The Best Time To Visit Akagera National Park Rwanda
Best time to visit Akagera National park involves the favorable time of the year when tourists can tour Akagera National Park comfortably and see different tourist attractions while participating in different tourism activities during this visitation. Akagera national park can be visited throughout the year however there are best times of the year where you would enjoy the safaris to Rwanda especially in the dry season where everything is at its best.
Akagera National Park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda and at the border with Tanzania. Akagera National Park is available to the open to travelers throughout the year is open to travelers throughout the year however, the months of July and September and January which is the dry season of the year.
The other season of the year experienced around Akagera National Park is wet season which occurs mainly during march December and April is the wet season. However, during the rainy season, activities such as game viewing and game drives can be not be smoothly done because of the muddy conditions that occupy park routes. Thus park roads become muddy for tourist vehicles.
Visitors to Akagera National park engage in different activities such as game viewing that is facilities by game drives around and within the park by viewing the magnificent scenery of the folded rolling hills, water bodies, rivers, and swamps. You will as well get an opportunity to see the birds hovering around the water sources while on the boat cruise.
A summary of Best Time To Visit Akagera National Park Rwanda
The best time of the year to visit Akagera National Park temperature does not vary much throughout the year, but the long dry season (June – September) brings warmer temperatures+ whereas cooler weather follows the rains (October – November, and March-May). In general, temperatures typically range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Visiting Akagera National Park in short dry season (December – February)
There may be some rain during this period, but it is fairly intermittent and usually does not last long. And therefore the months of February is predicted to be so dry
Visiting Akagera National Park in long wet season (March-May)
This season is characterized by regular rainfall and abundant green grass. And this gives travelers an opportunity for clear photography of lush green vegetation.
Visiting Akagera National Park in long dry season (June – September)
This is the sunniest period of the year in Rwanda when the park can become dry and dusty. This sunny moments of the year are perfect for animal viewing as well as scenic views
Visiting Akagera National Park in Short wet season (October – November)
The first rains clear haze and the park returns to its lush green state. Birding is particularly good at this time of year, for many migratory birds pass through Akagera during October and November.
What to do during the best time on your visit to Akagera National Park Rwanda
There are several sights and sounds to experience while at the Park but we bring you a list of the top 5 things to do at Akagera National Park.
Game Drives and Nocturnal – Night Game Drives
On a game drive during the day, you get to be driven along the tracks, through the green savannah plains, past wide-leaved woodlands and into the habitat of bountiful mammal species in the Akagera National Park. Your tour guide knows the areas where most animals usually spend their day and will endeavor to drive by. Some of the animals to look out for while on a day game drive include; The Defassa Waterbuck, Topis, Bohor Reedbucks, Oribis, Semi-Aquatic Sitatunga, Eland, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Elephants, Lions and the recently reintroduced Rhinos are some of the mammals found in the park.
The night game drive is an experience in which you step into the wild to view the nocturnal animals especially the wide-eyed bush babies, serval cats, civets, leopards. You will be guided by your flashlight and an experienced ranger. experience if you are setting out to see the wild
Birding Watching
Akagera national park is home to over 480 species of birds with many only found in this park in Rwanda. The diverse habitats for birds at Akagera National Park gives you an opportunity to view different kinds of bird species. There will be birds in the savannah plains, in the hills, forests, by the lakes and at the river. The Red Faced Barbets, the Great Snipe, the Lesser Kesterel, the Armot Chat, Swamp Fly Catchers, the Papyrus Gonolex and the Shoebill are some of the most rewarding sights while birding.
Fishing for Tilapia and Catfish on Lake Shakani
You have an opportunity of fishing while in Akagera national park. You can do this on both Lake Ihema and Shakani which is a thrilling experience. At the serene waters you can fish to the background music of chirping birds and hippos that grunt as if to cheer you on. You are free to keep your catch to roast, fry or grill it and enjoy the taste of fresh fish from Rwanda.
Boating Safaris on Lake Ihema
A boat safari is a relaxing yet rewarding way to view wildlife. It is an even more rewarding experience when on the lake. Lake Ihema is the second largest lake in Rwanda known for its abundant hippo population and crocodile dotted shores. The boat safari on Lake Ihema offers the opportunity to take up-close photos of these animals. As other animals come to the lake for a drink or bath, you can take a look at those that you may have missed while out on a game drive in the wild.
