The Next Chapter in Rwanda Conservation: 70 Rhinos Heading to Akagera National Park

After an initial relocation of 30 southern white rhinos, Rwanda is receiving another group of the endangered species, further establishing the country as a Big Five safari destination and a shining star in the world of conservation on the continent.

In the world of safari travel, the East African nation of Rwanda is synonymous with gorilla trekking. Home to Volcanoes National Park – the setting of the film Gorillas in the Mist – Rwanda is a prime destination to see gorillas in their natural habitat. But did you know that the country is also home to the Big Five? And, thanks to rhino rewilding efforts, it’s becoming a destination for the best of both worlds: Big Five safaris and gorilla excursions.

70 Rhinos Relocating to Rwanda

Akagera National Park – Rwanda’s Big Five safari destination – is set to receive 70 southern white rhinos from South Africa in May 2025, making it the largest rhino translocation in Rwanda’s history. This initiative was undertaken with the goal of creating a stable breeding population within Akagera and cementing the destination as a fantastic choice for traditional safaris as well as gorilla trekking excursions.

There are only about 17,000 southern white rhinos left in the wild. Pair this with an increase in poaching activities, and this species could go the way of the northern white rhino (there are only two northern white rhinos left) without conservation efforts like this relocation.

A New Chapter in Akagera’s Conservation Story

This isn’t the first time rhinos have been introduced to the park. In 2021, 30 white rhinos from andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa were relocated to Akagera.

African Parks partnered with the Rwanda Development Board to form the Akagera Management Company in 2010, which manages the national park (the only savannah national park in the country). Since then, the group has focused on restocking the park with locally extinct species and securing their long-term protection. “Together, we have transformed the park into one of the most coveted wildlife destinations and a sustainable revenue source for the region’s communities,” explained African Parks.

In 2017, after being extinct in the region for a decade, black rhinos were reintroduced to Akagera. Leading up to this, park security was upgraded and a specialised rhino-monitoring team was introduced to track and monitor the rhinos on a daily basis.

Threats including wire snares were cleared, too, and awareness programmes gained support from adjacent communities. This set the stage for the successful return of the species and paved the way for more rhinos to make their home in the national park.

Thanks to tireless conservation work, Akagera’s wildlife population has more than doubled since 2010, with reintroduced species continuing to flourish.

Big Five Safaris and Gorilla Trekking in One Country

Rwanda offers travellers the unique opportunity to blend traditional safaris across the savannah with gorilla trekking through the rainforest.

Spend time in Akagera National Park going on game drives to spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. While the Big Five are a huge pull, the park has a lot more to offer. The scenery – a magnificent mix of wetlands, mountains, savannahs, and acacia woodlands – will take your breath away. Giraffes tower above the landscape, elephant herds cross grasslands, and shy sitatunga antelopes navigate the papyrus swamps. Birdwatchers aren’t left out: the staggering amount of bird species – over 500 – will amaze even the most experienced twitcher.

Then it’s off to Volcanoes National Park for the second leg of this adventure: gorilla trekking. After a briefing and hiking through the verdant rainforest, you’ll spend some time watching a gorilla family as they interact with each other, do their chores, and play with their babies.

This is just a single example of what can be experienced during a Rwanda safari tour. Your Rwanda safari package can be tailored to your idea of a dream holiday – this is what Discover Africa safari planners do best! They’re able to give you advice and recommendations from firsthand experiences in the country.

The increase of rhinos in Rwanda further puts the spotlight on the East African nation as a pillar of conservation in Africa. Discover Africa is excited to continue to see once nationally extinct species thrive in the country.