In the calm nights of Akagera’s wilderness, discover what good is in darkness, with only spotlights on, eyes following the flash of rays and ears tuned to the stealthy, deadly sounds of night. It is all about a night game drive in one of Africa’s most diverse wildernesses.
Many people stop at experiencing the day game drives alone, forgetting the wonderful fantasies that guide the night game hunt. After spending the day admiring what animals do at night, you happily return to the lodge.
Take a night wildlife drive in the savannah lands of Rwanda, an East African country located in the eastern region.
Getting to Akagera National Park
About 110 kilometers, or 2 to 3 hours, separate Kigali city from Akagera National Park. The park’s only entry gate is Kayonza, and the only exit gate is Nyungwe, located on the northern side of the park. Gates are open from 6 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Visitors must pay entrance fees, charged for each day of their visit. African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board work together to maintain this park.
What to Expect on a Night Game Drive
The duration of night game drives in Akagera is roughly 2 to 3 hours, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It is preferably done in a 4WD car, with a knowledgeable ranger guide who is well versed in the locations of the animals and nocturnal inhabitants.
You have a better chance of seeing and hearing the cats during a night game drive, including lions, leopards, owls, wild dogs, warthogs, hyenas, African elephants, hippos, and more.
Even though it is safe at night, nobody is supposed to get out of the safari vehicle, to avoid likely animal attacks. You will spot various residents sporadically, whether hiding, hunting, or grazing. Bushbucks, giraffes, zebras, roan antelopes, klipspringers, Cape elands, which are some of the largest antelope species on earth, oribis, topis, duikers, and other animals are among the park residents to keep an eye out for.
Entrance Fees
Adults pay 12,000 RWF to enter the national park, while children pay 8,000 RWF. Along with paying the ranger guides, this money is also used to improve the quality of life in the nearby communities. It is not wise to go on a night wildlife drive without an armed ranger guide who is familiar with the game tracks.
Best Time to Do a Night Game Drive
The entire year is suitable for night game drive safaris. However, the best time of year is during the dry months, particularly December through early March and June through September. See our full best time to visit Rwanda guide for more detail.
It is dangerous to do night game drives when it is raining, since assistance would be far away if the car became stuck in the middle of the wilderness. It is best to steer clear of the muck, curious predators, and other risks that come with wet conditions.
Other Activities in Akagera National Park
One can go on a night game drive in addition to bird watching tours in Rwanda to see the over 480 different kinds of birds found in the wild. Duikers, ibis, cormorants, Ross’s turacos, swamp flycatchers, lesser kestrels, storks, and other birds are among them. Don’t miss the migratory birds present from November to April.
A boat safari on Lake Ihema is not only enjoyable but also offers a great chance to see various aquatic species, including hippos and crocodiles.
Day game drives, which begin at 6:00 a.m. and end around 10:00 a.m., are rewarded with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Other activities include guided nature walks, cultural adventures, and more.
Accommodation
If you want to take a nap after a nighttime game drive, there are some comfortable lodging options near Akagera National Park. This saves you the hassle of driving to Kigali city.
The lodges come at different price points, from affordable to ultra luxurious, and provide comfy bedding and a peaceful atmosphere.
Night game drives in Akagera National Park, in eastern Rwanda, are a major draw for visitors. A nighttime game drive gives you the chance to see nocturnal animals and elusive predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas. Book your Rwanda safari with us to add a night game drive to your itinerary.
