Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania, is one of the country’s most captivating wildlife destinations. Covering over 1,122 square kilometers, the park is known for its stunning landscapes, which include savannah, wetlands, and lush forests. Established in 1935, Akagera is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino as well as over 525 bird species. The park’s ecosystem is supported by the Akagera River and its numerous lakes, making it a haven for both terrestrial and aquatic life. After years of conservation efforts, including the reintroduction of lions and rhinos, Akagera has become a symbol of Rwanda’s commitment to biodiversity restoration. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to experience Rwanda’s unique wildlife in a pristine setting

Why Akagera for Bird watching?

Akagera National Park is a premier birding destination in Rwanda, boasting over 525 bird species across diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, forests, and lakes. The park’s varied habitats attract both resident and migratory birds, making it a year-round bird watching haven. Highlights include the Shoebill Stork, Papyrus Gonolek, and Grey-crowned Crane, with opportunities to spot rare and endemic species. Akagera’s wetlands, particularly around Lake Ihema, are prime areas for waterfowl and other aquatic birds. The park’s accessibility, knowledgeable guides, and ongoing conservation efforts further enhance its appeal to birding enthusiasts, offering a unique and rewarding experience for all levels of birdwatchers.

 Best Bird watching Locations in Akagera

  1. Lake Ihema and Surrounding Wetlands
  • Location: The largest lake in Akagera, situated in the southern part of the park.
  • Birding Highlights: This area is a hotspot for waterfowl, including Shoebill Storks, Great White Egrets, African Jacanas, Pelicans, and Marabou Storks. It’s also home to various waders, herons, and water birds that thrive in the rich wetlands. Boat safaris provide excellent opportunities for observing aquatic bird species up close.
  1. Lake Rwanyakazinga
  • Location: A smaller lake near the central part of Akagera.
  • Birding Highlights: Known for its rich birdlife, Lake Rwanyakazinga attracts saddle-billed storks, yellow-billed storks, white-backed night herons, and numerous other water birds. The papyrus swamps around the lake also host species like the Papyrus Gonolek, a rare and brightly-colored bird.  3 .Savannah and Grasslands
    • Location: The Park’s extensive savannah plains are found throughout its central and northern areas.

    Birding Highlights: The open grasslands and woodland edges are home to Secretary Birds, Crowned Cranes, Red-billed Hornbills, and Yellow-billed Oxpeckers. These areas are also great for

    • spotting African Fish Eagles and various species of buntings, larks, and siskins.
    1. Papyrus Swamps
    • Location: Found primarily along the edges of lakes and rivers, especially near Lake Ihema and Lake Rwanyakazinga.
    • Birding Highlights: The dense papyrus vegetation provides ideal habitat for species like the Papyrus Gonolek and Blue-headed Coucal. The swamps also support a variety of reedbed birds, such as Yellow-crowned Bishop and Black-crowned Night Heron.
    1. Akagera River
    • Location: Flowing through the western edge of the park.
    • Birding Highlights: The riverine habitats are prime for spotting waterbirds like Goliath Herons, Black-winged Stilts, and African Spoonbills. The riverbanks are also home to African Fish Eagles, Pied Kingfishers, and a range of other species associated with flowing water.
    1. Woodland and Forested Areas
    • Location: Found in the northern and central regions of the park.
    • Birding Highlights: These areas support species such as the White-cheeked Turaco, Grey-crowned Crane, Black-headed Oriole, and various sunbirds. The forested areas also provide shelter for smaller forest-dwelling species and are ideal for spotting birds like the African Shrike-flycatcher.
    1. Akagera Hills (Eastern Part of the Park)
    • Location: The more elevated terrain in the eastern part of the park.
    • Birding Highlights: The hills offer a great vantage point for spotting Jackal Buzzards and Steppe Eagles. The wooded slopes attract species like the Mountain Wagtail and Red-chested Cuckoo, while the open areas provide habitat for species like White-backed Vultures.
    1. Northern Sector (Near the Park Gates)
    • Location: This area, including the Musanze Gate, is a key entry point to the park and is ideal for birding on a drive into the park.
    • Birding Highlights: As you enter the park, you may encounter species like Lesser Striped Swallows, Rufous-crowned Roller, and various species of hornbills. The mix of habitats here means there’s always something to spot.
    1. Game Viewing Tracks
    • Location: The network of game drive tracks across the park.
    • Birding Highlights: These tracks are great for spotting birds of prey, such as Secretary Birds and Kite Hawks, as well as terrestrial species like Red-winged Larks and African Paradise Flycatchers. Some tracks pass through more open woodland and savannah, increasing your chances of spotting both larger and smaller bird species.

