Akagera National Park is the only place in Rwanda to do Game drives, the national park stands as one Savannah Park popular for the so-called big five of the wilderness (Lions, leopards, Rhinos, African buffaloes, African elephants), The conservation area is a large wetland ecosystem containing numerous rivers and Lakes, it is named after the River Kagera flowing along the floor of the park, the stream pours its waters in the Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani. Game dives in Akagera National Park will give you the best insight into the national park. The park is being managed by the Akagera management company together with the Rwanda Development Board.
Game drives are conducted in sessions, in the morning beginning at 6:30 am, afternoon at 2:30 pm and evening time at 4:30 pm, the morning time is the most recommendable time to go in search of animal species they are mostly active as they come out to graze while the carnivorous animals more so the cats tend to hunt most in the morning hours, expect to see animals like Lions, leopards, waterbucks, bushbucks, Jackson hartebeests, zebras, kip springer, duikers, oribi, rhinos, topi, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, reedbucks, roan antelopes mention a few, drives near the lake region will offer sights of birds like the African fish eagles, skimmers, black-headed weavers, sunbirds among others, Akagera also allows to do night game drives in search of nocturnal species, for example, pottos, bush babies and cats of the biodiverse environment.
Game drives in Akagera National Park are conducted using 4*4 wheel car drives with an open roof safari car for visitors to be able to see wildlife and enjoy a photo moment, the well distributed and maintained trails will lead you to explore the best of Akagera on your Rwanda safari, the drives last for 2-3 hours and can be combined with other park activities, for example, boat cruise along the Lake Ihema this gives a chance to view water animals, for example, crocodiles and hippos.
Game drives in Akagera national park can be done all year round but are best during the dry season between the months of December- February and June –September during the trails of the national park are drier, and easier to access, the grasses tend to be shorter hence animals can be seen easily, despite it being dry, there can be rainfall any time of the year. It is wise to pack right for your safari experience for example, bring warm clothes, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellents and any other items of a personal nature.
To be permitted to do game drives in the conservation area, there are park entrance fees charged for a full day, the fees can be paid directly at the park entrance or online by the government, Akagera National Park can be accessed by road from the Kigali international airport, visitors are picked by a guide representative from the company of choice, and it takes 3 hours’ drive to the national park passing through beautiful rolling hills, small towns, villages and tea plantations.