Fishing in Akagera National Park

Fishing in Akagera National Park

Fishing in Akagera National Park offers an exhilarating experience for travelers, making it a must-do activity during a wildlife safari in this stunning Rwandan destination. The park is situated This destination boasts an array of rare wild animals found in Africa, making it an ideal spot for an exhilarating game drive. Located in the eastern region of Rwanda, Akagera National Park spans an impressive 2,500 square kilometers along the border with Tanzania. Established as a national park in 1934, it derives its name from the Kagera River, which gracefully winds along its eastern edge, creating a stunning natural landscape. Akagera National Park stands out as the sole savannah national park, offering a unique opportunity for an exhilarating wildlife viewing experience in Rwanda.

The park is a vibrant sanctuary teeming with an array of unique wildlife species. Here, you can encounter the thrilling big five, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, rhinos, and leopards. Additionally, the landscape is alive with other fascinating mammals such as zebras, giraffes, warthogs, and impalas, alongside various antelope species like bushbucks, roan antelopes, topis, klipspringers, oribis, Cape elands, waterbucks, duikers, and more impalas. This park is home to a variety of primate species, including olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, and the intriguing nocturnal bush babies. The tranquil waters of Lake Ihema teem with crocodiles and hippos, offering an exhilarating experience best enjoyed from a boat.

Fishing in Akagera National Park takes place along the scenic shores of Lake Shakani, nestled on the northeastern edge of the park. Lake Shakani boasts a vibrant array of fish species, including catfish and tilapia, inviting exploration and discovery. Fishing on Lake Shakani in Akagera National Park offers a distinctive water sport experience where you catch fish and then release them back into the lake. However, after the sport, you have the opportunity to keep one and savor its flavor. Visitors eager to embark on a fishing expedition in the lake can encounter a variety of fish species, including tilapia and catfish, among others.

Akagera National Park invites tourists to engage in thrilling fishing game competitions, perfect for those eager to dive into exciting fishing activities within the park. Participants interested in joining this tournament should plan ahead and secure their bookings at least six months in advance.

In Akagera National Park, you can explore various fishing spots, including Lake Kivu, the largest freshwater lake in the country.

In addition to sport fishing in Akagera National Park, there are numerous activities that a traveler on a wildlife safari can engage in to enhance their thrilling experiences in the park. Fascinating guided game drives offer the opportunity to observe a diverse array of animals, including the iconic Big 5 African species such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards. The park is a vibrant habitat for giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, cape elands, Kobs, and an array of other wildlife. Night game drives in Akagera National Park offer the thrilling opportunity to encounter nocturnal creatures like hyenas, leopards, bush babies, civets, and various species of cats.

On a game drive during the day, you are taken on a journey along the tracks, through the lush savannah plains, past expansive woodlands, and into the realm of stunning mammal species in Akagera National Park. While on a day game drive, you might encounter a variety of fascinating animals, including the Defassa Waterbuck, Topes, Bohor Reedbucks, Oribis, Semi-Aquatic Sitatunga, Eland, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Elephants, and Lions, among others. Akagera National Park provides an exhilarating night game drive, allowing visitors to venture into the park alongside an armed guide park ranger. This thrilling experience offers the chance to encounter nocturnal animals, including the wide-eyed bush babies, serval cats, civets, and leopards. Your journey will be illuminated by your flashlight and accompanied by a knowledgeable ranger, lasting just 2 to 3 hours.

Explore the wonders of the great outdoors; Akagera National Park management provides guided nature walks in select areas of the park with a ranger. On these nature walks lasting 2 to 3 hours, you will traverse various hiking trails, immersing yourself in the vibrant world of butterflies, insects, and plants that you might easily overlook on a safari. You will relish the refreshing breeze, take in the stunning hills, and hear the delightful melodies of various bird species, among other wonders.

Boat rides in Akagera National Park offer an exhilarating experience on Lake Ihema, the largest and most renowned lake located in the southern part of the park. The boat ride in Akagera offers various schedules, including a morning trip and an evening adventure. As you embark on the boat ride, you will encounter massive schools of hippos and crocodiles gliding through the waters. You will also spot a variety of other animals, such as buffaloes, waterbucks, elephants, and warthogs, quenching their thirst along the shores, among many others.

There are various activities you can immerse yourself in while at the park, including cultural tours, helicopter rides, strolling along the Nile, behind-the-scenes experiences, and much more.

The price of a sport fishing permit in Akagera National Park

Exploring the waters of Akagera National Park
While fishing, visitors can savor a refreshing drink while immersing themselves in folk songs and captivating tales shared by the local fishermen. This is an exciting chance for visitors to engage with the local people of Rwanda and discover the rich tapestry of Rwandan cultures. Visitors eager to experience sport fishing in Akagera National Park can obtain a sport fishing permit for a fee of USD 25, charged on a per person, per day basis. Visitors eager to dive into this thrilling activity should secure their fishing permits at least six months ahead of time, as availability is limited, particularly during the bustling peak season in the national park.

Where to find accommodations in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park offers a diverse selection of places to stay, catering to every type of traveler, from affordable options to more luxurious experiences. These include Magashi Camp and Ruzizi Tented Camp, both offering luxurious accommodations, Akagera Game Lodge for a mid-range experience, and finally, Karenge Bush Camp. Nearby the national park, you will find a variety of accommodation options, including Akagera Country Club, Akagera Resort, and Vintage Cottage, among others.

Journeying to Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park, where the lake is nestled within its stunning landscapes. Akagera National Park is situated in the eastern part of Rwanda, close to the border with Tanzania. The journey from Kigali to Akagera National Park spans approximately 108 kilometers, and you can reach the park by road or a brief flight. The journey by road spans roughly 2 hours. Just a 30-minute drive from Kigali, the capital city, you will journey through the town of Rwamagana to reach the southern entrance of the park, while the northern gate is currently designated for exit only. Luxury visitors to Akagera National Park can embark on thrilling helicopter flights from Kigali International Airport to Akagera, offered by Akagera Aviation.

Other places to explore in Rwanda include the renowned Volcanoes National Park, where mountain gorillas and golden monkeys reside, and Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and an exhilarating canopy walk. Last is the newly Gishwati Mukura national park, home to its remarkable primates.