Where to Spot Big Cats on a Rwanda Safari: Akagera National Park, located 2 and a half hours away from Kigali, is the only savannah national park in the country where tourists can watch the Big cats, which include lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Akagera National Park is found in the eastern part of Rwanda and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the big cats. The park was gazetted in 1934, making it one of the oldest National Parks on the African continent. In recent years, especially during the 1994 Rwanda genocide, the park was greatly affected by the war, during which many of the animals escaped to safety, ety whereas others were poached and their natural habitat encroached on by the locals.
The lions in Akagera
Lions once disappeared from Akagera National Park for over 15 years. The 1994 genocide and heavy poaching wiped them out completely. However, in 2015, conservation organizations partnered with the Rwanda Development Board to reintroduce lions into the park. Since then, the population has grown impressively to about 58 lions.
These lions belong to the East African subspecies. As a result, they are smaller and darker than lions found elsewhere in Africa. They also grow striking manes that range from light to dark shades. Because prey is limited in Akagera, the lions stay relatively small compared to those in other African countries.
Additionally, each lion produces a uniquely deep roar that carries through the park’s dense vegetation. This helps them communicate effectively across long distances. Visitors can spot these magnificent cats up close by joining a guided game drive through the park.
Leopards in Akagera
Where to Spot Big Cats on a Rwanda Safari: Leopards are part of the big cats that are found in Akagera National Park. Akagera has a total number of 15 to 20 leopards that have been observed over the years, but there could be more, with more cubs being born. If you are looking to have the best photography safaris of the leopards, it is best if you stay at the luxurious Magashi Tented Camp. Leopards in Akagera National Park are among the most difficult wildlife to track because they are shy and extremely unpredictable.
Tracking leopards in Akagera needs one to have a lot of patience and experieto who track these cats. The only thing that you need when tracking leopards is to be calm and patient.
Cheetahs in Akagera
Despite the rumours that there are cheetahs in Akagera National Park, there has not been a sight of the cheetahs in the p; a rk how, ever there is other wildlife besides the wild cats, especially the cheetah,s which you will not be able to spot, and these include elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, white rhinos, black rhinos, hyenas and zebra,s among others.
The best time to spot the big cats in Akagera
Where to Spot Big Cats on a Rwanda Safari: The ideal time to spot the big cats in Akagera National Park is from June to September during the dry season. The dry season is when the vegetation and shrubs thin out, allowing spotting of the big cats and other wildlife animals easily. However, if you do not mind the rainy season from March to May, then it is the calving season, which brings out the ferocious big cats who come to hunt the calves.
Can I film the big cats in Akagera National Park?
Yes, it is possible to film the big cats in Akagera National Park, but at a fee. Tourists who want to film big cats in Akagera National Park have to contact the park to be able to purchase a filming permit and also learn about the requirements needed for filming in Akagera National Park.
Requirements for Filming Big Cats in Akagera National Park.
The permits for filming big cats in Akagera National Park are issued and provided by the Rwanda Development Board, an organization that is in charge of the national parks, protected areas, and tourist activities in Rwanda. Note that the Rwanda Media High Council only issues filming licenses to the press in the country. To be able to apply for the big cats filming licenses, you need to do and have the following:
- Complete a Rwanda Press Accreditation Form
- Submit a formal letter to the Executive Secretary requesting accreditation
- Email a recently scanned, coloured passport-sized photo
- Scanned a copy of your passport
- Email a scanned copy of your country’s media card
- Scan and email a copy of your visa if you come from a country that requires you to have a visa to visit Rwanda.
- Email the list of the filming kits and equipment you are to use during your production.
- A list of the crew members.
Cost of the filming permit for big cats in Akagera National Park
Where to Spot Big Cats on a Rwanda Safari: The cost of the filming permits for big cats in Akagera National Park varies depending on the number of days your filming project will take, and below is an estimation of the cost.
$30 valid for 1 to 15 days
$50 valid for 15 to 30 days
$100 valid for 1 to 3 months
$200 valid for up to 6 months
$300 valid for 6 months to one year.
