Akagera National Park, Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah - adapted species in Rwanda, hugging the border with Tanzania, characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains and savannah, highlighted by varied terrain shelters including elephants, lions, zebras and hundreds of bird species is targeting $4.9 million in tourism revenue according to a report by Africa Parks, the organisation that manages this protected area.
The projection follows a 3% decline to $4.7 million in 2024, despite recording some 2.000 more visitors than in the previous year. The decrease was mainly attributed to reduction in average spending per visitor, impacted by health concerns and temporary facility closure.
The Funding and Reporting Manager at Akagera National Park, Jean - Paul Kariganire explained that the outbreaks od Marburg and Monkeypox diseases in the last quarter of 2024 led to cautions visitor behavior, with tourists spending less during their stays and the temporary closure of Karenge Bush Camp for three months due to facility upgrades further affected earnings.
The Manager told The New Times newspaper that Akagera National Park commend the swift and coordinated response of the Rwanda Government, especially the Ministry of Health, in carefully handling these outbreaks and minimizing their impact on tourism.
Data provided reflect that in 2023 the park had welcomed more than 54.000 visitors, including 3.000 community guests who generated $4.8 million in tourism revenue, while in 2024 Akagera National Park received more than 56.000 visitors, including more than 48.000 paying guests, Rwandian citizens made up 45% of the paying visitors and the park generated $4.7 million in revenue.
The Funding and Reporting Manager at Akagera National Park said that the efforts by RDB, the Rwanda Development Board and the Visit Rwanda initiative played a key role in boosting visitor numbers.
The increase in visitors shows a strong interest in Akagera National Park, and these challenges highlight the resilience and adaptability of the national tourism industry.
The Manager stated that to achieve the revenue target of $4.9 million in 2025, the park plans to focus on improving the quality of visitor experiences, encouraging longer stays, and promoting leisure activities within the park and the aim is to foster meaningful connections between visitors and the natural environment.
A local Tour Operator, Jeanette Rugero Murekateke to encourage tourists to stay longer said that consistent innovation and quality service are essential explaining that as tour guide is important visitors receive full information and the best service possible about the beautiful Rwanda so that they become country’s ambassadors.
The Tour Operator stressed that while these additions help extend tourists’ stay that conserving existing sites and making them sustainable is key to ensuring Rwanda remains a desirable destination for generation to come.
Concerning other information about the park, the New Times has recently learnt about the plans which are underway to translocate white rhinos to Akagera National Park.
According to the African Parks organisation, in late 2023 it acquired the world’s largest captive rhino breeding operation in South Africa and launched the Rhino Rewild Initiative, an effort top relocate over 2.000 rhinos to safe, protected areas across the African continent.
Rwanda’s tourism generated $647 million in 2024, and the Government targets some $700 million in 2025 and the national parks are an important resource of income for the country.
The national parks experienced a 10.7% increase in visitors and 8.5% growth in revenue, reaching 138.000 visitors and $38.8 million in park - generated income. Nyunwe National Park led the growth with a 20% increase in visitors, followed by Volcanoes and Akagera National Park.
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