Free Access for Rwandan Nationals to Akagera National Park
EXTENDED FOR ONE MORE DAY! Nationals can now visit for free on Saturday 29th November!
In celebration of 80 years of conservation in Akagera, Akagera Management Company are offering free entry to Rwandan Nationals for the 3-day period beginning on 26th November 2014; the date Akagera was established as a National Park in 1934.
2014 marks a milestone year for Akagera as the park celebrates 80 years of conservation. Outside of Rwanda, knowledge of tourism and conservation within the country might be dominated by the famed mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park while Akagera has remained a little-known gem. But to the people of Rwanda, Akagera is a firm favourite, with nationals making up 50% of park visitors amounting to over 10,000 people so far this year.
Among the oldest parks in Africa, Akagera has a fascinating history of turbulent times and great achievements. As it celebrates this anniversary, the park is looking forward to a bright future. Five years ago, Akagera came under a 20-year management partnership between the Government of Rwanda and the conservation organization, African Parks. Together they formed Akagera Management Company, the organization responsible for total management of Akagera from conservation initiatives to tourism development and law enforcement.
"We are offering free access to nationals in order to encourage more people to visit their beautiful park and create a sense of ownership of the natural heritage, using Akagera’s 80th anniversary to raise awareness of conservation issues. The long term survival of Akagera, and all Rwanda’s parks, relies on the people of Rwanda.” Park Manager, Jes Gruner, says.
Highlights of the past 5 years:
• 71% increase in visitor numbers since 2010
• 360% increase in park-earned revenue since 2010
• 110km fully electrified fence along western and southern boundary, patrolled daily
• 50% increase in arrest rates and massive reduction in poaching and snare removal
• More than 8,000 animals counted in the 2013 census, a dramatic increase on 2010 census
• Collaring of 6 elephants with GPS tracking devices
• Plan for the re-introduction and lion and black rhino underway
• More than 1,300 local school children participate in organized visits to the park every year
Free access to the park includes entry fees and vehicle entry fees only, it does not in include free access to accommodation facilities, transport to, or within, the park and other tourist activities.
For more information, call the park reception on 0786182871