Jean Paul Karinganire

🇷🇼NDI UMUNYARWANDA -Funding and Reporting Manager at @AkageraPark. #OurAkagera #Conservation #SustainableTourism. Views are my own.

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘. 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬. 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗔 𝗗𝗜𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗟𝗬.
This guided 7km walk follows a section of Akagera National Park’s electric fence, an essential conservation boundary that has helped reduce human-wildlife conflict, support neighbouring communities, and enable the reintroduction of lions and rhinos.
Starting from the southern entrance, the walk takes you through scenic slopes, peaceful community landscapes, active birdlife, and rewarding viewpoints overlooking the park and the surrounding valley.
Led by Community Freelance Guides, this activity offers a meaningful way to learn how conservation and community coexist along Akagera’s boundary.
Explore the boundary that protects wildlife, supports communities, and tells Akagera’s conservation story. Contact our reservations team at [email protected] or call [phone].
#WalkTheLine #Akagera #Rwanda

Photos: @KJP_Akagera and @kelemaa_

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

The 2026 Lions Cup Football Tournament is underway! Now in its 12th edition, the tournament continues to bring Akagera’s neighbouring communities together through sport while raising awareness about lion conservation and the park’s wider conservation efforts.
Through every match, Akagera strengthens its connection with local communities, celebrating conservation, teamwork, and shared pride in protecting wildlife.
📷: @Sugirapacific

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

From left to right: Meet George, Daniel, Anaclet, Justus, Amour, and Isaac—former members of Akagera’s Community Freelance Guides and part of the first cohort that pioneered the freelance guiding initiative in Akagera National Park.
What began in 2014 as a pioneering Community Freelance Guides initiative has grown into one of Akagera National Park’s most impactful community development success stories. Created to connect local communities with the growing opportunities of conservation tourism, the programme has equipped generations of guides with professional training, practical experience, and a pathway to sustainable livelihoods. Members of the first cohorts have since grown into accomplished tourism professionals, establishing successful tourism businesses, owning safari vehicles, becoming senior guides at international lodges, leading tours across Rwanda and East Africa, and continuing to contribute to the growth of the region’s tourism industry.
Over the past 12 years, the Community Freelance Guides initiative has supported five different cohorts, with the cooperative earning more than US$1 million in guiding revenue. Along the way, participants have gained valuable skills through in-house training, professional development opportunities, and industry-recognised guiding programmes. Beyond generating income, the initiative has built a network of highly skilled tourism professionals whose knowledge, experience, and passion for conservation continue to set them apart across the industry.
Today, we celebrate every individual who has been and continues to be part of this remarkable journey. Your success demonstrates the power of conservation to create opportunities, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations. Thank you for serving as ambassadors for Akagera, Rwanda, and a conservation-led economy that continues to transform lives beyond the park boundaries.
#CommunityDevelopment #ConservationWorks #Akagera #Tourism #Rwanda #AficanParks
Photos: Daniel Nishimwe

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

The dry season has arrived in Rwanda and Akagera National Park! From June to September, you can expect warm days, little rain, and clear views, making it the perfect time for game viewing. With thinner vegetation, spotting wildlife becomes much easier, and animals often gather around water sources, creating incredible moments for visitors.
🔥 During the dry season, you may notice controlled, low-intensity fires in parts of the park. These carefully planned prescribed burns reduce the risk of dangerous wildfires, recycle nutrients into the soil, encourage fresh grass growth for grazing wildlife, and help control invasive plant species and parasites such as tsetse flies. Firebreaks are also maintained along roads, fences, and infrastructure to prevent the spread of uncontrolled fires, helping keep Akagera's ecosystems healthy, resilient, and safe.
🚗 If you’re visiting, please stick to designated roads, respect speed limits, and stay informed about fire safety measures. Visitors are encouraged to report any fires they notice. ✉️/📞 For more information, reach out at [email protected] or call/WhatsApp at [phone].
#Akagera #Rwanda #Conservation #DrySeason
🎥: Lucky Filmz

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝟳𝟬 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗪𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗥𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗢𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗔 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔

What began as the largest rhino translocation ever undertaken has become a remarkable conservation success. One year on, the 70 southern white rhinos are thriving in their new home in Akagera National Park, new calves have been born, and not a single rhino has been lost to poaching. Their successful adaptation reinforces Akagera’s role as a secure breeding stronghold and an important contributor to the future of rhino conservation in Africa.

