Sport Fishing in Akagera National Park
Sport fishing is another adventure activity that travelers enjoy in Akagera National Park. This is the only savanna park in Rwanda located on the eastern border with Tanzania. The park was established in 1934 to protect the diverse ecosystem, which includes wildlife, savanna woodlands, wetlands, and lakes. It is home to various wildlife, including the Big Five and several bird species.
At the time of its gazetting, the park covered approximately 2,500 square kilometers and was populated with many wild dogs. Most of these wild dogs were lost due to poaching and endemic diseases. Currently, it spans about 1,122 square kilometers and is known as Rwanda’s largest park. It was named after the Kagera River, which flows on the eastern side toward Lake Ihema and other lakes within the park. Many lakes in this park are linked by several papyrus swamps that cover about one-third of the total area, making these swamps the largest in East and Central Africa. Some of the lakes include Lake Ihema, Shakani, Mihindi, Kivumba, Hago, Gishanju, Murambya, and many others. During their safaris, travelers can engage in sport fishing in any of these lakes.
Sport fishing in Akagera National Park is an interesting activity that allows travelers to encounter large fish, which they can catch and then release back into the water. This activity is rewarding for travelers who participate in it.
What methods do travelers use to catch fish during sport fishing safaris in Akagera National Park?
There are several fishing methods that travelers use for sport fishing in Akagera National Park. Some of these methods are sustainable as the fish is caught and then released. Some of these methods include:
Rod and Line Fishing
This is the most common activity that travelers typically engage in during sport fishing safaris. Anglers use fishing rods, reels, and lines to catch fish. These rods include spinning rods, bait-casting rods, and fly rods. These rods are equipped with baits such as worms, artificial lures, and live bait. The line fishing method is effective for catching large fish species.
Handline Fishing
Handline fishing is another method that anglers use; it is a more traditional and straightforward approach where fishing is done more by hand than with rods. It is often practiced by local fishermen and adventurous travelers.
Fly Fishing
This is another specialized method where anglers use specialized rods and lines to cast a lightweight lure called a fly. It is commonly used to catch larger fish species.
Catch and Release
This is one of the most sustainable practices that travelers engage in, where they catch and release fish for conservation purposes. This method is often practiced in Lake Shakani.
What fish species do travelers encounter on their sport fishing safaris in Akagera National Park?
Several fish species can be found in the park, including:
- Tilapia
- Catfish
- African lungfish
- Nile perch
- Tiger fish
- Barbel
What are the sport fishing spots in Akagera National Park?
While in Akagera National Park, there are several sport fishing spots, including:
- Kagera River
- Lake Ihema
- Lake Shakani.
What is the cost of the sport fishing permit in Akagera National Park?
For anglers interested in sport fishing, they must acquire a sport fishing permit, a legal document issued by the Akagera National Park Authority. The cost of this permit is 25 USD per person per day for adults, and children between the ages of 6 and 12 are charged 15 USD. The cost of the fishing permit does not include park entrance fees, which must be paid separately.
Where to stay in Akagera National Park?
During sport fishing safaris in Akagera National Park, travelers can choose from several accommodation facilities, ranging from luxury to budget options. These facilities include lodges, tented camps, and campsites to cater to all kinds of budgets and preferences. Some of the best places to stay for a safari include Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge, Shakani Campsite, Mutumba Campsite, Muyumbu Campsite, and many others. Travelers are advised to book in advance to ensure availability during their stay.
How to get to Akagera National Park?
Akagera National Park can be accessed by both road and air transport. By road, travelers take about 2 to 3 hours to reach the park via the Kigali-Rwamagana road, which leads to the southern gate and is approximately 108 kilometers away. Alternatively, using air transport, travelers can opt for domestic chartered flights from Kigali to Akagera Aviation via helicopters.
What is the best time for sport fishing in Akagera National Park?
Akagera National Park is open throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September and December to February when the park is dry and visibility for wildlife viewing is optimal.
