What to do in Akagera

The jewel in Rwanda’s safari crown, Akagera is the only savannah reserve in the country and game drives and boat trips are the best ways to spot the wildlife. Game drives depart in the early morning and late afternoon and will have you waving your camera at the Big Five, zebra, giraffe, and an impressive 11 antelope species. The animals can be skittish, but the scenery is outstanding and pottering around in a 4x4 is a highlight. Night drives will help in the spotting of leopard and other elusive nocturnal creatures. Boat trips are available from certain lodges and make a great introduction to the park’s 520 feathered species (especially if sundowners are involved), and for trying your luck at finding rare sitatunga. Akagera also offers an opportunity to get behind the scenes of running a protected wildlife area, firstly on a perimeter walk of the park to ensure safety and operational integrity of the area, accompanied by an on-duty fence attendant, or with a visit to the park HQ, the hub of the action.