Big Five Animals in Akagera National Park : Akagera National Park sounds as the main stopping safari destination to see all the Big Five and the only savanna destination in the country. Although, Rwanda has been famously labeled as a Mountain Gorilla destination but now ranks both stopping destination for a Mountain Gorilla and Big Five safari experience. So, there is no need to go elsewhere to adventure the African Big Five just visit Rwanda’s Akagere National Park.
Reintroduction of rhinos and Lions in Akagera National Park;
Fact is that, the rhino and lions had been absent from Rwanda for decades. So, after years of reviving the park and putting in place strong safety restrictions and measures including constructions an electric fence, it was time to reintroduce these animals and complete the big five in Akagera National Park and Rwanda.
But lions were reintroduced back into the park in ‘’2015’’ and two years later the first batch of rhinos ‘’Black Rhinos’’ were brought in. Both animals are thriving and reproducing. Below is the bucket list of these fabulous Africa Big Fives as follows;
Rhinos
Akagera National Park is home to both the black rhino and the white rhino species. It is very rare for the parks and wildlife reserves to have both species but Akagere is among few to have both species.
The black rhinos were the first to be reintroduced in the park in 2017, numbering 15. They can be easily be watched in the woodland southern area of the park that has a lot of acacia woodland and forests, thus making it a great habitat to adventure these rare species while feeding upward on tree leaves. Chances of seeing these black rhinos are very minimal because of the habitat and small number of the rhinos.
In 2021, 30 white rhinos were translocated into the park. Now they are thriving in park and a calf were added ‘born’ from this group in May 2022. The number is increasing greatly. More so, white rhino are grazers feeding mostly on grass and are therefore found in the grassland northern region of the park, especially around the Kilala plains.
Take note; The chances of seeing the white rhinos are higher than the black rhinos.
Fact, Akagera game park offers a remarkable rhino tracking activity where visitors can join park rangers on their morning routine to monitors the rhinos. Tourists who wish to book the rhino tracking activity, we recommend you to visit Akagera ‘’Rwanda’’.
Lions
In 2015, about 7 lion species were translocated into the park. The lions have thrived and multiplied seven times as of 2022 and chances of adventuring them on a safari trip to Akagera which have increased over time. What a great experience of seeing the ‘’King of the Jungle’’ in their habitat.
The best chances of adventuring these kings of the jungle are in the north part of the park near the plains where plenty of antelopes and other grazers occupy the grasslands and make the excellent hunting grounds for the lions and other cats.
If you decided to take a long game drive from the south to the north you will be amazed to find the lions relaxing under a tree after the morning hunt in the plains. The entrance of the park is found in the south and is the main point for starting a safari in Akagera National Park.
Buffaloes
Buffaloes are the most seen species among the big five in Akagera National Park and can be seen in high number of habitats throughout the park. More than,4000 buffaloes are present in the park.
You will find large herds of buffalo in the northern plains of Akagera National Park.
Elephants
For more than years, elephants were on the same path as the lions and rhinos of being wiped out in Rwanda. Although, were severely poached during the civil wars. But Kudos to the government of Rwanda and African parks organization – that has been responsible for the protection of the park for the last 10 years whose efforts to have one the most protected game park in Africa, today we see the elephant population steadily recovering.
Note; There are more than 133 elephants in Akagera National Park according to the previous animal census in 2021.
Ten years ago, it was difficult to see a herd of elephant individuals during a safari in Akagera. Now, tourists are so lucky to see a herd of elephants during their safari in Akagera National Park.
Leopard
Facts, Leopards are the most elusive of the African Big Five that requires some luck to see. Leopards are solitary and very stealth in their movements. The night safari drive will increase your chances of exploring these rare animals who are more active at night. The best nigh drive in Akagera is in both the south and in the north for the resident of Karenge Bush Camp.
Generally, Akagera National Park is home to one of the Africa’s largest protected wetlands and the last remaining refuges for savannah -adapted species in Rwanda that offers the best wildlife safari tour in the country. It is located in the North Eastern Rwanda .
Accessibility; From Kigali to Akagera National Park takes roughly 1hour and 30 minutes.
Get Started Now! Planning a visit to Rwanda’s finest home for big fives animals in ‘’Akagera’ national park ’which can be combined with a visit to Volcanoes National Park home to great mountain gorillas which can encountered through engaging in ‘’Gorilla Trekking Tour’’.
