Akagera National Park is a protected area in Rwanda situated in the eastern region of the country along the international border with Tanzania.
This National Park has an area cover of 1,122 square kilometers and known to be Rwanda’s largest savannah National Park. It was named after the Kagera River which flows along its eastern boundary feeding into Lake Ihema and several other smaller Lakes.
Akagera National Park has over 10 Lakes including Lake Ihema, Lake Shakani, Lake Mihindi, Lake Kivumba, Lake Hago, Lake Rwanyakizinga, Lake Gishanju, Lake Murambya to mention but a few.
The complex system of these Lakes and linking papyrus swamps make up over a third of the Park which is the largest protected wetland in Eastern-Central Africa.
However amongst all the Lakes in Akagera National Park, sport fishing is only done on Lake Shakani since it’s a home to a variety of fish species for example tilapia, catfish, Nile perch and many more.
Lake Shakani is located in the northeastern region of Akagera National Park which is Rwanda’s popular spot for sport fishing. Other fishing destinations in Rwanda include the country’s fresh water bodies such as Lake Muhazi, Lake Kivu, River Kagera and many more.
Sport fishing experience
Sport fishing in Akagera National Park a unique water sport experience that allows visitors to challenge themselves to catch big fish. This experience involves catching and releasing the fish back into the water though after the sport one is allowed to take one and experience its taste.
Methods used for this activity include gill net, spearing, shoot arrow, scoop net, cast net, hooks and many more. Visitors are advised to carry their own fishing equipment though there is a provision for them to hire the gears for a day from the Park premises to avoid carrying extra luggage.
Sport fishing on Lake Shakani can be done by both professionals and beginners. For beginners, there is a possibility for them to hire a fishing instructor for either a full day or half day giving one the opportunity to catch fish as well as learn about the different fishing methods used in Rwanda.
Fishing on Lake Shakani can be either done on a motorized boat or along the Lake’s shores where a local guide leads visitors to specific areas where fish can be easily caught.
Fishing on Lake Shakani is indeed a unique water spot experience since participants are able to also enjoy the sounds of nature as they cast their nets for example listening to the honking calls of hippopotamuses, different screeching calls of water birds and many more. Akagera National Park hosts occasional fishing competitions that take place every year on Lake Shakani.
These competitions are announced each year though the dates are not the same. To participate in sport fishing or in any fishing competitions in Akagera National Park, tourists are advised to prepare and book in advance with the reputable tour operator like Omangwa safaris least 6 months earlier. However, sport fishing in Akagera National Park can be combined with several other activities in the Park such as game drives to spot the big five and several other animals, boat cruise on Lake Ihema, bird watching, nature walks, cultural encounters to mention but a few.
Cost of sport fishing in Akagera National Park
For anyone to take part in sport fishing within Akagera National Park, he or she must have purchased a fishing permit which costs 25 USD per person valid for one day and 15 USD for children aged 6 to 12 years since this activity is only limited to people aged 6 years and above. In addition to the sport fishing permit, there are other costs to consider such as Park entrance fees which goes for 100 USD per person for international visitors, 50 USD per person for Rwandan/East African country residents and 16 USD per person for Rwandan/East African country citizens.
Best time for sport fishing in Akagera National Park
Sport fishing on Lake Shakani in Akagera National Park can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season that runs from June to September and December to February. During this period of the year, there is little or no rainfall and the water levels remaining normal which makes fishing often easy.
Accessibility
Akagera National Park can be accessed from Kigali by either road or a chattered domestic flight. By road, Akagera National Park can be accessed by driving from Kigali which is Rwanda’s capital through Rwamanga town and then proceeding to the National Park taking to about 3 hours. By air transport, visitors can access Akagera National Park by booking a chartered flight from Kigali to Akagera National Park. These chartered flights are organized and run by Akagera Aviation lasting for about 20 minutes.
