The annual event, one of Rwanda’s flagship conservation celebrations, will honour gorillas born over the past year while highlighting the country’s long-standing commitment to wildlife conservation and community development.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kigali on Tuesday, August 11, Eugene Mutangana, Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Nature Foundation (RNF), the agency that now manages Volcanoes National Park, said the ceremony comes as mountain gorilla conservation continues to deliver encouraging results across the Virunga Massif.
“There are about 1,100 mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif. They remain the only great ape whose population continues to grow. This is an extraordinary conservation achievement, but it is not one that Rwanda has accomplished alone,” Mutangana said.
He attributed the growth in the endangered species’ population to decades of collaboration involving governments, conservation organisations, researchers, veterinarians, park rangers, regional partners and communities.
Since the launch of Kwita Izina in 2005, a total of 438 gorillas have received names. This year’s 22 newborns will raise that figure to 460.
Mutangana said each newborn gorilla symbolises the continued success of conservation initiatives, reflecting the sustained work being carried out to protect habitats, monitor animal health and ensure the species continues to thrive.
He added that Kwita Izina has evolved beyond a naming ceremony into a broader platform that promotes conservation, tourism and community development.
The announcement comes as Rwanda’s tourism industry continues to record strong growth. The sector generated more than $685 million in revenue in 2025, up from $647 million in 2024, driven by more than 1.49 million international visitors.
This year’s programme will feature several activities leading up to the main ceremony, including the launch of a community development project, familiarisation tours for international travel media and tourism trade representatives, a conservation exhibition and guided gorilla trekking experiences.
The event also underscores the link between conservation and socio-economic development. Through Rwanda’s tourism revenue-sharing programme, more than Rwf 23 billion (about $16 million) has been invested in nearly 1,300 community projects, including schools, health facilities, water infrastructure and livelihood initiatives in areas surrounding national parks.
Kwita Izina continues to play a key role in promoting Rwanda as a leading ecotourism destination while reinforcing the country’s conservation model, which seeks to ensure that protecting wildlife also delivers tangible benefits to neighbouring communities.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kigali on Tuesday, August 11, Eugene Mutangana, Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Nature Foundation (RNF), the agency that now manages Volcanoes National Park, said the ceremony comes as mountain gorilla conservation continues to deliver encouraging results across the Virunga Massif.
The park is one of Rwanda’s leading tourist attractions, hosting more than 500,000 animals from different species, including some of the world’s rarest wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy its lakes, lodges and numerous viewpoints overlooking the diverse landscape.
Between April and June 2026, Akagera National Park generated more than $1 million in tourism revenue from 8,919 visitors.
According to figures released by the park, this represented a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2025. On average, each visitor spent $108 during their stay.
For first-time visitors, there is more to know than simply booking a safari. Understanding the park’s wildlife, why some lions are placed on birth control, how elephant families are organised, the park’s strict conservation rules, penalties for violating them, and entrance fees can greatly enhance the experience.
Why lions are placed on birth control
Samuel Munyaneza, a tour guide who has worked in Akagera National Park for eight years, is well acquainted with the park’s history, its wildlife and the regulations that govern visits. Among the species whose history he knows best are lions and rhinos, both of which disappeared from the park before eventually being reintroduced.
He explained that following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, many Rwandans who had lived in exile since 1959 returned home. With limited land available, some settled in areas that had previously formed part of the park. As lions preyed on their cattle, some residents poisoned carcasses in retaliation, wiping out the lion population.
Rhinos, meanwhile, were driven to extinction in the park by poachers targeting their highly valuable horns for the illegal wildlife trade.
Lions were reintroduced to Akagera in 2015 after being translocated from South Africa. The population recovered rapidly, prompting park managers to introduce contraception to control reproduction.
The programme is intended to maintain a balanced ecosystem. An excessive lion population would increase predation pressure on other wildlife and threaten the ecological balance of the park. Munyaneza explained that predators are essential in maintaining healthy wildlife populations. Before lions returned, herbivore numbers increased significantly, raising the risk of inbreeding, which can weaken the genetic health of animal populations.
He noted that while Akagera once covered a much larger area, parts of the park were later allocated for human settlement, reducing its size. With a smaller habitat, allowing lions to reproduce unchecked could lead to territorial conflicts, increased competition for food and pressure on prey species.
In February 2026, five lions in Akagera National Park were placed on birth control as part of this population management strategy.
Wildlife surveys are conducted every two years using aircraft, drones, camera traps and ground counts. The most recent census took place in 2025. However, accurately counting species such as snakes and crocodiles remains difficult.
How female elephants lead their families
Akagera’s elephants live in two large family groups, each led by the oldest female, known as the matriarch.
According to Munyaneza, adult males spend much of their time away from the family searching for mates. As a result, females remain with the calves, raising and guiding them.
The matriarch possesses years of accumulated knowledge, including where to find food and water during droughts, how to respond to changing weather conditions and how to avoid danger.
When an elephant family prepares to relocate, the matriarch first dispatches a few males to scout for water and feeding grounds.
Once they locate suitable resources, they communicate back to the herd using infrasound, low-frequency sound waves that humans cannot hear but which elephants can detect over distances of up to 12 kilometres.
This allows the scouting elephants to inform the herd that there is sufficient water and food before the rest of the family, including young calves, begins moving.
The matriarch also coordinates road crossings, signalling when it is safe for the group to proceed.
Bringing plastic into the park can result in a fine
Like other protected areas, Akagera National Park enforces strict rules aimed at protecting wildlife and ensuring visitor safety.
Single-use plastics, including plastic water bottles, disposable plates and similar items, are prohibited inside the park.
