70 southern white rhinos translocated to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park as part of conservation efforts 70 southern white rhinos translocated to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park as part of conservation efforts

Seventy southern white rhinos have been translocated to Rwanda‘s Akagera National Park as part of an ambitious conservation project.

The move to Akagera National Park, which we included on our Travel Green List 2025 for its commitment to combat poaching and the reintroduction of key species such as lions and rhinos, is part of African Parks’ Rhino Rewild Initiative and was completed in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

The initiative has already seen 30 southern white rhino translocated to the park in 2021, with that population growing to 41 animals by 2025. The decision was made to boost Akagera’s white rhino population ‘so that it can contribute more meaningfully to regional conservation efforts and reinforce Rwanda’s growing role in global rhino conservation efforts’.

Having once had most of its wildlife decimated, Akagera is now home to all of Africa’s Big Five – one of the most successful comebacks among Africa’s parks.

Jean-Guy Afrika, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, said, “This historic translocation reflects Rwanda’s growing contribution to global conservation efforts. Our commitment to protecting endangered species is closely tied to our vision for sustainable tourism, where thriving wildlife and well-managed protected areas like Akagera National Park create long-term value for both visitors and communities.

“This milestone reinforces our dedication to strengthening Rwanda’s protected landscapes and enhancing the country’s appeal as a destination for conservation-based tourism.”

African Parks manages 22 parks across 12 countries, including Angola, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with 20 million hectares under conservation. The Rhino Rewild Initiative aims to rewild over 2,000 rhino – almost 15% of the remaining global population – to protected areas across the continent over the next decade.

Under African Parks’ management, Akagera National Park has grown its animal population from 5,000 in 2010 to nearly 12,000 today. A self-drive park, you can see the fruits of this labour for yourself between 6am and 6pm daily.

Prefer to stay overnight? Akagera is home to a number of accommodation options, including four campsites and a luxury hotel, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge.

More information: africanparks.org / visitakagera.org

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