It is a strategically located tourist center in the East of Rwanda after Kibungu city –an exploration point.
Akagera National park previously occupied a very wide area of 2500 square kilometers which was reduced to 1200 square metres by the Rwanda government during the settlement / setting in its refugees after The 1994 Genocide which was a massive massacre and had left many of Rwanda’s natives homeless.
It is one place that’s blessed with so many tourist activities and attractions; wildlife safaris ( viewing animals like the big five- lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, striped jackal, the buffalos and elephants), Birding tours which will give you a view of over 500 bird species with some endemic like the Jacanas, Ibis, Sand Pipers, and Herons as well as several other bird species like (the gorgeous lilac-breasted roller, black headed gonalek, heuglin’s robin-chat, grey hornbill, ross’s turaco), boat cruises and fishing as it’s watered by River Kagera that is shared along the Tanzanian border. This river stretches and waters the entire park’s water bodies like LakeIhema and it is here that fishing can be done.Hippos watched in the water as well as the crocodiles.it also connects to River Nile – the second longest river in the world and Africa’s longest river. The drive to Akagera National Park is somewhat hectic as you go through the dirt roads heading to the park. This drive usually takes you about 7 or 9 hours and its best to use the route along the Lake shore as, here you will even have a greater glimpse of the large wildlife. On your day of boat cruise; you should include snacks, lunch, drinking water and any other important items for the ride as it usually covers 3 quarters of the day, so you should come when you are well prepared for this long tour activity. While at the boat ride, expect to see lots of game / wildlife and at a clearer view such as hippopotamus, crocodiles, and buffalos, large herds of elephants all at the river bank drinking and playing in the Akagera waters. At this tour adventure, you will also be rewarded with a clear view of the water loving birds; fish eagles, shoebill stork, heron, kingfisher, papyrus gonolek and so many others.
This boat ride on the lake Ihema normally goes at 30 USD per person during the day for an hour with a guide. And these boat trips / cruises are provided by The Rwanda Tourism Office and Akagera Safari Lodge but they are so many other luxurious lodges that you can use while at this tour depending on your choicee.g.Ruzizi tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge etc.
That said, cruising on AkageraNational Park waters is a natural wonder that gives you a beautiful landscape, wildlife, birds, fishing, swimming among others. You can also include fishing in your package while at the waters of Akagera National Park where you can fish at Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani, which will all reward you with and amazing and exciting tour experience.