Weather and Climate of Akagera National Park : Akagera National Park is a protected area in eastern Rwanda covering 1,122 square kilometers and situated in the border with Tanzania. Akagera National Park was gazetted as a national park in 1934 and was named for the river that runs through it, the River Kagera. The park is encompassed of stunning landscape such as wetlands, lakes, savannah plains, and rolling hills. This incredible national park is a Rwanda’s only national park where all five of the country’s Big Five iconic animals such as leopards, elephants, rhinos, lions and buffalo. More so, this park houses over 480 bird species including migratory and resident. Some of the unique birds that you may spot here includes Red-Faced Barbets, Great Snipes, Lesser Kestrel, Armot Chats, Swamp Fly Catchers, Papyrus Gonoleks, and Shoebills among others.
The weather and climate in Akagera National Park are moderate to warm. Average temperatures are quite uniform throughout the year. It is advised to take warm clothing for early morning or night game drives. Akagera’s Dry season is from June to September. The rainy season has two parts. The short rains are from October to December and the long rains are from March to May. Mid-December to mid-February tends to be a drier spell.
Dry Season–June to September
In Akagera National Park, the dry season brings very little rain. As the months go by, the plants start to thin out, and you’ll notice more animals gathering near the lakes and wetland areas. The weather is warm and enjoyable during this time, making it a great opportunity to observe wildlife.
In Akagera National Park, the weather during June, July, and August tends to be quite pleasant. You can expect afternoon temperatures to hover around 26°C, which feels nice and warm. These months mostly bring bright, sunny days filled with clear blue skies. However, when night falls, the temperature drops, often reaching around 16°C, making it feel chilly. Early mornings can also be a bit brisk, so it’s a good idea to have a light jacket or sweater handy.
In early September, the weather in Akagera National Park is typically dry. However, there’s a possibility that the short rains could begin at some point this month. Throughout this period, you can expect the temperatures to stay fairly consistent.
Wet Season–October to May
In the dry season at Akagera National Park, the weather tends to be warm. During the day, you can expect temperatures to reach 26°C (79°F), making its a comfortable time to explore the park. when while nighttime temperatures hover around 15°C (59°F). During the Wet season it rarely rains all day, but afternoon thundershowers can be expected. Between the short and long rains, there is often a period when the weather is drier.
During October, and sometimes even in September, the ‘short rains’ begin to fall. These rains typically don’t last all day; instead, you can expect brief showers in the afternoon. When it comes to temperatures, you’ll usually find it warm during the day, around 25°C or 77°F. However, as night falls and in the early morning, it cools down to about 16°C or 61°F.
January and February are usually drier months. This period falls between the shorter rains of December and the longer rains that come later. However, it’s hard to say exactly when this dry spell will happen since it can vary from year to year.
Highlights for a Rwanda safari in Akagera National Park
Game drives
Game drives in this remarkable national park is the main highlight of any safari in Akagera National Park. The park is the only savannah national park in Rwanda and only protected area where you can spot the Big Five iconic animals such as lions, buffalo, leopard, lions and rhinos as well as impala and topi. Game drives in the park are normally done on a safari open 4×4 wheel vehicle and it takes place in both the northern and southern sector of the park. The park has its scheduled time for its remarkable game drives safaris, where you can choose between a morning game drive to see the morning hunters and grazers; or an afternoon, evening, or night game drive to see the nocturnal animals in the park. While on a day dame drives, you’ll have the opportunity to drive through the lush savannah rich with a diversity of wildlife. During the drive, you will see different animals roaming in their natural habitat such as Buffaloes, Elephants, Lions, Waterbuck, Topis, Bohor Reedbucks, Oribis, Semi-Aquatic Sitatunga and as well as different colorful birds
While on your night game drive, you’ll have the opportunity to navigate through the he lush savannah plains, past wide-leaved woods where you will be delighted with the spot the nocturnal animals using a spotlight. Some of the wildlife you may encounter here includes wide-eyed bush infants, serval cats, civets, and leopards.
Birdwatching
Akagera National Park is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Rwanda. The park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 500 species of birds, including both migratory and resident. The park’s rich landscapes such as rolling hills, woodlands, forests, seasonal and permanent swamps, lakes, Savannah vegetation are habitat for these bird species. During your birdwatching tour, you’ll have the chance to sight stunning different bird species such as African fish Eagle, open-billed stork, egrets, cormorants, Senegal lapwings, African darter, Hamerkop, Caruthers’ cisticola, pied crow, black-headed weaver, fan-tailed widow bird, Violet’s black weaver, long-crested Eagle among others.
Boat cruise
Boat cruise trips in Akagera are conducted on Lake Ihema. The lake is located in the southern part of the national park and is one of the biggest out of the 10 lakes in the park. this trip takes about 2 to 3 hours and provides you with an unforgettable experience of Rwanda’s national park. while on your boar cruise trip, you’ll have the chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife, including the African fish eagle.
Sport fishing
Sport fishing in Akagera National Park is a thrilling activity for those who love the water. This exciting activity is done along the shores of Lake Shakani in Akagera National Park. The park’s lakes are home to a variety of fish species such as catfish, Nile tilapia, lung fish, and mudfish, which are among the most common fish species found in the park. Guided fishing tours ensure you have the best chance of a successful catch and provide insights into local fishing techniques. You’ll aos have the chance to spot other wildlife species that dwell along the lake shores such as water birds and aquatic animals like Hippos and crocodiles.