Munyaneza explained that discarded plastic prevents rainwater from penetrating the soil and poses a serious threat to wildlife, as animals that ingest plastic often die.
Visitors driving through the park must also remain on designated roads. Leaving the tracks can crush insects, destroy reptile eggs, damage vegetation and disturb fragile habitats. Even driving a short distance off-road can destroy thousands of small organisms that are invisible to the naked eye.
Visitors are also prohibited from approaching animals too closely or disturbing them while resting, as this can frighten wildlife and alter their natural behaviour.
Standing through a vehicle’s sunroof or getting out of the vehicle is equally prohibited. Wild animals are unfamiliar with the full silhouette of a standing human and may either flee or react aggressively. Those who violate these regulations risk both their safety and financial penalties.
Munyaneza said visitors found standing outside or on top of their vehicles may be fined $150 (over Frw200,000) for disturbing wildlife and endangering themselves.
Entry fees and accommodation discounts
The cost of visiting Akagera National Park varies depending on the type of experience visitors choose. Some opt for a day trip, while others stay overnight at one of the lodges within the park. A Rwandan citizen pays Rwf15,000 for a standard day visit.
Vehicle entry fees are $10 for a small vehicle and $20 for a larger vehicle, while international visitors pay $100 for park entry.
The park encourages overnight stays by offering reduced entrance fees for additional nights. This helps spread visitor numbers over several days instead of concentrating them into a single day, reducing traffic and disturbance to wildlife.
Visitors staying overnight do not pay the full entrance fee each day. Instead, they only cover accommodation costs and a reduced conservation fee.
According to Munyaneza, visitors pay 100% of the entrance fee on the first night, 50% on the second, 25% on the third, while stays from the fourth to the seventh night receive free park entry. Established in 1934, Akagera National Park covers approximately 112,000 hectares.
Today, it employs 316 permanent staff and about 512 seasonal workers, reflecting its growing role in both conservation and Rwanda’s tourism industry.
A hippopotamus has large, powerful teeth.Elephants have a remarkable ability to remember.One of the bird species found in Akagera, known as the Black-headed Gonolek.Old buffaloes often move alone.A hippo that left the water to graze on land.A leopard should not be approached carelessly, although spotting one is already a rare experience.Bush pigs, sometimes mistaken by some people pigs, are also found in Akagera National Park.Rhinos are strong animals with a horn on their nose, which they use for defence and fighting.Crocodiles are often hiddenHippos are powerful aquatic animals, although they also come out of the water to graze on land.Hyenas are often spotted in the evening.Without knowing it, one could mistake a buffalo for an unusual-looking cow.Akagera National Park is made up of plains, low hills and lakes.Elephants are among the most respected animals in the park.Elephants crossing the road, with their calf following behind.In the park, all wildlife moves freely, whether birds in the sky, aquatic animals in water, or land animals.Buffaloes are sometimes found gathered in large herds.A lion is known as the king of the jungle.
The country is the world’s largest producer of cocoa, the essential raw material used in making chocolate and other related products.
Covering an area of 322,463 square kilometres, Côte d’Ivoire is home to more than 33 million people. It shares borders with five countries: Ghana to the east, Liberia and Guinea to the west, Mali to the north, and Burkina Faso to the north-east.
French is the official language and the most widely spoken language in Côte d’Ivoire.
The country is also home to numerous local languages, including Baoulé, Dioula, Dan, and Yacouba, among others. These indigenous languages are mostly spoken within specific communities and regions, while French serves as the main language of communication across the country.
For foreigners who do not speak French, adapting to life in Côte d’Ivoire can be challenging, as English is not commonly spoken by a large part of the population.
Economically, Côte d’Ivoire is one of the strongest economies in West Africa, with a gross domestic product (GDP) exceeding $95.4 billion. The average income per person is estimated at more than $2,900 annually.
The services sector remains the largest contributor to the country’s economy, accounting for about 51 per cent of GDP. It is followed by industry, which contributes nearly 24 per cent, while agriculture accounts for approximately 17 per cent.
Agriculture remains a key pillar of Côte d’Ivoire’s economy, with the country producing a wide range of agricultural products, including palm oil, cashew nuts, cotton, coffee, and other crops. However, cocoa remains its most important agricultural export.
Côte d’Ivoire produces approximately 40 per cent of the world’s cocoa supply, making it the largest cocoa-producing country globally. The cocoa beans grown across the country are mainly used in the production of chocolate, making Côte d’Ivoire a crucial player in the international chocolate industry.
The official currency used in Côte d’Ivoire is the West African CFA franc (XOF). One US dollar is equivalent to approximately 576 CFA francs.
Beyond its economic importance, Côte d’Ivoire is also known for its unique cuisine. One of the country’s most popular traditional dishes is Attiéké, a meal prepared from cassava. The cassava is first soaked in salty water and mixed with previously prepared Attiéké, which helps with fermentation. It is then pressed, dried, packed, and cooked through steaming in hot water.
Attiéké is commonly served with fish and vegetables. Other popular Ivorian dishes include Alloco, made from fried plantains cooked in palm oil; Foutou (Fufu), a cassava-based staple; Kedjenou, Garba, and many other traditional meals.
Fish is the most widely consumed animal-based food in Côte d’Ivoire. However, around 70 per cent of the fish consumed in the country is imported because local fishing activities have not yet developed enough to meet domestic demand.
Religiously, Côte d’Ivoire is a diverse nation, with Islam being the largest faith practiced by about 42.5 per cent of the population. Christians represent around 39.8 per cent, including Catholics who account for approximately 17 per cent, while the remaining population follows other religions.
