Akagera Game Lodge is situated in Akagera National Park and is one of the most sought after facilities overlooking Lake Ihema. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah conservation area and is best known for the views of the so-called big five of the wilderness. It lies along the southern border of Tanzania and was named after the Kagera river feeding into Lake Ihema. The park for years faced human encroachment. This was worse during the 1994 Rwanda Genocide. The re-introduction of lions in the park has been a great idea as many travellers have emerged to like the park. Akagera is dominated by many rivers and lakes.
The main lodge is composed of a lounge area, a reception dotted with African carvings and pieces of art, a restaurant serving both local and international cuisines, on a one-sided deck area where meals are served, a well-stocked bar with a variety of drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, a pool deck with crystal waters overlooking Lake Ihema one of Rwanda’s second largest lakes fed by river Kagera, a large conference room that can host up to 60 people. Akagera Game Lodge is more of a hotel than just an ordinary safari lodge comprised of 60 rooms some of which are single, double, or twin rooms. They have en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, beautiful African crafts, a balcony with a couple of chairs facing the savannah or the lake rooms are interconnected convenient enough to stay.
The lodge is a perfect home base for exploring the conservation area’s best relaxation and conferencing. It is easily accessible approximately 5km from the southern gate of the park. It’s possible to see zebra and waterbuck while at the lodge. The lodge has got experienced and very friendly staff who go the extra mile to ensure guest satisfaction.
The activities to do include game drives in Akagera National Park. The well-distributed game tracks will enable you to spot; giraffes, oribi, elephants, crocodiles, sitatunga, lions, zebras, waterbucks, elands, impalas, hippos, buffaloes among other animal species. Akagera has hundreds of bird species best spotted on short boat cruises which give a great opportunity to get close to the water birds. On a lucky day you might see the famous rare shoebill stork. Popular birds include; marabou stock, pelicans, egrets, crowned cranes, African fish eagles.
The park is accessible all year round but best during the dry seasons of December to mid-February and June to mid-September. In these months the park has sparse vegetation and animals gather to graze hence easy to spot. However, each season has its beautiful times and a view of the park in a different way. The wet season gives the conservation area angelic green views although seeing wildlife needs a lot of patience during this time. It is important to carry hiking boots, light long-sleeved shirts and trousers, insect repellents, and any other items of personal nature.