Of Rwanda’s national parks, which feature the Big Five animals?
Of the national parks in Rwanda, which features the Big Five species? One of the most popular tourist spots in East Africa, Rwanda boasts five strongest species of all that only may be seen in one of its well-known national parks, Akagera National park. This is where guests can learn more about their interactions with other wild animals and behaviors. When on a wildlife adventure safari in Rwanda, the Akagera national park is the ideal place to visit; it is well-known for having a great variety of species and more incredible Big 5 African animals including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinoceros. The sole savannah national park in Rwanda situated in the eastern province bordering Tanzania is Akagera national park. Declared as Rwanda’s protected area in 1932, Akagera was gazetted and comprises over 1,989 square kilometers. The main source of water for the park, the Akagera River earned its name from which both people, animals, and vegetation could thrive.
Apart from the five safaris in Akagera National park, the park provides breathtaking views and a variety of other mammal species including the Olive baboon, Warthog, Masai giraffe, Vervet monkeys and Burchell’s zebras. The is comprised of several fresh water bodies, woodland, wetland and Savannah which provide shelter and drinking water to a number of other specie mammals.
Originally Rwanda did not have the Big five animals at all, but this changed following its great international cooperation and ties. During the terrible Rwandan genocide in 1994, many of the five major animals were killed—more than 300 lions among them—leaving the nation with just few, if any, big five species overall.
Still important today, Rwanda is working with South Africa through a non-profit group to relocate two male and five female lions to Akagera national park, therefore introducing lion species to the nation.
Apart from the five great species, the Czech Republic recently moved about five black rhinos—three females and two males—from their strong cooperation and close ties with Rwanda to Akagera National Park, so introducing rhino species in the nation and increasing the more visitor in the country. During their participation in various tourist activities in the park and the complete impression is really amazing and unforgettable. Visitors will see the big five animals including the Rhinos, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes and Elephants.
Other fascinating activities at Akagera National Park
Ornamental bird viewing
With approximately 500 different savannah bird species including egrets, swamp fly catchers, red faced Barbets, marabou stocks, the well-known rare shoe bills, Akagera is one of the best locations for birding activities in Rwanda Brown-throated Weaver, Papyrus Gonolek, White-Wing Swamp Warbler, Carruthers’s Cisticola, White-collared Oliveback, Bare face-Go-Away bird, African fish Eagle, Black-headed Gonolek, Fork-tailed Drano and Grey-crowned Cranes Robin-chat shouldered, grasshopper buzzard among others
Sport Fishing
Only lakes Shakani allow sport fishing in Akagera national park. On the boundary of the southern portion of Akagera national park, the lakes lie on the northeastern side of the headquarters. Sport fishing in Lake Shakani offers you a chance to see some aquatic life, birds, and catch some of the fish species including catfish and tilapia.
Camping
One well-known pastime done at Akagera national park is camping. Three main camping sites in Akagera National Park let guests set up a tent for the evening: Mutumba, Shakani, and Muyumbu. The encampment provides amazing views of the many species and vegetation found in the park. Any time at the park’s headquarters, you can rent camping tents; whichever campground you decide upon will also provide you firewood to keep you toasty at night.
Boat cruise at Ihema Lake
On Ihema, the well-known and largest lake in the southern portion of the park, boat cruises in Akagera national park offer an interesting pastime. Boat rides in Akagera follow separate timetables; the morning and evening schedules constitute the day trip. Among other things, you will be able to view huge school of hippos and crocodiles in the waters, buffaloes, waterbucks, elephant, and warthog drinking water at the shoreline throughout the boat journey. Usually fixed times, boat tours in the lakes follow morning and evening offering two to three hours with chances to encounter various water animals and bird types.
Which national park in Rwanda features the Big Five?
Boat cruise at Lake Ihema Community tour around Akagera national park
Around Akagera national park, various villages allow visitors to engage with the local population. While on cultural excursions in any of the villages surrounding Akagera national park, such as Humure Refuge Village where most of the residents are cattle breeders. A visit on a cultural tour in this village will give you an opportunity to interact with these people, know how they live their life, watch them do daily activities, be part of food preparation, taste their local foods and drinks, visit local art and craft stores, and in the end get entertainment from traditional dancers.
Facilities for accommodation within Akagera National Park
From affordable, mid-range, and luxury choices with more pleasant stay, Akagera national park offers a broad selection of lodging choices. Visitors in Rwanda wildlife safari to Akagera always have no questions on where to say, the park as got accommodations in and within he national park such as Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Akagera Bush Camp, Magashi Safari Camp, Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Tented Camp, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Akagera Resort, and Country Club, Vintage Cottages, Nyagasambu Real Beach Hotel, Akagera Rhino Lodge among others.
