Exploring the natural beauty of Kagera River 

Exploring the Natural Beauty of the Kagera River

The Kagera River around the Akagera National Park, is one of the East African Rivers, the river is also- known as the Alexandra Nile. Kagera River is located in the East African end of Uganda, forming part of the upper headstreams of the Nile River and carrying water from its most distant source, which has a great influence on the Rwanda wildlife safari as it is one of the major sources of water and habitat for wildlife at Akagera National Park. Kagera River begins in Burundi, flowing out from Lake Rweru. From the lake, the  Kagera River flows east along the Rwanda-Burundi and Rwanda-Tanzania borders to a confluence with the Ruvubu River. The streams of the Kagera River are thus provided by two major tributaries, the Nyawarongo (Naivarongo) of Rwanda, which feeds Lake Rweru, and the Ruvubu (Ruvuvu) of Burundi.

It is unknown which of these two Feeder Rivers is the longer and hence the ultimate source of the Nile River. From the confluence, the Kagera flows north along the Rwanda-Tanzania border, over Rusumo Falls, and through Akagera National Park. It then takes a turn to the east, following the Tanzania- Uganda border and emptying into Lake Victoria in Uganda one of the most popular East African Safari sites. The river that gives the park its name, the Akagera, is best for its beauty and abundance of flora and fauna. It is home to several stunning bodies of water, including Rwanyakazinga, Shakani, Ihema, and Gishanju, which add to the park’s allure and make safaris in Rwanda unforgettable.

History

River Kagera features every astonishing history that makes it stand out in Rwanda, during the Rwandan foreign era in 1894 when the German Gustav Adolf von Gotzen crossed the Kagera at Rusumo Falls. Through World War 1 in 1916, the Belgians defeated the Germans and used the same route as their entrance into Rwanda as their arrival path. However, the Akagera River became so popular when it gained international prominence in 1994 acting as the route for carrying people from the Rwandan genocide into Lake Victoria, acting as a state of emergency in parts of the Republic of Uganda, where the victims eventually wash up.

Through the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, the Kagera was used as a dumping area for the remains as hundreds of Tutsis and Hutu political moderates were murdered on the river banks. With its rich historical heritage, river Akagera has meaningfully continued to boast several visitors to come for a safari to Akagera National Park for an unforgettable Rwanda safari experience

Attractions

One of the interesting attractions at the river Kagera is the Akagera which sits on an area of 2500 sq km and is found on the border of Rwanda and Tanzania the park was gazetted as a national park in 1934 and was named after the Kagera River which flows water along its eastern border with Tanzania. Akagera National Park is the only savannah national park making it the only place for wildlife viewing experience in Rwanda and was simply named after the remarkable Kagera River.

Several other streams within it including Lake Ihema, lakes Mihindi, and Lake Shakani, decide the waters in the park, there are several savannah animals in the area that feds near the river such as buffaloes, leopards, elephants, lions, and rhinoceros, topi, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, hyena, waterbuck, mongoose, eland, zebra, serval cats, duiker, impala, black-masked civet, reedbuck, bush pigs, giraffe, side-stripped jackal, Klipspringer, Sitatunga Antelopes, and roan antelope. Among the primate species include olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys,s and bush babies.

River Kagera is also a habitat and water streams to over 500 species of birds at Akagera National Park such as forest birds, water birds as well as savannah birds for example local red-faced barbets, and the swamp flycatcher as well as the elusive shoebill stork all live in Akagera National park among others

Other activities on Rwanda wildlife safari at Kagera River

Nature Walks

Nature walks around the Kagera River can be best with the help of the park ranger guide. Walk through different trails where you will be able to have more time and engagement concerning butterflies, insects, and plants that you could easily miss while on a safari. You will also enjoy the cool breeze, view of the beautiful hills, and listen to nice sounds of bird species among others

Cultural encounter

Safari Vacations and Travel Services easily coordinates with close communities to allow tourists to go for cultural visits. Allowing visitors to learn how the locals take care of their long-horned cows, make beer, prepare food, and celebrate important seasons of the year. Visitors can participate in milking the cows, taste some of the local food, and dance to local/folk music. The visits last for 3 hours at most.

There are various activities that visitors can take part in near the river and the countries at large. Such activities can involve visiting the national parks in different countries and other attractive points In such cases. These can be best with the help of the best tour guides.

The best time to visit Akagera National Park

The best time to visit the parks is during the dry season which typically runs from June to September. This is because during this period, the wildlife is most active, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to carry out excellent wildlife spotting. The park has a variety of landscapes including wetlands, savannahs, and woodland, providing a unique backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography. Also from mid-December to mid-February, there’s a dry spell within the wet season, which is also a good time for wildlife spotting. During this time, animals tend to concentrate around the lakes due to the thinner bush cover.

How to get to Kagera River

To visit the Kagera River on your Rwanda safari, you must first visit Akagera National Park, as the lake is located within the park. Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda, near the Tanzanian border. The distance from Kigali to Akagera National Park is about 108 kilometers and the park can be by either road a short flight. By road, it takes about 2 hours. And 30 minutes drive from Kigali the capital city via the town of Rwamagana to the southern gate of the park (the northern gate is used for exit only at the moment). Those who do not wish to drive can opt for a short flight into Akagera and these services are provided by Akagera Aviation.

Accommodation in Akagera National Park

Within Akagera National Park you will surely find a place for everyone to stay. The available accommodations here range from luxury facilities such as Mgashi Lodge and Rusizi Tented Camp, then the mid-range facilities such as the Akagera Game Lodge plus budget facilities as well as the campsites for budget travelers which are also good.