Rwanda’s Akagera Welcomes 70 Rhinos, Boosting Safari Appeal

Akagera National Park in Rwanda has significantly strengthened its position as a top safari destination with the arrival of 70 white rhinos. This exciting development marks a major step in wildlife conservation and boosts Rwanda’s growing tourism sector.

The rhinos, translocated from South Africa’s Munyawana Conservancy, arrived at Kigali International Airport on June 9th before being transported to their new home in Akagera. This operation, a collaborative effort between African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), with funding from the Howard G. Buffet Foundation, highlights the importance of international partnerships in conservation.

This translocation is the second phase of a project to reintroduce white rhinos to Rwanda. The initial group of 30 rhinos, brought in 2021, has thrived, increasing to 41. With this latest addition, Akagera’s rhino population now stands at an impressive 125, including both black and white rhinos.

Eugene Mutangana, Head of Conservation at RDB, emphasized the scale of this translocation, calling it the largest single wildlife transfer ever undertaken. He highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to protecting endangered species and enhancing its tourism offerings. Akagera has become a sought-after destination, with Rwandans themselves making up over 54% of visitors, demonstrating a growing appreciation for their natural heritage.

Tourism plays a vital role in Rwanda’s economy, and the reintroduction of rhinos further cements the country’s reputation as a leading ecotourism hub. While the rhinos were donated by African Parks, Rwanda has invested heavily in logistics and promoting Akagera as a protected area, underscoring its dedication to wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability.

Martin Rickelton, Regional Manager of African Parks, noted that this translocation brings the total number of rhinos brought to Akagera to 100, creating a secure environment for them to breed and contribute to global rhino populations. He explained that rhinos in South Africa face significant threats from poaching and illegal trade, making Akagera a vital sanctuary and a source for future repopulation efforts.

Prudence Rubingisa, Governor of the Eastern Province, praised Rwanda’s conservation initiatives, which have fueled the growth of the tourism industry and created jobs for local communities. Tourism revenue has supported the development of essential infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities, roads, and water access, significantly improving the lives of those living near Akagera.

Rubingisa stressed the importance of community involvement in protecting wildlife and emphasized the need for ongoing awareness campaigns. Akagera’s transformation over the past 15 years has been remarkable, with the reintroduction of lions in 2015, eastern black rhinos in 2017 and 2019, and now a growing population of white rhinos.

To further enhance wildlife monitoring and conservation, tracking devices have been fitted to lions, elephants, and rhinos. These efforts demonstrate Rwanda’s commitment to long-term conservation and sustainable tourism development.

For travel agents specializing in African safaris, Akagera National Park’s expanding rhino population presents a compelling new selling point. The park offers a unique opportunity for travelers to witness these magnificent creatures in a safe and protected environment, contributing to both conservation and the local economy.