Other activities carried out in Akagera National Park
Apart from watching the big cats in Akagera National Park, there are other activities that you can carry out while on a safari to the national park, and these include:
Game drives in Akagera National Park
Game drives in Akagera National Park begin early in the morning in pursuit of leopards, hyenas, and the reintroduced lions. This is because predators prefer to hunt at night or early in the morning and typically go into hiding when the sun heats up. Along with the predators, take in the surroundings and other large creatures such as elephants, buffalo, antelopes, zebras, and giraffes. The environment and magnificent wildflowers will provide superb photographic opportunities for the interested photographer.
Park officials also conduct night game drives. These typically run for around 2 hours, beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at about 8.30 p.m. You will have a flashlight to assist you in viewing the many nocturnal wildlife. You could get a chance to see leopards or lions while they hunt.
Bird-watching in Akagera National Park.
In Rwanda, Akagera National Park is a renowned and important birding destination. Bird watchers will enjoy visiting Akagera National Park since it allows them to see both endangered bird species, such as the papyrus gonolek and the shoebill, as well as more common species, such as weavers, egrets, and various Kingfishers.
Cultural excursions in the vicinity of Akagera National Park
Experience rural Rwandan life near Akagera National Park’s cattle herding settlements. You may see and/or participate in traditional cow grazing, milking, and milk storage in calabashes for preservation. You next go through the process of transforming milk into various products, such as traditional yogurt and ghee, and finally participate in the preparation of a dinner using some of the milk products’ ingredients. This eventually benefits conservation culture and the park’s wild creatures.
Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Your private guide will bring you to the jetty, where you will meet an Akagera National Park guide who will accompany you throughout the boat tour on Lake Ihema. Before you get on the water, the guide will provide a safety briefing and thorough training. In addition, your guide will carry a cooler box with drinking water and soft drinks. Lake Ihema has a lot of water hyacinth, which is one of the lake’s biggest dangers. The presence of water hyacinth in the lake endangers the lives of numerous aquatic creatures and birds. The water hyacinth also has an impact on the ease of movement of boats on the lake, as well as the quality of the water.
Hiking and nature walk:
Tourists visiting the Akagera National Park can embark on guided nature walks and hiking, allowing them to view and explore the national park from a different point of view. Tourists also get a chance to get close to the tree species, butterflies, and other animal species that they might have missed during a game drive.
Fishing expeditions:
Fishing in Akagera National Park is usually carried out along Lake Shakani, which is famous for having fish species like catfish and Tilapia. When you are planning to go fishing on Akagera, you have to carry personal fishing equipment, and it is always catch and release while on the Lake.
Night game drives in Akagera National Park
Night game drives offer a glimpse into the nocturnal world, ranking among the more adventurous things to do in Akagera National Park. This specialized activity belongs on any complete list of things to do in Akagera National Park, revealing creatures rarely seen during daylight hours. Spotting bush babies, civets, hyenas, and perhaps even leopards makes night drives among the most thrilling things to do in Akagera National Park, creating memories that last long after your visit.
Where to Sleep, Eat, and Drink During Things to Do in Akagera National Park?
Where to Spot Big Cats on a Rwanda Safari. Accommodation options enhance multi-day things to do in Akagera National Park, with choices ranging from budget to luxury. Akagera Game Lodge offers mid-range comfort for visitors enjoying things to do in Akagera National Park, featuring a swimming pool, restaurant, and stunning views. Budget travellers can experience things to do in Akagera National Park while staying at the park’s campsite, providing basic amenities and an immersive natural experience under canvas.
Luxury seekers find Magashi Camp ideal for exclusive things to do in Akagera National Park, offering six spacious tents overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga. This property elevates the experience of things to do in Akagera National Park with gourmet dining, expert guides, and elegant furnishings. The camp’s location provides immediate access to premium things to do in Akagera National Park, like exclusive game viewing areas and specialized wildlife experiences.
Most Popular Rwanda Safari
2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
2-Day Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari
3-Day Akagera National Park and Lake Kivu Safari
3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour
4-Day Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
5-Day Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda & Lake Kivu Safari
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How To Get To Akagera National Park
Where to Spot Big Cats on a Rwanda Safari. You may travel from Kigali to Akagera National Park through Rwamagana town (entry is only through the southern gate. The travel to the park entrance takes around 2 hours. Those who do not want to drive for two hours can fly to the park utilizing the services of Akagera Aviation.