The spread of Islam in Côte d’Ivoire is largely linked to Arab traders who travelled from North Africa to West Africa between the 14th and 15th centuries through trans-Saharan trade routes. Their movement contributed significantly to the expansion of Islamic influence across the region.
Today, Côte d’Ivoire stands as one of Africa’s most influential economies, combining agricultural strength, cultural diversity, and natural resources that continue to shape its role on the global stage.
The Notre-Dame de la Paix Cathedral is one of the most important landmarks and tourist attractions in Yamoussoukro.
Following the decline of the Mali and Songhai Empires, Arab traders known as Dyula or Jula migrated to northern Côte d’Ivoire, where they introduced trade practices and promoted the teachings of Islam. Their influence contributed to the development of important Islamic cultural centres, including Bondoukou and Bouna, which remain significant areas of Islamic heritage in the country.
Côte d’Ivoire gained independence in 1960 after decades of French colonial rule that began in 1893. However, French traders had already arrived in the region as early as the 15th century, initially engaging in commercial activities before colonial administration was established.
Today, Côte d’Ivoire has two major cities that play different roles: Abidjan, which serves as the country’s economic and commercial hub, and Yamoussoukro, the political capital.
Abidjan is a coastal city located along the Atlantic Ocean and is also home to the Ébrié Lagoon, a large water body that runs through the city. Its unique location has contributed to the development of beautiful beaches and coastal attractions, including Assinie Beach, Grand-Bassam, Jacqueville Beach, and other popular destinations.
The city’s growth was largely influenced by its historical role as a major port through which goods from Africa were transported to France. The French developed Abidjan extensively and also established Grand-Bassam, which was later designated as the capital of French colonial territories in the region.
Today, Grand-Bassam has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and remains one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most visited tourist destinations. The city still preserves colonial-era buildings that reflect French architecture, lifestyle, and the history of the colonial period.
Abidjan is also home to the St Paul’s Cathedral, built in 1985, which is considered one of the most modern architectural cathedrals in Africa. Its unique design attracts many visitors, including religious pilgrims and architecture enthusiasts.
For history and culture lovers, Abidjan offers the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire, a national museum established in 1942 that houses more than 15,000 artefacts. The museum showcases the country’s diverse cultures, traditional lifestyles, colonial history, and heritage.
Another important cultural site is the Musée Charles Combes de Bingerville. Originally an art studio belonging to Charles Alphonse Combes, which operated between 1891 and 1968, it was later transformed into a museum displaying paintings and sculptures created by Combes and his students.
Visitors interested in wildlife can explore the Zoo National d’Abidjan, which hosts various animal species, including elephants, lions, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, birds, and many others.
Abidjan is also home to Banco National Park, one of the largest natural forests located within an urban area. The forest is inhabited by various wildlife species, particularly different types of monkeys, and serves as an important green space within the city.
On the other hand, Yamoussoukro serves as Côte d’Ivoire’s political capital. The city has fewer tourist attractions and economic activities compared to Abidjan because it is still developing after being declared the capital in 1983 by then-President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who chose the city because it was his birthplace.
The city currently hosts the presidential palace, the country’s Parliament, various government ministries, and other political institutions.
However, Yamoussoukro is famous for housing the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Notre-Dame de la Paix), the second-largest basilica in the world after St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The basilica is also recognised as the world’s largest church by surface area, covering approximately 30,000 square metres and having the capacity to accommodate more than 18,000 worshippers.
Another attraction in Yamoussoukro is Lac aux Caïmans, a crocodile lake created by President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who introduced crocodile breeding at the site. The lake is currently home to more than 200 crocodiles.
Overall, many developments in Côte d’Ivoire reflect those of other emerging economies, with numerous construction projects underway alongside older infrastructure that still remains in use.
For Rwandans wishing to visit Côte d’Ivoire, a visa is not required. However, there are currently no direct flights from Kigali to Côte d’Ivoire. Most travellers connect through Addis Ababa before continuing their journey to Abidjan.
Despite its economic progress and tourism potential, Côte d’Ivoire still faces challenges related to cleanliness and urban management. In some areas, visitors may encounter overgrown roadside vegetation, litter, stagnant water, and cases of people urinating in public spaces.
Some hotels also have practices that may differ from international standards, with guests sometimes being informed that bed sheets will only be changed after checkout unless they specifically request a replacement.
Visitors travelling to Côte d’Ivoire are also advised to remain cautious and avoid walking alone, especially in unfamiliar areas, due to security concerns such as theft and robbery.
Abidjan is a coastal city shaped by its waterways, and its skyline becomes especially stunning when illuminated at night.Assinie Beach is among the most visited coastal attractions in the Abidjan area, known for its beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere.The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Paix holds the record as the world’s largest basilica in terms of surface area.Saint Paul’s Cathedral is a remarkable architectural masterpiece whose unique design attracts visitors and tourists from around the world.The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Paix is among the largest religious buildings in the world.Grand-Bassam is home to numerous colonial-era buildings that preserve the architectural heritage and history of the period.The Saint Paul’s Cathedral, one of Abidjan’s most iconic landmarks, was constructed in 1985.Grand-Bassam is a historic town that once served as a French colonial city during the colonial era.Grand-Bassam’s location along the Atlantic Ocean gives it a stunning coastline with beautiful beaches that attract visitors.Côte d’Ivoire continues to strengthen its infrastructure development efforts, with significant investments being made in the construction of modern road networks.This is the view of Abidjan’s streets at night.Lac aux Caïmans was originally created as a site for breeding crocodiles.Today, Lac aux Caïmans serves as a habitat for more than 200 crocodiles.The Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire houses a wide range of exhibits that showcase different aspects of the country’s history, culture, and important events that have shaped its identity.The Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire contains more than 15,000 artefacts that highlight the country’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and history.The city of Abidjan is a major commercial hub with a wide range of business activities.Yamoussoukro is a developing city that continues to expand, with ongoing construction and infrastructure projects shaping its growth.Zoo National d’Abidjan houses elephants alongside a variety of other wildlife species.Zoo National d’Abidjan houses a wide range of animal species from different categories.Zoo National d’Abidjan is a dedicated wildlife sanctuary that houses and protects a variety of animal species.
