Combining a visit to Akagera National Park and the Volcanoes National Park on a Rwanda safari offers a diverse and comprehensive experience, showcasing the country’s rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage. Akagera national park is the only destination in eastern province of Rwanda where travelers can spot savannah wildlife animals including Africa’s famous big five animals – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes. For the best Rwanda safari experience, tourists always combine Akagera national park with Volcanoes national park, a home of the endangered mountain gorillas, beautiful and playful golden monkeys and also volcanic mountains like Karisimbi and Bisoke mountains. The combination of the two destinations grants you a great opportunity to view a variety of adventurous attractions during different activities. Aside attractions, below are more appealing reasons why one should have a combined Akagera and Volcanoes national park trip;
Diverse Wildlife Experiences
Covering a total surface area of 1,122 square kilometers, Akagera is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), providing a classic African safari experience. Located in the eastern region of Rwanda, the park features savannahs, woodlands, wetlands, and lakes, supporting a wide range of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species while Volcanoes national park in north western Rwanda is renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking, offering a rare and intimate encounter with these magnificent primates.
Still in Volcanoes national park, visitors can also track golden monkeys, a unique and endangered species endemic to the region.
Stunning Landscapes
During the combined Akagera and Volcanoes national park, the traveler has an opportunity of enticing his/her eyes with stunning landscapes of the two destinations. Akagera national park is known for its scenic beautiful landscape from rolling hills and open plains to lakes and swamps, providing breathtaking scenery and a variety of photographic opportunities.
Among the lakes in Akagera national park include Lake Ihema, the largest lake in the region that offers boat safaris, allowing visitors to view wildlife from the water and enjoy the park’s serene beauty.
For the landscape of Volcanoes national park, enjoy the amazing mountain and forested ranges since the park is part of the Virunga Mountain Range, with stunning volcanic peaks like Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. These Virunga mountain ranges are surrounded by dense, mist-covered forests that create a magical atmosphere, enhancing the trekking experience.
Complementary Activities
In case of the combined experience in the two destinations – Akagera and Volcanoes national park, there are lots of experience to enjoy including game drives that allow visitors to explore the park and spot a wide variety of animals. Other activities to do in Akagera include boat safaris on Lake Ihema and bird watching since the park protects about 480 bird species. After experiencing the beauty of Akagera national park, the visitor proceeds to Volcanoes national park for several encounters like gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, birding and hiking the volcanic mountains.
Also, about the activities, both parks offer opportunities to engage with local communities, learn about Rwandan culture, and experience traditional dances and crafts.
Conservation and Ecotourism
Visiting almost all Rwanda national parks including Akagera and Volcanoes national park supports the country’s conservation initiatives, helping to protect endangered species and their habitats. Rwanda is known for its commitment to sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that tourism benefits local communities and minimizes environmental impact.
Ease of Access and Well-Managed Infrastructure
Also, another reason as to why one should have a combined Akagera and Volcanoes national park trip because both parks are relatively close to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, making travel between them convenient and manageable. Rwanda is known for its well-maintained roads, comfortable lodges, and experienced guides, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable safari experience in all destinations.
Memorable and Varied Experiences
Also, combining Akagera and Volcanoes National Park offers a comprehensive safari experience, from the savannahs and lakes of Akagera to the misty mountains and forests of Volcanoes. The chance to see the Big Five, track gorillas, hike the Virunga mountains and observe golden monkeys in their natural habitats creates a varied and memorable adventure.
In conclusion, a safari that includes both Akagera and Volcanoes National Park provides a rich and rewarding experience, showcasing the best of Rwanda’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage.
