More than 20 years ago, Akagera National Park in Rwanda was on the edge of irreversible degradation; today, it is hardly identifiable. Its story of resurgence is all the more astonishing given the destructive effects of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi on the environment. The management of Akagera National Park was taken over by African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in 2010, changing the park’s course to one of hope and prosperity.
From the start, there was a clear shared goal: to turn Akagera into a park that generates revenue for both humans and wildlife. Strong community involvement and efficient conservation law enforcement strategies served as the cornerstones of this recovery.
In a conservation effort to help save the species, lion and black rhino were reintroduced between 2015 and 2017, and white rhino was brought in 2021 after poaching was all but eradicated in just five years. The number of animals in Akagera has increased from less than 5,000 in 2010 to around 12,000 today because to good wildlife conservation management practices.
In addition to becoming a refuge for wildlife, the park has significantly increased its support for businesses that provide revenue for nearby towns. Since 2010, the park has gotten closer to full financial sustainability every year, demonstrating the effectiveness of the holistic management approach and serving as a real example of what can be accomplished through efficient protected area management in collaboration with communities and the government. As it continues to cooperate with local communities, Akagera National Park is now 92% self-financing, offering social and economic benefits that enable both the ecology and people to flourish.
With its remarkable biodiversity ranging from rare and elusive birds that frequent the wetlands to huge herds of herbivores that graze the open plains, Akagera is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque parks in central-eastern Africa.
The park’s wildlife has significantly increased since African Parks was asked to take over its management in 2010. After reintroducing lions and rhinos, Akagera today has healthy populations of these animals together with elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and leopards. The canals are also teeming with hippopotamus and massive crocodiles.
Akagera National Park is home to a remarkable variety of fauna despite its modest size. Akagera is a lovely and easy park to visit. It can be a quick escape, an interesting addition to Nyungwe National Park, or a simple stop before or after seeing the gorillas. Take advantage of great animal views without the crowds at Akagera, which is still a little-known gem.