Sitatungas in Akagera – Sitatungas, also known as marsh bucks, are rare swamp-dwelling antelope species that are well-adapted to African wetlands.
Akagera National Park is a Savannah national park in eastern Rwanda, with a third of its total area covered by a lush and diverse wetland comprising freshwater lakes, the Akagera River, swamps, and marshes, providing a perfect habitat for the Sitatunga antelope.
A Few Interesting Facts About Sitatunga Antelopes
- Sitatungas are elusive and shy antelopes.
- They inhabit wetlands, spending most of their time among marshes and papyrus.
- Sitatungas have splayed hooves that make it easy for them to adapt to wetlands. These hooves make them clumsy on dry, firm land.
- Sitatungas have oily, shaggy coats that keep them dry by repelling water.
- Male sitatungas have grayish-brown coats, while females have bright reddish-chestnut coats. Both sexes have white stripes on their bodies.
- Sitatunga males are larger in size and weight compared to females.
- Only male sitatungas have long, spiral horns.
- Sitatungas are herbivores, feeding on leaves, sedges, bulrushes, grass, tree bark, and fallen fruits.
- Sitatungas are strong but slow swimmers and can submerge themselves in water when they sense danger.
- Sitatungas are mostly solitary animals but may stay together during the mating season.
- Young sitatungas are more independent of their mothers compared to other antelope species.
- Illegal hunting is the major cause of the decline in sitatunga populations in the wild.
- The major predators of sitatungas are crocodiles, leopards, and lions.
- Sitatungas can live up to 19 years in the wild and up to 22 years in captivity.
While in Akagera National Park
On your Rwanda safari in Akagera National Park, you can explore the Savannah through safari game drives, boat cruises, walking safaris, hiking tours, bird-watching safaris, guided nature walks, hot air balloon safaris, and helicopter tours, among others.
Accessing Akagera National Park
To get to Akagera National Park, visitors can use public or private transportation from Kigali City or fly from Kigali International Airport via scheduled flights or private charter flights/helicopter transfers to the airstrip in Akagera.
Visit Akagera National Park in Rwanda with these recommended Rwanda tour companies or send us an inquiry below to book through us directly.