As Rwanda continues implementing land use master plans across the country, Nyamagabe District recently approved a detailed land use plan for the Kitabi area bordering Nyungwe National Park. The plan reserves a 10-hectare site specifically for hotel development.
The Kitabi Tourism Zone was officially approved and announced during the Cabinet meeting of November 28, 2025, when the Nyamagabe District Master Plan was adopted.
The initiative is regarded as a major step toward promoting nature-based tourism and attracting private investment to Nyamagabe District, home to one of Rwanda’s most important tourism destinations.
Despite its proximity to Nyungwe National Park, Nyamagabe has long lacked quality accommodation facilities. Most visitors touring the area have traditionally opted to spend the night in Huye District or other neighboring towns due to the limited hotel infrastructure in Nyamagabe, reducing the district’s ability to fully benefit from tourism.
Nyamagabe District Mayor Hildebrand Niyomwungeri said the newly approved master plan officially identifies Kitabi as a hotel development zone and is expected to transform the area by encouraging tourists to stay longer and spend more in the district.
“This will attract investors to build hotels in Kitabi so that visitors entering or leaving Nyungwe National Park can find quality accommodation and places to relax. It will also generate more revenue,” he said.
He added that although no concrete projects have yet been announced, several investors have already expressed interest in the area.
Yves Maniragaba, a tour guide at Nyungwe National Park, said the development is expected to significantly strengthen tourism in Nyamagabe.
“It will increase tourism infrastructure, especially hotels, which will attract more visitors. It will also create jobs, add value to local handicrafts and agricultural products, and encourage healthy competition among hotels that will ultimately improve the quality of services offered to tourists,” he said.
Biodiversity researcher and tourism expert Dr. Ange Imanishimwe, whose work focuses on Nyungwe National Park, told IGIHE that approving the master plan should be accompanied by investments in new tourism attractions within the park itself.
He noted that tourism development efforts around Nyungwe have so far been concentrated largely in Nyamasheke District, while other districts bordering the park, including Nyamagabe, have received comparatively less attention.
“There is still a need to strengthen tourism development on the eastern side of Nyungwe, particularly in Nyamagabe at the park’s entrance. Most visitors to Nyungwe travel from Kigali, but many head straight to Gisakura in Nyamasheke because tourism facilities there are more developed,” he said.
Kitabi is considered one of the areas with strong tourism potential because of its strategic location near Nyungwe National Park, one of Rwanda’s premier protected areas. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including numerous bird and wildlife species, as well as attractions such as the Canopy Walkway and an extensive network of hiking trails that draw visitors from around the world.
Nyungwe National Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in September 2023. Covering approximately 101,900 hectares, the park is home to 322 bird species, around 200 orchid species, more than 300 butterfly species and a wide variety of other flora and fauna, making it a vital driver of tourism and economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Nyungwe National Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.The Canopy Walk at Nyungwe National Park is one of the park’s most popular attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Nyamagabe District Mayor Hildebrand Niyomwungeri said the approval of the Kitabi master plan has attracted investor interest in developing hotels in the area.Yves Maniragaba said increased investment in hotels at Kitabi would significantly improve local livelihoods. The shortage of quality accommodation in Kitabi has forced many visitors to seek lodging in neighboring districts after touring Nyungwe National Park.Environmental and biodiversity expert Dr. Ange Imanishimwe said hotel development in Kitabi should go hand in hand with expanding tourist attractions within Nyungwe National Park.
Rwanda’s Singita Kwitonda Lodge has been ranked the second-best luxury hotel in the world in the 2026 edition of Robb Report’s prestigious global index, “The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth.”
The annual ranking by the US luxury lifestyle publication evaluates premier hospitality properties across six continents. Singita Kwitonda earned its spot at the top of the list for its blend of high-end design, environmental sustainability, and proximity to Volcanoes National Park, where guests can embark on private mountain gorilla treks.
Robb Report compiled the 2026 edition using an evaluation panel of 24 international luxury travel specialists, known as Travel Masters. The panelists vetted properties based on service quality, architectural vision, location, and guest experience.
The lodge features indoor-outdoor fireplaces, heated plunge pools, and hand-fired brickwork constructed with the help of more than 500 local artisans. In addition to seven private suites, the property includes Kataza House, a four-bedroom villa designed to function as a self-contained safari lodge within the grounds.
Developed by luxury hospitality brand Singita, the lodge represents a $20 million investment in Rwanda’s high-end ecotourism sector. It was named in honor of Kwitonda, a silverback gorilla who led a prominent group in Volcanoes National Park before passing away in 2012.
A stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Volcanoes National Park ranges from $2,720 to $3,780 per adult per night sharing a double suite, depending on the season.
In the 2026 rankings, Singita Kwitonda Lodge sat just behind Nepal’s Shinta Mani Mustang, outranking luxury properties across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Robb Report’s Top 10 Luxury Hotels in the World (2026)
Shinta Mani Mustang – Kali Gandaki River Valley, Nepal
Singita Kwitonda – Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Hope Lodge – Sutherland, Scotland
Park Hyatt Tokyo – Japan
Shakti Prana – Kumaon, India
Collegio alla Querce – Florence, Italy
Claridge’s – London, U.K.
