Camping in Akagera national park

Camping in Akagera national park

Camping in Akagera National Park is one of the exciting activities that tourists visiting the national park can engage in. Akagera national park is Rwanda’s largest national park spanning over 1,122 square kilometers in radius. The national park was gazetted in 1934 by the Belgian colonial government in an a to preserve and conserve the rich bio-diversity in the park’s forests, as well as its wildlife species. This national park is the only place where visitors can see savannah wildlife animals in Rwanda such as; African Bush Elephants, Lions, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards and so many more.

Akagera national park is currently being managed by Akagera Management Company following a joint management agreement between Rwanda Development Board and African Parks, a non-government organization that manages other national parks on the African Continent. The national park has risen above its dark days of poaching, encroachment on park land, and widespread deforestation. At present, Akagera National Park is a wildlife paradise, with a wide variety of wildlife species like hyenas, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, and rhinos among others. This is the only national park in Rwanda where you will get to see the Big Five animals in their natural habitats.

A lot of improvements have been made in Akagera such as; the introduction of an anti-poaching unit, acquisition of a helicopter for aerial surveillance in the national park, the establishment of a solar powered electric fence to keep intruders away and wildlife in the national park, and lastly, the employment of more park rangers to enforce the rules and regulations in the park and monitor all activities carried out in the national park.

Camping activities in Akagera national park offer visitors a great opportunity to explore the national park up close. While camping in Akagera, visitors can get to unwind in the wilderness and take in the fresh breeze of air in the park, and also appreciate the beautiful scenery in the national park. Do not miss an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful night under the sky, with bright stars, a camp fire to keep warm, and a hot plate of food.

Camping in Akagera national park is the ideal way to spend a romantic evening for couples and a great way to bond with friends and family. Campers can get to enjoy listening to the sound of crickets chirping in the night, and interesting folk tales or stories being narrated by local guides. Wake up to the beautiful sounds of birds singing, chirping and tweeting early in the wee hours of the morning.

There are some camping sites that offer accommodation for campers in Akagera national park. These accommodation facilities offer campers a wide variety of camping options which range from budget to mid-range and luxury accommodation options. Visitors who wish to camp in Akagera national park can hire some tents that are available at the park’s reception. However, campers are advised to come with their own camping equipment as those in the park are limited, especially for those who plan on doing lazy camping.

Visitors camping in Akagera national park in Rwanda are provided with firewood at the designated camping sites located within the national park. These include;

Shakani Akagera Campsite: The campsite is located along the shores of Lake Shakani in the southern part of the park. It is the only lake in the national park where visitors can take part in fishing activities. Visitors camping at Shakani Akagera campsite are blessed with beautiful sights like that of hippos in the nearby Lake Shakani. The campsite also has running water, with an ablution block that has flushing toilets and solar-heated showers. The campsite provides camping tents but campers are advised to bring along their own equipment such as sleeping bags, beddings and food.
Mutumba Campsite: Mutumba Campsite is located further north of Akagera national park. The campsite is situated in an area with beautiful savannah hills and a wide range of wildlife animals. The campsite is fenced to ensure the security and safety of campers. Campers are advised to bring their own camping equipment.
Muyumbu Campsite: This campsite is located south of Akagera National Park. The campsite is situated on the edge of a hill, overlooking lakes Ihema and Shakani. The campsite is also enclosed within a fence to sure the safety of campers.

All the above campsites offer visitors reasonable camping fees of USD 25 dollars per person per night. These camping sites are ideal for visitors with a fixed budget and family vacations. Visitors who wish to do camping in Akagera national park can also include other activities such as; a guided game drive, fishing, community cultural tours, birding, and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

Akagera National Park is a very beautiful national park that offers visitors on holiday in Rwanda the typical East African Safari experience. Visiting this wildlife destination is the best way for visitors to support communities living near Akagera national park, and also help in the conservation of wildlife.

Contact us and book your perfect safari holiday in Akagera National Park, Rwanda.