Nothing says Africa quite like the word safari! And a Rwanda tour wouldn’t be complete without heading to Akagera National Park. It is everything you hope it would be, elephants, lions, giraffes, gazelles, hippos, the bald eagle. The 1,200-square-kilometer park covers a wide range of habitats. We highly suggest exploring both during the day and at night so as to catch the different species come alive at different times. However, be mindful of how close you get to wildlife, a 5-tonne elephant doesn’t look so cute when she’s charging at you, so you should definitely consider hiring a tour guide to help you make some decisions.
HEALTH PREPARATION
Just like any other time you travel, your body is exposed to unknown species and disease. Certain vaccines are necessary, especially in Africa for foreigners, because the environment can be so different.
BEST TIME TO VISIT AKAGERA FOR A RWANDA SAFARI
The natural wilderness of Akagera National Park is so mesmerizing that you could visit at any time of the year. Every season provides an opportunity to view the park in a new light. Although it is just a couple of degrees south of the equator, the park altitudes between 1250 – 1825 meters, which makes the climate temperate enjoyable year-round. Bush vacationers are often surprised to find that the average high temperature remains moderate throughout the year, generally somewhere between 25 to 27 Celsius (77°F to 81°F). Night low temperatures hover between 14°C and 16°C (57°F to 61°F), making for a comfortable sleep.
Like the rest of the climate in Rwanda, Akagera Park has two dry seasons; the long dry season runs from June through September (the best time to visit), while the short dry spell lasts from mid-December to mid-February. If you are touring the reserve to view the incredible wildlife it sustains, you must choose the dry season for a visit. The undergrowth is sparse, and since animals and birds converge on the water bodies to drink, they are easy to spot. There are also fewer bugs and navigating the forest roads in safari vehicles is a lot easier.
WHERE TO STAY IN AKAGERA
Akagera now has enough options for accommodations. If you prefer a deluxe experience, you can opt to stay at the Tented Lodges other than available hotels in the park. You should also check out the Akagera Game Lodge, a luxurious hotel in the middle of the park that has mind-blowing views from the rooms.
SAFARI & TOUR IN AKAGERA
Spend your safari game drives in Akagera, viewing both small and large grazing wildlife and herbivores alongside stealthy predators. Birdwatchers will be enchanted by the sheer multitude of avian fauna found here.