Le Bristol Paris – France
Islas Secas – Gulf of Chiriqui, Panama
Casa Bonavita – Attard, Malta
Signs showing directions to the rooms at Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House.Located in Musanze near Mount Sabyinyo, Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House features modern structures with breathtaking views of the Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes.
The Guest Suites are elegantly designed. The property provides guests with spaces where they can enjoy a swim or bask in the sun.A stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Volcanoes National Park ranges from $2,720 to $3,780 per adult per night sharing a double suite, depending on the season.Perched near the Virunga Mountains, Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers guests breathtaking views of Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhabura.
The park recorded 8,919 paying visitors during the quarter, with average visitor spending reaching US$108 per person.
Revenue was driven by tourism and hospitality activities, including park entry fees, guiding services, accommodation-related income, concession fees and fisheries.
The improved financial performance contributed to progress towards self-sustainability, with Akagera’s sustainability ratio rising from 76 per cent in April to 104 per cent in June, strengthening the park’s ability to fund conservation activities and community programmes.
The quarter also saw the official opening of SALT of Akagera, a new eco-luxury lodge operated by The Lux Collective.
The 60-room facility, overlooking Lake Ihema, replaced Akagera Game Lodge, which had been managed by Mantis Collection since 2017. The launch marked The Lux Collective’s entry into Rwanda and forms part of its wider tourism expansion plans in the country.
Wildlife conservation recorded notable achievements during the period, including the birth of three rhino calves; one black rhino and two white rhinos. The park said the births indicate that its rhino population continues to adapt well and reproduce successfully.
Rhino monitoring teams recorded more than 2,600 white rhino sightings and over 400 black rhino sightings through daily foot and aerial patrols.
At the same time, law enforcement teams conducted nearly 1,600 patrols covering about 35,000 kilometres, with no animals lost to poaching during the quarter. Rangers also removed 12 snares and arrested five illegal fishermen.
Akagera continued investing in neighbouring communities, with local cooperatives generating US$226,263 in income through activities such as fishing, beekeeping, guiding, community centre operations and construction work.
An additional US$229,374 entered surrounding communities through local procurement, bringing the total economic benefit to approximately US$455,637.
Community development initiatives included training for teachers, cooperative members, beekeepers, fishers and vocational learners.
More than 31,000 people were reached through environmental education and outreach activities, while the Akagera Lion Cup tournament brought together communities bordering the park, attracting more than 24,000 spectators across 13 matches.
As the dry season began, the park intensified fire management efforts, clearing more than 52 kilometres of firebreaks along the fence line and around key infrastructure to reduce wildfire risks and support vegetation regeneration.
The park also expanded its conservation research efforts. A June elephant survey identified six new individuals, bringing the elephant database to 115 known elephants, while 85 camera traps across 57 locations were deployed to monitor large carnivores, including lions, leopards and hyenas.
Staff capacity building remained a priority, with ranger refresher training, GIS training involving teams from Akagera, Nyungwe and Gambella National Parks, and knowledge exchanges focused on strengthening conservation skills.
Visitors explore Akagera National Park, which welcomed 8,919 paying guests between April and June 2026.Professional fishing has become a source of livelihood for many communities living around Akagera National Park.Beekeeping cooperatives are among the beneficiaries of efforts to conserve Akagera National Park.SALT of Akagera opened its doors overlooking Lake Ihema as part of Rwanda’s growing luxury tourism sector.Wildlife conservation recorded notable achievements during the period, including the birth of three rhino calves.A June elephant survey identified six new individuals, bringing the elephant database to 115 known elephants .
This is Xishuangbanna, a tropical oasis in southern Yunnan that is a totally different world to the rest of the country. I flew from Beijing at the start of summer, expecting the usual hot and humid weather. Instead, I found a frontier where the neon lights of modern China seamlessly merge with ancient, misty rainforests that stretch on for miles.
The view from the plane as it descended into the airport showed a lot of tropical-looking mountains rolling with lush green in every direction. From up high, it looked familiar, and I could have sworn we were heading back to the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, my motherland.
Lush tropical mountains that instantly bring the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda to mind.
As I left the plane, I was relieved to find that the weather was cool and fresh – the exact opposite of the sweltering summer weather that I had left behind in Beijing.
To truly understand this borderline paradise, you have to look at the staggering geographical realities that isolate and define it. The straight-line aerial distance from Beijing to Jinghong, the capital of Xishuangbanna, is approximately 2,200 kilometers.
If you were to take the newly opened China-Laos high-speed railway, that journey stretches to roughly 2,600 kilometers from Beijing South Station, and driving via the highways pushes it past 2,700 kilometers.
According to the 2020 Seventh National Census, the permanent resident population of the prefecture sits at 1,301,407 people, with the urban center of Jinghong housing about 642,000 of them.
The indigenous Dai ethnic group numbers approximately 330,000, making up about a quarter of the total population, sharing the region with Han, Hani, Yi, and Lahu communities.
The indigenous Dai people have inhabited these Mekong watersheds for over 2,000 years.
What truly shapes this land, however, is its severe vertical altitude gradient and its geopolitical edges. The prefecture shares 966 kilometers of international boundaries.
There is a 288-kilometer southwest border with Myanmar’s Shan State, featuring crossings like the Daluo-Muse port. To the southeast, a 677-kilometer border meets Laos through Luang Namtha and Oudomxay provinces.
The terrain itself plunges to just 477 meters above sea level in the Lancang River valley near Laos, and spikes to 2,429 meters at the summit of Mount Huazhu.
The Lancang River winds through the valley before flowing into Southeast Asia.
Because Xishuangbanna sits at a tropical latitude, altitude entirely overrides latitude in dictating the seasons. At low altitudes under 800 meters, there is a tropical monsoon climate with an annual average of 21.9 degrees Celsius.
