Akagera Highlights; In 2017, 18 Eastern black rhinoceros were reintroduced to Akagera bringing the species back to the park, and the country of Rwanda after a 10-year absence. Lions were reintroduced in 2015 after they were hunted out in the 1990s, and the population doubled in the first year with the birth of eleven cubs. Two additional males were translocated from South Africa to Akagera in 2017 to increase the population’s genetic diversity.
We overhauled law enforcement and significantly reduced poaching to an all-time low for the park. A counter-poaching canine unit was trained and deployed in 2015 to help secure the park. A 120 km solar powered predator-proof fence was constructed and significantly reduced human-wildlife conflict situations.
More than 1,800 school children visit Akagera each year along with teachers and local leaders as part of the environmental education programme. Tourism revenue has increased by more than 900 percent from US$200,000 in 2010 to US$2M in 2018 making Akagera 75% self-financing. More than 44,000 tourists visited the park in 2018 alone, half of whom were Rwandan nationals. You can reach Akagera National Park, by both roads and flight from Kigali airport. Akagera national park can be visited year-round.
Akagera Highlights Lodges
There are 5 lodges, thus, Akagera Game lodge, Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Karenge Bush Camp. Karenge Bush Camp is a seasonal lodge, only set in high season. The f5th Lodge is Akagera Rhinoe Lodge, which is outside next to the Southern entrance gate, 10 minutes’ drive away.