Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is a stunning protected area located in eastern Rwanda, boasting a diverse range of ecosystems across its 1,122 km2 expanse. Established in 1934 by the Belgian government, Akagera National Park includes savannah, montane, and swamp habitats, with a complex system of lakes and linking papyrus swamps making up over one-third of the park. In fact, this park boasts the largest protected wetland in Eastern-Central Africa, with Lake Ihema and several smaller lakes being fed by the Kagera River which flows along the park’s eastern boundary.While it was once known for its large population of African wild dogs, which were considered pests, a disease epidemic caused the population to decline sharply, and the last wild dogs were seen in 1984. However, since then, the park has undergone significant changes thanks to the efforts of the Rwanda Development Board and the African Parks Network, which entered into a 20-year renewable agreement for the joint management of the park in 2009.Over the next five years, a $10 million investment was carried out in the park area with the help of the Howard Buffett Foundation. Security measures were taken, including the construction of a western boundary fence measuring 120.0 kilometers, deploying an air surveillance helicopter, and training of an expert rhino tracking and protection team, and a canine anti-poaching unit. As a result, the park has reintroduced locally extinct species, including black rhinos and lions, and is now home to all of Africa’s “big five”: lion, African leopard, African bush elephant, rhinoceros, and African buffalo.Since the park’s lion population was reintroduced with seven lions from South Africa in 2015, it has grown to almost 40 animals, and the reintroduction of 18 Eastern black rhinoceroses from South Africa in 2017 has further enhanced the park’s reputation. With the additional relocation of 5 Eastern black rhinoceros from 3 different zoos in 3 different countries located across Europe in June 2019, and the successful translocation of 30 white rhinos from Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa in November 2021, Akagera National Park continues to be a success story in conservation.Tourism has increased significantly since African Parks assumed management of the park in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board in 2010, with over 44,000 visitors in 2019. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, guided walks, and boat safaris, and are sure to be enchanted by the park’s incredible diversity and stunning natural beauty. Akagera National Park is truly a unique and special place that deserves to be explored and enjoyed by all nature enthusiasts visiting Rwanda.