There is no winter here, only a wet season from May to October that dumps up to 1,600 millimeters of rain, and a dry, cooler season from November to April. Conversely, high altitudes over 1,500 meters experience a subtropical highland climate with annual averages dropping to 17 degrees.
During the sweltering wet season, these highlands serve as a natural refuge, dropping temperatures by several degrees and triggering vertical migrations for wildlife.
The soul of this region belongs to the Dai people, whose ancestors migrated from the upper Yangtze basin southward into the Mekong watersheds over 2,000 years ago.
By the eighth century, they established the independent kingdom of Mengle, pledging tributary allegiance to Chinese empires while maintaining autonomy until the Ming and Qing dynasties integrated them as a native chieftain domain. Their language, Tai Lue, belongs to the Southwestern Tai branch of the Kra-Dai language family.
It is a linguistic bridge to Southeast Asia, sharing 75 to 80 percent lexical similarity with Lao, and is closely related to Northern Thai Lanna. It also shares up to 65 percent cognate vocabulary with Central Thai and 60 percent with Shan.
The written script, derived from Old Mon-Burmese through Theravada Buddhism, features a distinct, rounded calligraphy utilizing six tones compared to standard Thai’s five.
After collecting my bags at the airport, the drive to the hotel took around 30 minutes, during which I saw a lot of elephant sculptures. It was then that I really understood what an Elephant city I was in and that the history of Elephants in this place was even greater than what I had read on my travels so far.
Historically, Wild Asian elephants roamed in massive herds of thousands of individuals throughout the region of what is now the elephant city. The Dai people believed the elephants were the royalty of their gods. They were captured and used in wars against the Burmese and later the Khmer from neighboring countries. For centuries, the strongest elephants were used to pull the largest teak logs, some weighing up to 1.5 metric tons, until the late 1980s.
Others were used in annual ritual performances held in the middle of April as part of the city’s famous Water-Splashing Festival.
The Dai traditional laws in respect of elephants were, for the Dai, no different than those for the taking of human life. Payment for taking an elephant was made in the same way as for a human, in the form of a silver ingot of equivalent weight to that of the animal killed. This was paid to the village headman. Such were the views of the Dai towards elephants for at least centuries prior to the 1940s, when this was written down by the anthropologist.
The decline of the population of wild Asian elephants in Yunnan was triggered by habitat fragmentation due to large-scale development of rubber plantations. The area of rubber plantations increased dramatically to over 250,000 ha by 2005, while the elephant population crashed to a low of 150 animals in the 1990s.
A new census of Asian elephants in the wild has been conducted in the area by conservationists, and it has revealed that there are between 283 and 300 elephants roaming the province of Yunnan.
Binding this entire ecosystem together is the Lancang River, known globally as the Mekong. It flows through Xishuangbanna for 188 kilometers, acting as the only river that exits China through this prefecture and draining its entire territory.
This massive waterway geologically and culturally connects the valleys to Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
That evening, I experienced the ultimate fusion of this ancient river heritage and modern vibrancy at Gaozhuang Xishuangjing, the famous Starlight Night Market. Located right along the Lancang River in Jinghong, I had never seen anything like it in my entire life.
It felt exactly like stepping into the bustling, ancient marketplaces seen in that old Jesus movie we have all watched, except this was exploding with thousands of colorful conical parasol lights. The sheer scale was breathtaking.
Everywhere I looked, content creators were recording the electric atmosphere, weaving between stalls selling intricate Dai silverware, silk, and souvenirs. The real star was the street food. I found myself surrounded by the aromas of grilled luosifen snails, bamboo-wrapped sticky rice, and exotic insects sizzling on open grills.
Adventurous street food stalls offering a perfectly crispy variety of exotic local meat.
With a musical fountain show playing in the background and the river bridge lighting up the night sky, it was an intoxicating blend of ancient tradition linked up to future technology. You simply would not ever wish to leave this place.
The next day, I ventured into the high altitudes to visit Nannuo Mountain, an absolute pilgrimage site for tea lovers. This is one of the oldest and most famous mountains for growing Pu’er tea, home to ancient tea trees that have stood for over 800 years.
Misty tea terraces cover Nannuo Mountain, an ancient pilgrimage site for tea lovers.
My day involved hiking through misty tea terraces and visiting the traditional Hani ethnic minority villages, who are the traditional tea growers of the region. Sitting in a local tea farmer’s wooden hut, sampling raw, earthy Pu’er right at the source, was a grounding experience.
Yet, what completely shocked me was looking out and seeing modern flats built right into the mountain landscape. You would never imagine such urban prosperity existing in harmony with ancient high-mountain farming. The people here are so prosperous and genuinely amazing.
Xishuangbanna demands multiple visits to see everything it holds. You absolutely must visit the Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden, the crown jewel run by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Spanning over 1,100 hectares, it is divided into a public West Garden filled with ornamental aquatic plants and dancing grass, and a reserved East Garden featuring a pristine tropical rainforest canopy where you can easily spend half a day marveling at over 13,000 plant species.
Then there is Wild Elephant Valley, the only place in China to reliably observe wild Asian elephants. Walking along its 1.3-kilometer elevated skywalk through the rainforest canopy allows you to watch them bathe and forage, alongside educational performance shows featuring a semi-domesticated herd of 16 retired elephants.
Elephant sculptures line the streets, serving as a reminder of the ancient kingdom.
For ultimate adventurers, the Wangtianshu Sky Tree Scenic Area in Mengla County features a rare tropical tree soaring 80 meters high. The Corridor of the Sky, a dizzying suspension bridge and spiral staircase, lets you climb right into the treetops for a bird-eye view of the ocean-like rainforest.
