According to figures released by the park’s management, revenue increased by 4% compared with the same quarter in 2025. On average, each visitor spent $108 during their visit.
The revenue was primarily generated from park entrance fees, guided tour services, accommodation, commercial concession leases, and fishing activities.
Akagera National Park said continued investment in tourism development and park management has strengthened its financial sustainability, with its self-sufficiency rate rising from 76% in April to 104% in June 2026.
During the same period, three rhino calves were born in the park—one black rhino and two white rhinos.
Park management described the births as a sign of the growing rhino population and evidence that the animals are thriving in their habitat.
Rhino monitoring teams conduct daily ground and aerial patrols to track the animals’ locations and monitor their health.
To protect wildlife, park rangers carried out more than 1,600 patrols over the three months, covering approximately 35,000 kilometers.
No animals were killed by poachers during the reporting period. However, authorities arrested five illegal fishermen and removed 12 illegal traps from the park.
SALT of Akagera Begins Operations
In June 2026, The Lux Collective officially entered the Rwandan market by taking over the management of SALT of Akagera, a lodge located on the shores of Lake Ihema.
The 60-room property was formerly known as Akagera Game Lodge and had been managed by Mantis Collection since 2017. It is the first SALT safari lodge to open in Rwanda.
Supporting Local Communities
During the same quarter, Akagera National Park continued supporting surrounding communities through cooperatives engaged in fishing, beekeeping, tour guiding, and handicrafts.
These cooperatives generated $226,263 in revenue during the quarter, while an additional $229,374 reached local residents through the park’s purchase of locally supplied goods and services.
The park also expanded its environmental education efforts, reaching more than 31,000 people through schools, student environmental clubs, and community environmental ambassadors, promoting conservation awareness among communities living near the park.