This milestone reflects the power of collaboration and the vision of the Rhino Rewild Initiative, an ambitious effort to secure the future of rhinos by establishing thriving populations in well-managed protected areas across Africa.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the @RDBrwanda, @AfricanParks, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, our dedicated field teams, conservation experts, and the many stakeholders whose support made this historic achievement possible.

Together, we are demonstrating that when vision, partnership, and protection come together, conservation at scale can deliver lasting results for wildlife and future generations.
#OneyearAnniversarry #Akagera #AfricanParks #rwandaworks

Photos: Wikitoria West

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

🌍 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗘𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

This World Environment Day, we join the global call for Climate Action, a reminder that the health of our planet depends on the actions we take today. As climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation continue to affect communities and ecosystems worldwide, protecting nature has never been more important.

At Akagera National Park, climate action and conservation go hand in hand. Through the protection of critical habitats and wildlife, the use of solar energy for more than 30% of our daily operations, the elimination of single-use plastics across our facilities, and the adoption of electric vehicles and motorbikes, we continue to reduce our environmental footprint while safeguarding one of Africa's remarkable ecosystems.

Beyond the park, we work with neighbouring communities to plant over 50,000 indigenous trees each year, promote recycling and responsible waste management, and inspire environmental stewardship through education and engagement programmes focused on reducing pollution and embracing green energy solutions.

The recovery of Akagera demonstrates that investing in nature creates lasting benefits for wildlife, communities, and local economies. This World Environment Day, we invite everyone to be part of the solution. Whether through reducing waste, planting trees, supporting renewable energy, choosing sustainable travel, or contributing to conservation efforts, every action matters. Together, we can build a future where people, wildlife, and nature thrive side by side.

#WorldEnvironmentDay #WorldEnvironmentDay2026 #ClimateAction #AkageraNationalPark #ConservationInAction #ProtectNature #AfricanParks

[Jean Paul Karinganire @KJP_Akagera]

@FabrizioRomano So Ekitike is not a new signing?

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

On this Endangered Species Day, we celebrate the recovery of some of Rwanda’s most threatened species and the continued restoration of biodiversity within Akagera National Park.

The return of lions to Akagera in 2015, after nearly two decades of local extinction, restored a critical apex predator within Rwanda’s only savannah ecosystem. In 2017, eastern black rhinos were successfully reintroduced after a 10-year absence, while in 2021, 30 white rhinos were introduced to Akagera to extend the species’ range and establish a secure new breeding stronghold in Rwanda, supporting long-term population recovery and species survival.

Akagera also plays an important role in conserving the Endangered Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), Rwanda’s only crane species. Threatened by habitat loss, wetland degradation, and illegal trade, the species has faced significant population decline over recent decades. Through collaborative conservation efforts led by the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (@RwandaWildlife) and partners, rescued cranes are rehabilitated and relocated into Akagera, supporting the recovery of wild populations.

Today, Akagera stands as a strong example of how science-based conservation, habitat restoration, and species recovery can reverse biodiversity loss. These successes continue to be made possible by the partnership of the @RDBrwanda, @AfricanParks, conservation partners, and surrounding communities working together to protect Rwanda’s natural heritage.

#EndangeredSpeciesDay #Akagera #BiodiversityConservation #RhinoConservation #LionConservation #GreyCrownedCrane #SpeciesRecovery #WetlandConservation #Conservation #visitrwanda
Photos: Sarah Hall, Stuart Slabbert and Keyvan Amigh

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

Ranger dedication has played a vital role in the recovery of wildlife in Akagera National Park.

Since 2010, sustained protection and strong conservation management have led to a major increase in large mammal populations, rising from fewer than 5,000 to more than 11,000. In 2013, more than 2,000 wire snares were recovered; by 2025, that number had fallen sharply to just 39, and no key species have been lost to poaching since 2010.

Thanks to the commitment of Akagera’s ranger teams and the support of neighbouring communities, poaching has fallen to an all-time low. This has made it possible to successfully reintroduce lions and black rhinos, restoring Akagera’s Big Five status. As a result, wildlife is flourishing, tourism is expanding, and conservation continues to contribute directly to the well-being and economic growth of surrounding communities.

Photos: @Gael_RVW

[African Parks @AfricanParks]

We are proud to be part of a new partnership for the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park - one of the region’s earliest and most enduring examples of transboundary conservation.

Over the next 30 months, the governments of Botswana and South Africa (@enviromentza), the @EUinBotswana (NaturAfrica), @IUCNe and African Parks will work together to strengthen long-term management, improve coordination across this shared landscape, and support the communities whose lives are closely connected to it. While this is a shorter-term project, we hope that it will lay the foundation for longer term engagement in this important area in the future.

