Revival of Akagera National Park in Rwanda as a tourist destination is a remarkable success story: the park experienced its best ever tourism year in 2023 when the protected area welcomed 54 000 visitors.

Situated in eastern Rwanda, Akagera is one of 22 protected areas managed by conservation NGO African Parks in 12 countries. The NGO partnered with the Rwanda Development Board in 2010 to transform Akagera into an income-generating park by securing and reintroducing wildlife (including Rwanda’s only population of rhino), establishing socio-economic development projects and stimulating tourism.

According to the NGO’s 2023 annual report, Akagera earned US$4.8 million from tourism and socio-economic development projects last year, which made the park 92% self-sufficient.

According to African Parks, Akagera is on target to become the first park in the portfolio to reach 100% financial sustainability by 2025 when income will be equal to or exceed operating costs.

International visitors to the park increased by 32% from 2022-2023 (43% of paying guests were Rwandan citizens). All revenue generated from tourism goes towards Akagera’s running costs, reducing reliance on donor funding and simultaneously making the park more financially self-sufficient.

The park also contributed US$316 000 to the Rwanda Tourism sharing scheme, a government financial vehicle that invests in communities around protected areas.

Tourism revenues are generated by four accommodation establishments – ranging from the rustic Karenge Bush Camp to the 60-room Mantis Akagera Game Lodge – as well as day visits and camping.

Over 2 000 school children and 3 000 community members visit the park each year as part of the environmental education programme.

The 112 000ha park protects the only remaining wetland habitat in the Central Africa region and is the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted wildlife species in Rwanda. With African Parks’ support, wildlife numbers have grown from less than 5 000 in 2010 to almost 12 000 animals today.