drive will give you a chance to see the true African wildlife spreading in the savannah such as giraffes, lions, elephants, buffalos, zebras, antelopes,water-buck, oribis, duiker, impala, eland, leopard, Rhinos among others. The night game drive –This moment you will totally experience a different world because you clearly see nocturnal catching the prey for dinner. The sun gets down during the night drive hence enjoying a truly magical African night viewing lions, bush babies, mongooses among others. The experience takes 2-3 hours, don’t miss out on a memorable night drive in Akagera national park. The game drive in Akagera national park is a major activity that can’t be left out on your itinerary.

What seasons to do the game drive?

In June –September the temperatures are warmer due to the long dry season and in October-November follows rain. Generally, temperatures range from 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. In December-February there may be some rain during this period, but it’s fairly intermittent and usually doesn’t take long. By the end of February, the park is dry. The long dry season is always the best time for game viewing since grasses are short, and wildlife is spreading throughout the savannah due to abundant water in lakes along Akagera eastern boundary. Bird lovers will have a magical time during the game drive. Birding is also an activity that is done with a game drive in Akagera national park. There are over 500 bird species, including the rare and elusive shoebill, gonolek, and countless other water birds that inhabit the wetlands. There is a two-tiered system of guides; 10 park-employed guides and 15 community freelance guides. The park supports both choices; the hiring of the community guides promotes the relationship between the park and the local community, by stimulating economic development and allowing community members living along the park to benefit from the tourism growth in Akagera Park. Fishing safari; The fishing safari in Akagera national park is very memorable and unique due to its natural freshwaters. Fishing is available in Akagera national park and one is expected to bring their own fishing equipment to catch the biggest edible fish species like Nile perch, Tilapia, catfish.

What to carry on a game drive?

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Walking/hiking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Medical kit
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Insect repellent.

The game drives are also done in other East Africa countries such as Uganda in Queen Elizabeth National park, Murchison falls national park. Tanzania- Serengeti national park, Lake Mayara, Gombe National park The Kenya-Aberdare national park, Amboseli national park, Lake Nakuru National park We know that the epitome of any safari is a game drive so Jewel safari is here to give you the best possible experience.

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