Black rhino were reintroduced in 2017, and the area is also home to a healthy elephant population. Teeming with plains game including zebra, buffalo, giraffe, and more, Akagera now also boasts a healthy population of lion, which were reintroduced in 2015 after a 20-year absence. But this is not all: far from much human influence, this area is pure nature. Upon arrival at the park's northern gate, we say farewell (for now) to our guide, board safari vehicles, and join the camp's naturalist guides for an immersive three days exploring this gem of a national park.Īkagera is comprised of incredibly scenic savanna - open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy hills - and is home to one of Africa's highest hippo densities, large crocodiles, and rare sitatunga antelope. Our accommodation for the next three nights is the newly built Magashi Camp, situated in the wildlife-filled northeastern corner of the park, overlooking scenic Lake Rwanyakazinga. This morning, we depart Kigali and head to the remote northern region of Akagera National Park. This evening, we enjoy dinner at a favorite local restaurant just a short walk from our hotel. We may also have time to tour Old Kigali where the colonial buildings now form the heart of Rwanda's small businesses. We stop at a craft center where you can haggle for unique Rwandan crafts and curios, and time permitting, we visit the Kandt House Natural History Museum, which covers both natural ecosystems in Rwanda and the intertwined Rwandan and German colonial history. The recovery has been referred to as a true testament to humankind's resilience. It serves as a place for people to grieve those they lost, and for visitors and younger generations to learn about Rwanda's history from pre-colonial times.Įxploring further, it is inspiring to see how far the country has come in 25 years. Established as a permanent memorial to the victims of the widely documented Rwandan genocide in 1994, it is a poignant reminder of the cost of ignorance. This morning, we embark on a city tour taking in Kigali's most important sights and monuments, including the Genocide Memorial, a moving visit sure to put all else in perspective. Since then, the city has seen major economic development resulting in what it is today: a vibrant African city of one million people. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda's independence in 1962, when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare. While the history of Rwanda dates back centuries, the tidy city of Kigali has been a part of it for just over one hundred years. Let us introduce you to Rwanda, the "Land of 1000 Hills," where unexpected beauty and surprising moments await you at every turn. Akagera National Park is referred to by safari insiders as one of Africa’s prettiest, and serious conservation efforts in the past 20 years have resulted in a natural wonderland that is home to all of the "Big Five" - rhino, lion, elephant, leopard, and buffalo - and many other iconic species. Yet, this beautiful country offers much more for travelers who seek to venture away from the more famous safari destinations and journey to a lesser-known place. Perhaps best known for the endangered mountain gorillas found on the jungle-clad slopes of the Virunga Mountains, coming this close! to the largest primates on earth and witnessing their natural behaviors in their protected habitat will perhaps be the most unforgettable experience of your life. And on this Special Departure itinerary, we explore all three in equal measure. Don’t let the size of Rwanda fool you - only slightly larger than the state of Vermont, it packs a punch with a remarkable variety of landscapes, diversity of wildlife, and rich, modern culture.
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