If you are ready to pack your bags and write your own story, timing your visit is crucial. Because the rainy season from May to October is heavily humid and wet, the absolute perfect time to visit is from November to April when the weather is cooler and much drier.
When you do go, make sure to pack bright-colored clothes, as the lush, endless greenery makes for the most amazing photographs. And above all else, in this wild, beautiful frontier, always remember to carry strong insect repellent.
Where towering skyscrapers and ancient mountains coexist in absolute perfect harmony.Thousands of colorful conical parasols light up the Gaozhuang Xishuangjing night market.The illuminated river bridge and musical fountain create a magical nighttime backdrop.Jinghong pulses with an electric energy you simply will not find anywhere else.Jinghong city center, home to a large portion of the prefecture’s permanent residents.Content creators film the electric atmosphere of the bustling Lancang riverfront bazaar.An awe-inspiring cityscape that completely redefines what a Chinese frontier looks like.A vibrant array of street food includes grilled luosifen and bamboo-wrapped sticky rice.
The update brings the total number of individually identified elephants in Akagera to 115, including 65 females and 50 males. These identified individuals represent approximately 80% of the park’s estimated elephant population, providing valuable insight into the composition, movements, and dynamics of Akagera’s herds.
Individual elephant identification is an important part of Akagera’s long-term conservation efforts, enabling monitoring teams to track individual animals, understand population trends, and support informed conservation and management decisions. Each new identification adds to the growing body of knowledge that helps protect and manage one of Africa’s most iconic species.
Established in 1934, Akagera National Park covers 1,120 square kilometres and is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo — alongside many other species that contribute to the park’s unique biodiversity.
The park’s remarkable wildlife recovery story has been highlighted by the growth of its lion population, which was revealed in August last year to have increased from just seven individuals to 62 over the past decade. This significant recovery demonstrates the impact of sustained conservation efforts, including improved protection, monitoring, and habitat management.
Additionally, in June last year, Akagera welcomed 70 southern white rhinos translocated from South Africa in a historic cross-continental conservation effort. The arrival significantly strengthened the park’s rhino population and built on the successful reintroduction of 30 white rhinos in 2021.
Together, these milestones reflect the continued success of conservation initiatives at Akagera, where careful monitoring, species reintroductions, and dedicated management are helping restore and safeguard some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife populations.
INDIVIDUAL ELEPHANT IDENTIFICATION UPDATE: The bi-monthly elephant survey was completed, resulting in the addition of six new individuals to the database. Akagera now has 115 individually identified elephants, comprising 65 females and 50 males, representing approximately 80% of… pic.twitter.com/kUCIOVQ1v9
— Akagera National Park (@AkageraPark) July 14, 2026
The meeting, held on Saturday evening, was led by RDB Chief Tourism Officer Irène Murerwa and focused on the trio’s activities and opportunities to amplify the country’s unique tourism experiences through their combined social media reach.
The discussions come as Ashton Hall, Kagarara and Yogendra Kushwah conclude a multi-country tour across Africa, with Rwanda serving as the final stop of Hall’s journey on the continent.
According to RDB, the meeting explored “opportunities to showcase the country’s unique tourism experiences to global audiences.”
During the discussions, Murerwa welcomed the visitors and thanked them for choosing Rwanda, noting that their content has the potential to inspire young people and introduce millions around the world to the country.
Hall, whose online audience runs into millions, spoke enthusiastically about his experience in Rwanda, describing Kigali as cleaner than he had expected.
“I saw so many nice places, clean. They don’t know. This is cleaner than my city, Miami. Kigali is cleaner than Miami, and I never expected that,” he said, echoing Kigali’s reputation as one of Africa’s cleanest cities.
He explained that one of his goals during the African tour is to challenge common misconceptions about the continent.
“When I was headed here, I wanted to show all of Africa because, in America, we kind of see one side, but we don’t see all the sides,” Hall remarked. “I wanted to show all of the things that I feel like I never knew about Africa, and Rwanda as well.”
Hall also reflected on his visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, describing it as one of the most meaningful experiences of his trip.
“I feel like a lot of people, if you come to Rwanda, you have to go there for sure,” he said, adding that the memorial gave him a deeper appreciation of the country’s history and the resilience of its people.
The meeting also touched on the visitors’ upcoming tourism experiences, including gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, one of Rwanda’s flagship tourism attractions. Hall, who described gorillas as his favourite animals, expressed excitement about the experience.
Having already experienced aspects of Rwanda’s culture by wearing traditional attire and visiting local communities, Hall said he had been impressed by everything he had seen so far.
“You guys have too much to offer. The gorillas, the cows, the safari… I felt like I’ve seen a lot already.”
Despite initially planning to leave Rwanda earlier, Hall said travel changes extended his stay, something he now sees as a blessing.
“I was really sad to leave. I didn’t want to leave… I just see it as a sign. God wanted me to stay.”
Before departing, Hall described Rwanda as a place he intends to return to.
“We’re coming back. This is our second home,” he said.
Ashton Hall’s global influence, coupled with the growing audiences of Indian Ashton and Rwanda’s Kagarara, presents the country with an opportunity to reach millions of potential travellers across different regions. Kagarara has built a large following by inspiring people through his story of overcoming disability, while Indian Ashton has attracted a significant audience in India through his content.
Rwanda has continued to expand its international tourism marketing through the Visit Rwanda campaign, partnering with leading football clubs including Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid, as well as NBA franchise the LA Clippers, to raise the country’s profile and attract more tourists and investors.
