Big Cats of Akagera National Park
Big Cats of Akagera National Park: The lion, leopard, and cheetah are among the big cats found in Akagera National Park. Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, located 2.5 hours outside of Kigali, is the only savannah national park in Rwanda, as well as the only site where one may go hunt for, discover, and film Big cats. Lions are the most prevalent big cats in Akagera National Area, which was just restored in 2015 when seven lions were flown in from private reserves in South Africa by African Parks, a non-governmental organization that manages the park alongside Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Two more males were introduced into the park in 2017, and the number of lions in the area has since increased, with around a dozen cubs born in the park over the last five years.
Leopards have been spotted in Akagera National Park, although their numbers remain low. However, the finest sightings have been reported around the Magashi Tented Camp region, which you may want to consider visiting during your shot.
Civets, servals, and genet cats, among other smaller but as fascinating cats, have been spotted in Akagera National Park.
What is the best time to view Big Cats in Akagera National Park?
The ideal time to see Big Cats at Akagera National Park is from June to September, when it is dry. During this season, the shrubs thin out, allowing spotting the Big Cats of Akagera National Park easier.
Except if you enjoy being wet, you should avoid visiting the park during the months of March and April, as these are the rainiest months.
Is it possible to film Big Cats in Akagera National Park?
Yes, for a price, you may film Big Cats at Akagera National Park. Visitors who want to film Big Cats in Akagera National Park must first contact the park to buy a filming permit and learn about the park’s filming requirements.
What are the requirements for filming Big Cats in Akagera National Park?
Filming licenses in Akagera National Park are provided by the Rwanda Development Board, a government organization in charge of overseeing all of the country’s national parks and protected areas.
The Rwanda Media High Council, on the other hand, issues filming permissions to members of the press in Rwanda. To apply for filming licenses in Rwanda to film the Big Cats of Akagera National Park, crew must complete the Rwanda Press Accreditation Application Form and submit the necessary documents;
An formal letter submitted to the Executive Secretary requesting accreditation.
Scan and email a recent coloured passport photo.
Send a scanned copy of your passport.
Except for individuals who come from countries that benefit from the Rwanda Visa Waiver, scan and provide a copy of your visa. Members of the East African Community, the United States, and COMESA member countries are among those represented.
Scan and email a copy of your country’s media/press card.
Scan and email a payment receipt from the Rwanda Revenue Authority.
Scan and email a list of the filming equipment and kits that will be utilized for your production.
You will also be required to give a list of your crew members. Depending on the nature of your filming project, processing your filming licenses in Rwanda might take between 2 and 7 working days.
How much does a filming Permit in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park Cost?
The cost of a filming permit in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park varies depending on how long your filming project is. For instance;
- $30 Filming Permit valid for 1-15 days
- $50 Filming Permit valid for 15-30 days
- $100 Filming Permit valid for 1-3 months
- $200 Filming Permit valid for 3-6 months
- $300 Filming Permit valid for 6months to 1 year.
Where to stay during your visit to Akagera National Park.
There are a variety of accommodation facilities available for visitors who wish to spend a night or two in Akagera National Park, and these facilities range from budget to midrange and luxury depending on your budget. Accommodation in Akagera national park includes Magashi Tented Camp, Rusizi Tented Camp, Karenge Bush Camp and Akagera Game Lodge.
Getting to Akagera National Park.
Akagera national park is situated about 2½ hours’ drive from Kigali City. The distance from Kigali to Akagera national park offers as it marked land of thousand hills. Flights to Akagera by helicopter take around 25-30 minutes from Kigali International Airport. Akagera Aviation Company provides helicopter services to the park.
