Camping Safaris at Akagera National Park
Camping Safaris at Akagera National Park
Visitors to Akagera National Park can participate in camping safaris as one of the fantastic outdoor pursuits within the park’s boundaries. The largest national park in Rwanda extends across 1,122 square kilometers. The Belgian colonial government established Akagera National Park by gazetting it in 1934 with the main purpose of protecting its abundant biodiversity together with its wildlife species. Tourists can see only savannah wildlife animals at the national park including lions together giraffes and buffalos leopards and African Bush elephants and zebras. The management of Akagera National Park now operates through Akagera Management Company under a collective agreement between the Rwanda Development Board and African parks.
The national park abandoned its corrupt past that included losing, habitat intrusions and environmental destruction. The wildlife sanctuary of Akagera National Park houses numerous species of hyenas, hippos, warthogs, and crocodiles. The park remains unique because it contains all five big five animals that exist naturally. The park experienced various advancements which include the creation of an anti-poaching team combined with a solar electricity fence to deter outsiders and maintain wildlife boundaries while raising the force of park rangers to enforce regulations throughout the park. Visitors who choose camping activities in the park can closely experience the park’s entire territory.
The park allows camping visitors to investigate its untamed regions and experience the clean outside air inside while enjoying scenic views of the park’s attractions. Camping at the park serves as an exceptional activity that both couples can use for romantic escapes and also helps families and friends develop stronger relationships. Campers can enjoy listening to the sound of crickets chirping in the night and interesting folk tales or stories being narrated by local guides. You will wake up to the beautiful sounds of birds singing, chirping, and tweeting early in the wee hours of the morning.
The park has some camping sites that offer accommodation for campers. The accommodation facilities offer campers a wide range of camping options that range from budget to mid-range and luxury accommodation options. Tourists who wish to go on camping Safaris at 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 since those in the park are limited especially for those who plan on doing lazy camping. The visitors are provided with firewood at the designated camping sites located within the park. The camping sites include;
Shakani Akagera Campsite.
This is found along the shores of Lake Shakani in the southern part of the park. It’s the only lake in the park where visitors can take part in fishing activities. Tourists camping at the Shakani camping site are blessed with beautiful sights such as hippos in the nearby lake. The campsite has running water, with an ablution block that has flushing toilets and solar-heated showers. The campsite offers camping tents but campers are advised to come along with their own equipment such as sleeping bags, bedding, and food.
Mutumba Campsite.
The campsite is located in the north of the national park and it’s found in an area with amazing 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.
Muyumba Campsite.
The campsite is found south of Akagera National Park and is located on the edge of a hill overlooking lakes Ihema and Shakani. The campsite is also enclosed with a fence to ensure the safety of the campers.
All the above camping sites offer tourists reasonable camping fees of 25 USD per person and per night. These camping sites are ideal for visitors with a fixed budget and family vacations. While on a safari in Akagera National Park, tourists can engage in other activities such as; game drives, community walks, cultural tours, boat cruises on Lake Ihema, birding safaris, and fishing.