The meeting, held on Saturday evening, was led by RDB Chief Tourism Officer Irène Murerwa and focused on the trio’s activities and opportunities to amplify the country’s unique tourism experiences through their combined social media reach.
With a history stretching back more than 2,400 to 3,000 years, Chengdu has long been known as one of China’s most culturally rich and creatively dynamic cities.
Often described as one of China’s most livable cities, Chengdu is famous for its leisurely lifestyle, teahouse culture, and vibrant street life.
A typical day for many locals begins in a traditional teahouse, where friends gather over a pot of tea, chatting and playing mahjong in a slow rhythm that reflects the city’s identity. By afternoon, life often shifts to hotpot restaurants, followed by lively evening gatherings that stretch late into the night.
But beyond this relaxed image, Chengdu is also a rapidly growing economic and creative hub. Today, it is one of the most important cities in western China and ranks among the country’s top urban economies, with a population exceeding 20 million people.
Over the past decade, the city has experienced remarkable growth, driven by infrastructure development, technology, transport expansion, and a rising creative and digital economy.
Its modern skyline, metro systems, shopping districts, and business centres reflect a city that is constantly evolving while preserving its cultural roots.
At the heart of Chengdu’s global reputation is its status as a UNESCO “City of Gastronomy,” the first in Asia to receive this honour. Sichuan cuisine, one of China’s four major culinary traditions, originated here and is celebrated worldwide for its bold, spicy, and complex flavours.
A local saying captures this perfectly: “The best cuisine is from China, while the richest flavour is from Chengdu.”
Chengdu food culture is built on balance and harmony, blending sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty tastes into one experience.
Signature dishes such as hotpot, Mapo Tofu, and delicacies made with Doubanjiang (fermented bean paste) define the city’s culinary identity.
With over 60,000 restaurants, thousands of chefs, and a thriving food industry employing hundreds of thousands of people, Chengdu is truly a paradise for food lovers. The city also hosts annual food festivals that bring together chefs, tourists, and food enthusiasts from around the world.
Yet Chengdu is not only about food—it is also the proud home of China’s national treasure, the giant panda. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is one of the world’s most important conservation centres for pandas.
Located just a short distance from the city centre, it allows visitors to observe these rare animals in a natural, carefully protected environment.
One of the most unique traditions here is that all baby pandas are given names in a ceremonial way, just as Rwanda names baby mountain gorillas every year, a symbolic gesture that reflects global conservation culture and respect for wildlife heritage.
The city is also rich in historical and cultural attractions. Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys) offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Chengdu life, with ancient-style streets, teahouses, artisan shops, spas, and local snacks. It is a place where history and modern tourism meet in a lively cultural atmosphere.
Another important site is the Temple of Marquis Wu, built in honour of Zhuge Liang, a legendary strategist of the ancient Shu Kingdom. The temple preserves centuries of history through sculptures, relics, and ancient inscriptions that continue to attract visitors and history lovers.
Not far away lies Du Fu Thatched Cottage, the former residence of one of China’s greatest poets. Here, Du Fu wrote many of his most famous works during a peaceful period of his life, making the site a symbol of Chinese literary heritage and reflection.
For those seeking natural and engineering wonders, Chengdu offers access to extraordinary sites such as the Leshan Giant Buddha, a monumental stone carving carved into a cliff face that stands as one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
Nearby, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, built over 2,000 years ago, remains a functioning masterpiece of ancient engineering and water management, still benefiting millions of people today.
Chengdu’s charm also lies in its modern lifestyle districts such as Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li, where luxury brands, shopping malls, street food, and entertainment spaces coexist. Visitors can enjoy everything from international fashion to local crafts, all within a vibrant urban atmosphere.
The city’s appeal can be summed up in five powerful reasons: it is romantic, scenic, delicious, relaxed, and home to giant pandas.
Whether exploring the historic lanes, tasting spicy Sichuan cuisine, watching a Sichuan opera performance, Chengdu offers a lifestyle that feels both peaceful and deeply enriching.
It invites visitors not only to explore its landmarks, but to experience a way of life where comfort, culture, and creativity exist in perfect harmony.
Chengdu’s skyline reflects the city’s rapid growth while preserving its cultural identity.Du Fu Thatched Cottage honours the legacy of one of China’s greatest poets.Chengdu’s vibrant streets showcase the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and modern energy.The Temple of Marquis Wu preserves the history of Zhuge Liang and the ancient Shu Kingdom.Chengdu is renowned as the home of giant panda. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding supports conservation efforts for China’s national treasure.A giant panda rests at the Chengdu Research Base, one of the world’s leading panda conservation centres.Chengdu’s modern infrastructure highlights its transformation into one of western China’s leading urban centres.Visitors stand chance to observe giant pandas in a protected environment at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.Chengdu’s modern infrastructure highlights its transformation into one of western China’s leading urban centres.Residents gather in a Chengdu teahouse, enjoying tea and conversations in a long-standing local tradition.A Sichuan opera performance preserves one of Chengdu’s most distinctive cultural traditions.Sichuan cuisine showcases the bold flavours and culinary traditions that define Chengdu’s identity.People play mahjong in a traditional Chengdu setting, reflecting the city’s leisurely way of life.A Chengdu hotpot meal represents one of the city’s most famous and celebrated food experiences.The Dujiangyan Irrigation System remains a remarkable example of ancient Chinese engineering.Kuanzhai Alley offers visitors a glimpse into Chengdu’s traditional architecture and cultural heritage.The Leshan Giant Buddha stands as one of the world’s largest and most impressive stone Buddha statues.The Chengdu metro system supports movement across a city experiencing rapid economic and urban development.Mapo tofu is among the signature Sichuan dishes that contribute to Chengdu’s global food reputation.