    Bird Species in Akagera National Park

    The most thought after birds in Akagera include; the rare Shoebill Stork, found in the park’s wetlands, and the vibrant Papyrus Gonolek. The park is also home to iconic species like the Grey-crowned Crane, Secretary Bird, and African Fish Eagle. Wetlands around Lake Ihema and Lake Rwanyakazinga attract waterfowl such as Yellow-billed Storks and African Jacanas, while the savannahs host Red-billed Hornbills and Secretary Birds. Vultures like the White-backed Vulture and Rüppell’s Vulture, lilac breasted roller, swamp flycatcher, Ross’s turaco, grey hornbill, red faced barbet, pied crow, fan tailed widowbird, cattle egret, Blue Malkoha, Levaillant’s cuckoo, Swamp nightjar among others

    Other Activities in Akagera

    While bird watching is the highlight, Akagera National Park offers a range of other activities that allow visitors to enjoy its natural beauty and wildlife:

    • Game Drives
      As one of Rwanda’s best wildlife parks, Akagera offers classic safari game drives to spot the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos), along with numerous antelope species, zebras, and giraffes. Birding enthusiasts can enjoy wildlife and bird watching simultaneously.
    • Boat Safaris
       In addition to bird watching, boat safaris on Lake Ihema also offer a chance to observe other wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, and water buffalo.
    • Rhino Tracking
      For a more immersive wildlife experience, visitors can go on rhino tracking safaris. After being reintroduced to the park in recent years, rhinos are monitored closely and tracking them is an exciting way to engage with conservation efforts.
    • Cultural Experiences
       Outside the park, visitors can explore nearby communities and experience Rwandan culture, including traditional music, dance, and craft-making, adding a cultural dimension to the natural exploration.

    Best Time to Visit for Bird watching

    • The best time for bird watching in Akagera is during the wet season (from March to May and October to November), when migratory birds are in the park. This is when the wetlands are most active, and rare species, including the shoebill, are more likely to be spotted. However, bird watching is great year-round, as Akagera also has an abundance of resident bird species that are active during the dry season (from June to September and December to February).

    How to Get There

    By Road: Akagera is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. The park is accessible by road via the Nyundo or Kirehe gates.

    By Air: For those short on time, there are small aircraft that offer flights directly to Akagera’s airstrip.

    Where to Stay In Akagera National Park

    • Ruzizi Tented Lodge: A luxurious, eco-friendly lodge located along the shores of Lake Ihema. It offers beautiful views, comfortable tents, and a high-end safari experience.
    • Akagera Game Lodge: A mid-range hotel offering stunning views of the park. The lodge has a pool, restaurant, and excellent facilities for both families and solo travelers.
    • Camping: For more adventurous travelers, camping is also an option. There are designated camping sites within the park where visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings in a more rustic setting.

    What to Pack for Birding

    • Binoculars – Essential for spotting and observing birds at a distance.
    • Camera – To capture memorable birding moments.
    • Field Guide – A birding guidebook for identifying species.
    • Light, Neutral-Colored Clothing – Comfortable and ideal for blending in with the environment.
    • Insect Repellent – To protect against mosquitoes and other insects.

    Conclusion

    Akagera National Park is an exceptional birding destination with its diverse habitats, abundant birdlife, and the chance to see some of Africa’s rarest species. Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or a casual nature enthusiast, Akagera offers an unforgettable experience. From spotting the elusive shoebill stork to witnessing large flocks of flamingos along the lakeshores, birding in Akagera is a rewarding experience that adds a unique dimension to the broader safari adventure