Antelope viewing in Akagera Plains: Wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park

Antelope viewing in Akagera Plains is one of the major wildlife experiences in Akagera National Park, Rwanda. The Akagera National Park is located in the Eastern part of Rwanda, spanning 1,122 km2 (433 sq mi), encompassing vast savannahs, montane, and swamp habitats. This National Park is the only savanna National Park in Rwanda, known for hosting the famous African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos). While on a wildlife safari tour to Rwanda, Akagera National Park is a must visit destination – especially for those interested in witnessing African Big Five and other wildlife viewing beyond primate tracking in Rwanda. During the Akagera wildlife Safari/Rwanda wildlife safari in Akagera National Park, up to 8 different antelope species can be spotted across the park – making Akagera wildlife safari /Antelope viewing in Akagera Plains a rewarding and exciting experience.

Although Akagera wildlife safari mainly focuses on witnessing the famous African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant), which are an obvious sighting in Akagera, however, discovering antelope species in Rwanda is a memorable way to explore Akagera National Park.

 

About the Akagera National Park Ecosystems (Akagera Plains)

The Akagera plains are part of the larger Akagera National Park, covering over 1,100 square kilometers of savannah, woodland, wetland, and rolling hills. To the eastern part of this park are vast savannas dotted with acacia trees and open grasslands that provide the perfect habitat for different antelope species in Rwanda. The Akagera Ecosystem is the only savanna ecosystem in Rwanda and the only place where you can witness various savanna wildlife species in Rwanda – including the popular African Big Five Animals. All wildlife safari tours/Rwanda wildlife safaris take visitors  to Akagera National Park where they can witness various wildlife (Savanna wildlife) species in Rwanda.

 

Best Places to Spot Antelopes in Akagera: Where to go during Antelope viewing in Akagera Plains

Mihindi Plains

The Mihindi plains in Akagera National Park are located in the eastern part of Rwanda. This area is made up of savanna marshes, swamps, and grasslands. These plains were named after the local Lake, ‘‘Lake Mihindi’’. The Mihindi plains are a hotspot (antelope viewing spots) for herds of impalas, topis, and elands. This area is also a popular spot for birdwatching and hippopotamus viewing while on a Rwanda safari tour. During the Antelope viewing in Akagera Plains, a safari to Mihindi is rewarding.

Lake Ihema area

One of the popular spots for safaris in Akagera National Park is Lake Ihema, located in the South Eastern part of the Park. Lake Ihema is an excellent spot to view waterbucks and bushbucks that love to live near the water. Beyond waterbucks and bushbucks, this area is also a good place to spot the hippos and crocodiles. This place is also home to several bird species that can be spotted right from your safari vehicle or during a boat safari on the lake.

 

Nyungwe Gate to Kilala Plains

During wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park, a drive from the Nyungwe Gate to Kilala plains (Akagera safari routes) offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. This route is offers opportunities to spot lions, elephants, and various antelope species. The Kilala plains is one of the most concentrated wildlife areas in the park and safari here guarantee sightings of numerous wildlife (antelope) species in Rwanda. A visit here also offers visitors an opportunity to spot zebras, giraffes, warthogs, antelopes, and hyenas. For bird lovers, there are a number of bird species around this area of the park.

Mutumba Hills

The Mutumba Hills are located in the northern part of Akagera National Park, encompassing dense vegetation and overlooking the Gishanju loop that inhabits different wildlife species. While on a wildlife safari/Antelope viewing in Akagera National Park, this place is a great spot for spotting the duikers and oribis. This area is also one of the highest points in the park and while here, visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the vast national park and its wildlife.

Look deeper and discover beyond the popular safari sighting in Rwanda, embark on an Antelope viewing safari in Akagera National Park (Antelope viewing in Akagera Plains). Discover from the popular Akagera safari routes to its elusive antelope species like the Sitatungas on a wildlife safari tour in Rwanda. Enjoy a number of exciting safari activities from the popular Akagera game drives to the unique boat safari all of which are rewarding with excellent wildlife sightseeing experience in Rwanda.

 

Antelope Species in Akagera National Park (Rwanda Antelope species)

Akagera National Park is home to about 8 known antelope species. These antelope species can all be spotted in the park during a wildlife safari tour. Here are the top commonly sighted antelope species in Rwanda/Akagera National Park.

  • Impala (Aepyceros melampus)
  • Topi (Damaliscus lunatus jimela)
  • Eland
  • Bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus)
  • Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)
  • Oribi (Ourebia ourebi)
  • Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus)
  • Duiker

When to go for wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park – Best Time for Antelope Viewing

Rwanda as a country experiences good climate all year round and can be visited at any time of the year however, some months of the year offer more ideal conditions compared to the others. Just all most East African Countries, Rwanda receives two seasons, the dry season and the wet season. The dry season is the most preferred season for safaris in Rwanda/best time for antelope viewing in Rwanda. Rwanda receives two dry seasons; the long dry season from June to September and short dry season from December to February. These months are known to offer the best conditions for wildlife safaris in the park.

In the dry season, the vegetation is less thick, and animals congregate around water sources, increasing your chances of seeing multiple species.

 

How to explore Akagera National Park (Safari Options and Experiences in Akagera)

While on a safari holiday to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, there are different activities and experiences on offer. Here are the top activities and experiences in Akagera National Park.

Guided game drives

Game drives are the primary way of exploring Akagera National Park and several other savannah national parks in Africa. A safari game drives is done is a customized 4×4 safari vehicle with enough space and comfortable seats. Game drives in Akagera National Park allows visitors to explore various sections of the park while witnessing different wildlife and bird species.

Self-drive safaris

For more adventurous travelers who are well-versed with the park (seasoned travelers) can embark on self-drive safaris. Self-driving safaris are done on customized 4×4 vehicles. We always recommend hiring a ranger guide when planning self drive safaris in Akagera National Park. Ranger guides will help you identify different wildlife species that you’ll encounter and also guide you on the different tracks to follow.

Other popular activities in the Park include;

Boat safaris on Lake Ihema

Night game drives

Walking safaris