Rhinos in Akagera National Park Rwanda

Rhinos in Akagera National Park are among the most sought-after animal species due to their recent reintroduction for game viewing. Akagera National Park in Rwanda is presently the largest wetland reserve in Central Africa and the last remaining wildlife sanctuary in the nation. The park is the sole one of the three national parks in Rwanda where travelers can observe wildlife species, including the Big Five.

Akagera National Park has significantly recovered from its bleak period during the 1994 Rwanda Genocide, which brought the park to the brink of devastation. In the late 1970s, more than 50 rhinos inhabited the savanna regions of Akagera National Park. Nonetheless, the complete population of rhinos in Akagera was exterminated by farmers who returned to Rwanda as refugees following the conclusion of the Rwandan civil war.

The majority of refugees who repatriated to Rwanda during the genocide sought resources in the park’s forests for timber, grazed their livestock, and hunted wildlife for bushmeat.

 

 

In 2010, the Rwanda Development Board, in collaboration with African Parks, over control of the national park; as a result of their conservation initiatives, a significant portion of the park has been revitalized to its original splendor.

One of the numerous successful conservation initiatives in Akagera National Park is the reintroduction of the black rhinoceros. The inaugural translocation of rhinos to Akagera occurred in May 2017, involving the relocation of 18 black eastern rhinoceroses from South Africa to the national park. This outcome is the result of a successful collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board, African Parks, and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, which facilitated the reintroduction of the species after a decade of absence in the park.

The initial relocation of these rhinoceros species to Akagera National Park involved a travel of 2,486 miles from South Africa to Rwanda. Since that time, the population of rhinos in Akagera has increased spontaneously. This follows the reintroduction of lions in July 2015 to the national park, and subsequently the relocation of two additional male lions to augment the existing pride’s population.

Furthermore, five additional rhinos were relocated from Europe to Akagera National Park. On June 24, 2019, five rhinos, comprising three females and two males, were relocated from several European zoos and donated to Rwanda by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Five rhinos, called Jasiri, Jasmina, Manny, Mandela, and Olmoti, were relocated to Akagera National Park by a chartered Boeing 747-400F cargo aircraft operated by Air Atlanta.

This demonstrates goodwill and cooperation among zoos and conservation organizations globally. The rhinoceroses Jasiri, Jasmina, and Manny were born at Safari Park Dvur Kralove in the Czech Republic. Mandela originates from Ree Park Safari zoo in Denmark, whereas Olmoti hails from Flamingo Land in the United Kingdom. The rhinos range in age from two to nine years, and tourists at Akagera National Park in Rwanda may observe these rhinos during a game drive in the park.

The translocation of these five rhinos to Akagera National Park represents the longest historical transport of rhinos from Europe to Africa. It involved a 6,000 km transcontinental expedition from the Republic of Czechoslovakia to Akagera National Park in Rwanda.

This demonstration of conservation initiatives exemplifies how collaborations between zoos and environmental organizations can synergistically contribute to the preservation of endangered animals.

Before the reintroduction of black eastern rhinos to Akagera National Park in 2017, many personnel engaged in extensive study and training focused on planning, preparation, tracking, and monitoring of rhinos. This was executed to guarantee the protection and safety of the species from poachers within the national park.

Visitors to Akagera National area in Rwanda now have a significant opportunity to observe rhinos, following a decade of their absence from the area. Significant advancements have occurred in security and development within the national park, including the establishment of an anti-poaching unit in Akagera, the deployment of a helicopter for aerial monitoring, and an augmented presence of park rangers to enhance security.

It is estimated that less than 5,000 black rhinoceroses inhabit the African continent, with the majority of the population located in South Africa. The reintroduction of black Eastern Rhinos to Akagera National Park has positively influenced tourist visitation, with over 44,000 reported visits in 2018 alone.

Furthermore, the total annual revenue generated from tourism operations in Akagera National Park has risen by USD 2 million for the Rwandan government. This indicates that the national park is progressing rapidly, attributable to the collaborative efforts of the Rwanda Development Board, the Rwandan government, local communities residing within and near Akagera National Park, as well as various NGOs, including the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria), and African Parks.

Akagera National Park is home to approximately 20 black rhinos, more than 100 savanna elephants, and in excess of 15 lions. The national park hosts more than 500 avian species, establishing it as a premier location for birdwatching excursions in Rwanda. The park serves as a habitat for various primate species, including the olive baboon, silver monkeys, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys, among others.

at addition to the black eastern rhinos at Akagera National Park, guests will have the opportunity to observe various wildlife, including lions, zebras, giraffes, duikers, crocodiles, hippos, hyenas, and antelopes, among others. The park provides tourists with guided game drives during the day and night for a cost of USD 35 and USD 45, respectively.

Visitors to Akagera National Park in Rwanda can partake in various activities, including camping, boat cruises, guided nature walks, wildlife drives, fishing, and village visits, among others. Tourists residing in the national park for two or more days may find lodging at the following establishments within the park: Magashi Safari Camp, Akagera Game Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp, and Ruzizi Tented Lodge.

Akagera National Park is approximately a 2½ hour journey from Kigali City, situated around 110 kilometers from the city center. The national park is situated in the northeastern area of Rwanda, adjacent to the border with Tanzania.

Akagera National Park in Rwanda is an ideal destination for any wildlife safari in the country; visitors seeking to observe rhinos and other wildlife should not overlook the opportunity to include a safari in this national park.