In a heartwarming testament to conservation done right, Rwanda's three national parks are experiencing an incredible tourism renaissance that's bringing both global recognition and local pride to new heights.

Akagera National Park has emerged as the star of this success story, welcoming 67,661 visitors in 2024—a sixfold increase from just 11,239 visitors in 2005. The park's transformation has been so remarkable that National Geographic named it among the world's 25 must-visit destinations for 2026, placing Rwanda firmly on the global tourism map.

The secret to Akagera's success? A passionate commitment to wildlife restoration. The reintroduction of lions to the park completed the iconic Big Five—lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos—creating a world-class safari destination that rivals any on the African continent. "The reintroduction of lions played a major role," explains Jean Paul Karinganire, funding and reporting manager at Akagera National Park. "It's not just about the animals; it's about creating an ecosystem where wildlife thrives and visitors can witness nature's magnificence."

Across all three parks—Akagera, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe—the numbers tell an inspiring story. Combined visits soared from 24,120 in 2005 to a record-breaking 150,525 in 2024. Even more encouraging, the parks bounced back stronger than ever after the pandemic, demonstrating the resilience of Rwanda's tourism sector and the enduring appeal of connecting with nature.

What makes this growth even more special is the enthusiastic embrace by Rwandans themselves. Domestic tourism has flourished, with Rwandan citizens now accounting for over 40 percent of visitors to Akagera. This homegrown tourism pride means families are creating memories in their own backyard, fostering a deeper connection to conservation efforts.

Nyungwe National Park is writing its own exciting chapter with ambitious expansion plans. The park recently unveiled thrilling new attractions including a 1,900-meter zipline and a 280-meter rope course, alongside a spectacular 110-kilometer hiking trail that takes adventurers on a seven-day journey to the source of the River Nile. Park manager Protais Niyigaba radiates optimism about the future: "We're targeting $5 million in annual tourism revenues by 2030, and we're well on our way."

Meanwhile, Volcanoes National Park continues to enchant visitors with its famous mountain gorillas, with extended promotional rates ensuring more people can experience these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Why It Matters: This remarkable growth represents far more than impressive statistics. Every visitor contributes to conservation funding that protects endangered species and preserves precious habitats for future generations. The parks have become economic engines for surrounding communities, creating jobs and supporting local businesses. Most importantly, this success story proves that conservation and tourism can work hand-in-hand, creating a sustainable model that benefits wildlife, local communities, and visitors alike. Rwanda is showing the world that protecting nature isn't just the right thing to do—it's also the smart thing to do, creating opportunities and inspiring hope for conservation efforts everywhere.