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Akagera National Park generates over Rwf 1.9 billion in first quarter of 2026

Written by

Wycliffe Nyamasege

in

During this period, the park received more than 11,700 visitors, with Rwandan tourists accounting for the largest share. The figures highlight continued growth in domestic tourism and the park’s rising appeal.

Park authorities attribute this growth to the presence of the “Big Five” species, lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, as well as ongoing conservation efforts and tourism promotion campaigns, including the Visit Rwanda initiative.

Compared to the same period in 2025, revenue increased by 8%, with earnings from tourism and related commercial activities reaching approximately $1.33 million.

National Geographic further boosted the park’s global profile by listing Akagera among the 25 must-visit destinations in the world for 2026, citing its exceptional biodiversity and scenic landscapes.

Local communities benefit from tourism revenue

Communities surrounding Akagera National Park also reported significant earnings during the first quarter of 2026, collectively generating over $168,220 through conservation-linked income-generating activities.

Fishing groups earned $59,770, while beekeepers made $17,309. Income from crafts, poultry farming, and accommodation services totaled $16,998.

In addition, local tour guides earned $31,922, and cooperatives involved in construction and casual labor generated $42,227. These figures reflect the growing role of community participation in conservation-based tourism.

Wildlife monitoring strengthened with technology

Akagera’s wildlife continues to roam freely within its open ecosystem, meaning animal sightings vary across time and location.

Between January and March 2026, conservation teams fitted GPS collars on three lions and one elephant to enhance tracking and research efforts. In addition, 17 black rhinos were equipped with VHF transmitters attached to their horns to support monitoring and protection efforts.

Established in 1934, Akagera National Park spans 1,122 square kilometers and is one of Rwanda’s most biodiverse protected areas. It is home to more than 11,300 recorded animals, including approximately 60 lions, 142 elephants, 4,000 buffaloes, 115 giraffes, between 80 and 100 leopards, and 145 rhinos.

Other species include around 2,000 impalas, 1,500 antelopes, and between 120 and 150 hyenas. The park also supports an estimated 1,500–1,800 hippos, 1,000 waterbucks, and over 1,000 additional antelope species.

Akagera is also a major birding destination, hosting about 500 bird species, the highest number recorded in any national park in Rwanda. By comparison, Nyungwe National Park hosts around 300 species, while Gishwati and Volcanoes National Parks have fewer.

Hippos are among Africa’s most iconic and powerful animals.
Lions are among the Big Five species found in Akagera National Park.
Elephants cross a road in Akagera National Park, with a calf following behind.
Elephants are among the most iconic animals in the park.
A buffalo grazes in Akagera National Park.
Hyenas are also common in Akagera National Park.
A rhinoceros, known for its great strength, uses its horn for defense and fighting.
The leopard is a rarely seen animal, with estimates suggesting that only 100 individuals remain in the park.
Leopards are among the most commonly seen at night due to their nocturnal and elusive nature.”
A crocodile in the waters of Akagera National Park.
Elephants often move in groups.
Akagera National Park is characterized by a diverse landscape of savannah plains, low-lying hills, and a network of lakes and wetlands.
Buffaloes often graze in herds, especially in the valleys.
Akagera National Park is home to a network of lakes, including Lake Ihema, the largest in the park. The name “Ihema” means “tent” in Kinyarwanda and is linked to early expeditions that camped in the area.
Akagera National Park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the marabou stork.
Elephants gather to feed on fresh vegetation.
Giraffes feed on leaves high in the treetops.
This large bird, the African darter, is found in Akagera National Park.
A flock of birds flies over Akagera National Park.
Warthogs, often referred to as “wild pigs,” are also found in Akagera National Park.
A hyena hunting at Akagera National Park.
Impala at Akagera.
Zebras are also common at Akagera.
Warthogs, sometimes referred to as “wild pigs,” are also found in Akagera National Park.
Akagera is also a major birding destination, hosting about 500 bird species.

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