Nature walks in Akagera National Park: Discover Rwanda’s beauty on foot

Nature walks in Akagera National Park grant visitors an opportunity to discover Rwanda on foot. Although the most popular way to explore Akagera while on Rwanda Safaris is by Game drives, Nature guided Walks in Akagera National Park are also a fantastic option/activity on offer here. Unlike Game drives in Akagera National Park, Nature walks in Akagera National Park involve visitors trekking on foot while following the designated trails in the park. The experience is usually led by armed ranger guides who are knowledgeable about the park and its attractions. The thrill that comes with exploring Rwanda on foot is unbeatable; Nature walks in Akagera immerse visitors in the sounds and scents of the African bush where they get a chance to spot even the smaller creatures that can’t be easily seen on game drives/game viewing safaris.

The experience also grant visitors a rare opportunity of learning about different animals while looking at their tracks, droppings, and other signs that will be told to you by the experienced and knowledgeable ranger guides. Rwanda’s Akagera National Park is home to an impressive diversity, hosting about 450 different bird species, from the papyrus gonoleks to Raptors. This National Park is also Rwanda’s only savanna National Park and hosts anumber of savanna wildlife species like warthogs, lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants, and different antelope species like the orib and reedbuck among others. The guided nature wal ks in Akagera National Park last anywhere between 2 to 3 hours depending on the trail you choose. Explore Rwanda on foot, get close to wildlife, enjoy the spectacular views of the landscapes, and take some photographs for memories. Let us help you plan your Rwanda safaris today, WhatsApp Us, email us, or fill out our inquiry form and our experts will respond in less than 30 minutes.

Where to go for Guided Nature Walks in Akagera National Park?

It is important to know that Akagera National Park is a predator rich safari park in Rwanda. There is nothing to worry about though since Nature walks in Akagera National Park are conducted in the southern sector of the park, know for its rich birdlife, and small numbers of wildlife. The areas where visitors do the guided nature walks basically have no or fewer predators making them safe zones for nature walking safaris in Rwanda.

Some of the most popular areas for nature walks in Akagera National Park include; the Muyumbu Hills, Lake Ihema shoreline, and the forest edges. There are designated walking trails around this area which visitors can follow as they admire the scenic and panoramic views of the vast grasslands and the lakes. The walking trails are also known for their incredible bird watching opportunities in Rwanda, visitors get a chance to spot various bird species in the park – up to 500 different species are said to live in the park. Beyond birdlife, visitors will spot some wildlife and insects during guided hikes. Usually during the walks, the ranger guides will help you identify different animal footprints identifying native plants and birdlife.

Are Nature walks in Rwanda safe? Is it safe to go on a nature walking safari in Akagera National Park?

Although Akagera is a predator rich destination with animals like lions, leopard, and hyenas among others, nature walks in Akagera National Park are safe. The Nature walks are conducted in the southern sector that has no predators and are also led by armed ranged guide who carry guns in case of an attack. Before the activity, visitors are usually briefed about the activity and in most cases the safety tips are shared by the park officials. There are guidelines that you must adhere to in order to stay safe during the activity for example staying silent during the walk, walking in a single file, and not wondering far from your group during the walk. Nature walking safari in Rwanda re therefore safe and exciting.

What time of the day is best for Nature walks in Akagera?

Just like the game drives in Akagera, Nature walks are best done during morning and late afternoon. The morning nature walks can start at around 7:00 AM and end by 9:00 AM and the late afternoon walks start at around 4:00 PM and end by 6:00 PM. During these chosen time windows, the temperatures are cooler and wildlife is more active and spotting them is much easier.

Best time to Visit Akagera National Park

In general Akagera is an all year round safari destination. However, some months of the year are known to offer more ideal conditions for adventure in Rwanda. Just like most other east African safari destinations, Rwanda receives two seasons; Rainy season & Dry Season. The Dry season is the most preferred time for travel to Rwanda and is also considered the best time to visit Akagera National Park. There are two dry seasons in Rwanda, the long dry season that last between June and September, and the shorter dry season that lasts between December and February. The dry seasons are also the high season for safaris in Rwanda and it is important to know that accommodations and permits like gorilla trekking permits and chimpanzee trekking permits sell out quickly for these months. If you are looking forward to visiting Rwanda during this time of the year, we recommend booking your tour well in Advance.

You can also visit Rwanda during the wet season since it also comes with its own advantages like discounts on accommodation prices and fewer crowds in the park.

Beyond Nature walks, you can also do the following in Akagera: Activities in Akagera National Park

Game drives (Wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park)

Game drives are a popular way to explore Rwanda’s Akagera National Park especially during wildlife safaris. The game drives in Akagera are done in 4×4 customized safari vehicles with pop up roof and enough space for wildlife viewing. Game drives allow visitors to explore the large park while witnessing various resident wildlife species including the African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephants). Game drives in Akagera National Park are done in the northern part of the park. Although popular for wildlife viewing, they are also perfect for wildlife watching in Rwanda. You can spot various bird species as the hoover over the roof or as they are perched on tree branches.