Rwanda's best kept nature secret
Rwanda is not particularly known as a safari destination. Buffaloes, leopards and elephants can all be seen here, but rhinos and lions are no longer in the area (although a reintroduction of these species is in the works). Because the Big Five are not found here, many safari goers don’t take the Akagera National Park very seriously. Unjustifiably so though as it boasts an unparalleled wildlife reserve.
Akagera is less famous than the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks in neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania. However, with a little less wildlife to be seen, it is also a lot quieter here. No traffic jams of droning Land Rovers full of people who vie for a spot to catch a glimpse of a snoozing lion or foraging giraffe. A safari in Akagera means travelling solo or only accompanied by a ranger. Take your time looking for herds of savannah elephants and Kaffir buffaloes and maybe even spot a leopard after its prey.
Solo safari in Akagera
The national park also boasts a variety of habitats that attract large numbers of birds. Here you will find almost 500 different species of songbirds, waterfowl and birds of prey including rare and endangered species such as the beautiful Papyrus gonolek and comical Shoe-billed stork. Visitor numbers are relatively low so you will be guaranteed to spot more wildlife than tourists.
“At night spot the little moholi with bulging black eyes and large floppy ears”