{"id":2000104131,"date":"2026-03-04T15:58:51","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T13:58:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/?p=2000104131"},"modified":"2026-03-04T15:58:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T13:58:53","slug":"rwandan-celebrities-fans-explore-akagera-in-breathtaking-safari-tour-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/rwandan-celebrities-fans-explore-akagera-in-breathtaking-safari-tour-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"Rwandan celebrities, fans explore Akagera in breathtaking safari tour (Photos)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The initiative aimed at promoting domestic tourism while giving participants an immersive experience in the rich biodiversity of one of Rwanda\u2019s most iconic wildlife destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Participants expressed excitement as they explored Akagera\u2019s scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5352\" height=\"4480\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104134\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Celebrities, including Ish Kevin and DiezDola, joined fans for an unforgettable safari adventure at Akagera National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The tour, held on Saturday, February 28, followed a successful inaugural trip to Nyungwe National Park. Organisers have since announced a third excursion scheduled for April in Bigogwe, Nyabihu District, as part of ongoing efforts to encourage Rwandans to discover the country\u2019s natural attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The highlight of the trip was the game drive, which took participants deep into the park\u2019s wilderness. Akagera, renowned for its diverse wildlife species including lions, giraffes, zebras and elephants, offered guests an opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5784\" height=\"3856\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_43.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104144\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> The group was fortunate to spot elephants, one of the iconic Big Five, during their adventure at Akagera National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the group did not spot the complete Big Five, they encountered elephants, buffaloes and a rhinoceros during the drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Babu Rugemana, the event organiser, described wildlife viewing as a matter of chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou may see them today, and you may not see them tomorrow,\u201d he said, noting that safari experiences vary from one visit to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"6720\" height=\"4480\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_39.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104135\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Families with their children had an amazing time at Akagera National Park, enjoying the beauty of nature and the thrill of wildlife sightings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the game drive, participants enjoyed a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where they observed hippos, crocodiles and various bird species. The boat cruise provided a unique vantage point of the park\u2019s ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tour also featured a guided nature walk led by conservation experts, who educated participants on Akagera\u2019s ecological significance, conservation efforts and historical background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking to IGIHE, Amen Babu Rugemana expressed appreciation to the sponsors, partners and celebrities who supported and amplified the initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He specifically acknowledged IGIHE and Choice Live for their sponsorship, and commended Coach Gael for backing the event, particularly in its appeal to young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m thankful to everyone who made this trip a success, from our sponsors to the celebrities who shared their experiences. Their engagement plays a key role in promoting Rwanda\u2019s wildlife and tourism potential,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4480\" height=\"4979\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_34.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104145\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The group was treated to the sight of giraffes gracefully roaming through Akagera National Park, adding to the awe of the safari experience.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking ahead, Rugemana reaffirmed plans for the upcoming April trip to Bigogwe in Nyabihu District.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis is just the beginning. We want to continue creating opportunities for more people to explore Akagera and other unique destinations across Rwanda,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Akagera National Park continues to play a vital role in Rwanda\u2019s conservation and tourism sectors. Located in eastern Rwanda, the park is home to the Big Five, lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards, making it one of the region\u2019s premier wildlife destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In recent years, visitor numbers have steadily grown, reaching 59,538 in 2025, a 5.4% increase over the previous year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This growth, alongside ongoing conservation and restoration initiatives and the park\u2019s achievement of 100% operational self-sufficiency in 2025, underscores Akagera\u2019s importance as both a cornerstone of Rwanda\u2019s natural heritage and a key driver of the country\u2019s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4480\" height=\"6272\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104136\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Osmarito, the popular TikToker, was also part of the adventure at Akagera National Park, sharing his experience with fans and capturing the beauty of Rwanda&#8217;s wildlife.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4399\" height=\"5693\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_15.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104170\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4480\" height=\"5600\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104137\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5352\" height=\"4480\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_1-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104138\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2987\" height=\"3865\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_20.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104139\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">IGIHE journalists were also on the ground at Akagera National Park, capturing the essence of the adventure and sharing the unforgettable moments of the safari.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2521\" height=\"2017\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_35.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104148\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4979\" height=\"3847\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_33.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104149\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4182\" height=\"2788\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_40.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104151\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The group was thrilled to spot zebras during the safari tour at Akagera National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4480\" height=\"6272\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_30.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104152\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3465\" height=\"3465\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_36.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104153\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"4103\" height=\"4103\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0203_38.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000104154\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&nbsp;The day at Akagera National Park offered a variety of entertainment activities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>More than 70 Rwandans, including popular figures such as Phil Peter, Ish Kevin, DiezDola and Rusine Patrick, embarked on a thrilling safari adventure in Akagera National Park over the weekend in a tour organised by RUA Safaris in partnership with \u201cUs with Lions\u201d.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":139,"featured_media":2000104133,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[151,69],"byline":[201],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-2000104131","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tourism","tag-editors-choice","tag-homehighlights","byline-rania-umutoni"],"bylines":[{"id":201,"name":"Rania Umutoni","slug":"rania-umutoni","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":139}],"contributors":[{"id":201,"name":"Rania Umutoni","slug":"rania-umutoni","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default 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