#KgalagadiTransfrontierPark #Conservation #Botswana #SouthAfrica #AfricanParks

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

Home to around 500 bird species, Akagera National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. From wetlands and lakes to savannah and woodland, the park’s diverse habitats support an incredible variety of birdlife, highlighting the importance of ongoing habitat protection and conservation.
#Akagera #Birdwatching #VisitRwanda

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

April 2026 was a busy month for capacity building in communities surrounding Akagera National Park.

Training sessions focused on strengthening cooperative governance, promoting sustainable livelihoods, beekeeping, and enhancing environmental education. Cooperative leaders, local beekeepers, and teachers from neighbouring communities acquired practical skills designed to improve business sustainability, support conservation efforts, and ensure that the economic and environmental benefits of the park positively impact future generations.

Special thanks to the @RCARwanda, Lessons in Conservation, and Akagera Park's community team for facilitating these valuable trainings.

#Training #Commuity #Akagera #Rwanda #Cooperatives

Photo credit: @Sugirapacific

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟
This Long weekend, escape to Ruzizi & Karenge from US$120 PPPN sharing (Resident) or US$150 PPPN sharing (Foreign).
Stay 3 nights and enjoy a FREE night game drive or boat trip.
🗓️: April 30 – May 3, 2026
✉️: [email protected] or [email protected]
📞: [phone]
LINK: https://t.co/MaYauIHQRl for more information on terms and conditions.

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

Not all seasons announce themselves loudly!

As the rains begin to ease, Akagera National Park prepares for one of its most striking transformations—a yellow bloom that blankets the hills.

The yellow season is coming. It doesn’t last long… and that’s what makes it special.

Don't miss it!

#VisitRwanda #YellowSeason #GoldenHills #SafariExperience #WildlifeTravel #NatureInBloom #ExploreRwanda #DiscoverEarth #ConservationWorks

Photos by @Gael_RVW

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

🌍𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥, 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗧🌍

With powerful jaws, hyenas break down what’s left behind, returning nutrients to the land and keeping ecosystems in balance.

Protect the habitats, and nature will do the rest.

#EarthDay2026 #OurPowerOurPlanet #AkageraNationalPark #Conservation #Ecosystem #Wildlife #Hyena #Savannah #NatureBalance #protectourplanet

[African Parks @AfricanParks]

In over 90 years as a protected area, Rwanda’s Akagera National Park has witnessed many changes. These have included increasing the revenue generated by the park as part of progress towards financial sustainability, working with local communities to enhance and diversify their livelihoods, and the translocation of lion, giraffe, black rhino and white rhino. Today, the park is a living, breathing example of the positive impact that can be achieved through partnerships and collaboration. Learn more about the history of Akagera in our latest blog: https://t.co/bwz7hfIc8t

📸
1 Scott Ramsay
2 & 4 Drew Bantlin
3 Wiki West

#AkageraNationalPark #Rwanda #90Years #Conservation #AfricanParks

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

From January to March 2026, park staff and surrounding communities came together through monthly Umuganda activities, delivering tangible improvements across multiple sectors.

In January (Rwinkwavu), Community Development staff and Park Rangers worked with 120 residents to construct a kitchen and a latrine for a vulnerable family, while also promoting literacy classes and encouraging reporting of illegal activities affecting the park.

In February (Gahini Sector), park staff joined 350 community members to rehabilitate 300 metres of road, improving access and mobility.

In March (Rwimbogo Sector), collaboration with 145 residents resulted in the construction of 350 metres of terraces to reduce soil erosion and protect agricultural land.
These engagements go beyond service delivery. They are part of a broader effort to maintain strong connections with surrounding communities, foster trust, and build positive, lasting relationships. Through a participatory approach, the programme ensures that communities are represented in decisions that affect them and can contribute meaningfully to the governance of the park.

Photos: Pacifique Sugira

[Akagera National Park @AkageraPark]

The training sessions for level 1 of the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) have resumed for all Community Freelance Guides and Park Guides.

Under the guidance of @Painted_Wolves, a certified FGASA instructor, this program is dedicated to enhancing guides' technical skills, ultimately enriching the visitor experience at Akagera National Park. Our guides are putting in their best efforts as they prepare for assessments coming up in November.

#CapacityBuilding #Akagera #Rwanda

[Jean Paul Karinganire @KJP_Akagera]

@be_johns All of this text to end up with bullshit?

🃏🃏

[Jean Paul Karinganire @KJP_Akagera]

@PatrickMuyaya