Akagera National Park protects the big cat family, such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards, which are among the big cats that are harbored in Akagera National Park. Akagera National Park is situated just 2.5 hours from Kigali. Rwanda’s capital city, Akagera National Park, is Rwanda's only savannah national park and the only national park where travelers can experience hunting, discover Rwanda’s uniqueness, and watch the film Big Cats.

 

Lions are the most prevalent big cats in Akagera National Park. Lions were just introduced in 2015 when seven lions were relocated from private reserves in South Africa by African Parks, a non-governmental organization in charge of managing the park as well as Nyungwe Forest National Park. Two more male lions were also introduced into Akagera National Park in 2017, and the lion population has steadily increased since then, with dozens of cubs born in the park over the last five years. Leopards can also be spotted in Akagera National Park, although their numbers are quite low.

 

However, the finest number of leopards are reported to be seen around the Magashi Tented Camp area, which travelers should consider visiting during their Akagera wildlife safaris. Civets, genet cats, and servals are among the smaller, fascinating cats that can be spotted in Akagera National Park, Rwanda.

 

The best time to see the Big Cats in Akagera National Park? 

The best time to view the big cats at Akagera National Park is from June through September during the long dry season when the trucks are dry. During the dry season, the shrubs are thin, which allows easy spotting of the big cats in Akagera National Park.

 

However, Akagera National Park can be explored throughout the year, mostly for travelers who prefer to visit during the wet season, although some travelers prefer to visit the park between the months of March and April, which are among the rainiest months in Rwanda.

 

How is it possible to film big cats in Akagera National Park, Rwanda?

At a price, filmmakers can participate in filmmaking with the Big Cats at Akagera National Park Rwanda. Visitors who are interested in filming the big cats in Akagera National Park must first contact a tour operator or the park in order to purchase a filming permit and get more information about the park’s filming requirements.

 

requirements for filming big cats in Akagera National Park?

Filming licenses at Akagera National Park are issued by the Rwanda Development Board, a government body that is in charge of managing all national parks and protected areas in Rwanda. Akagera National Park filming permissions can also be issued by the Rwanda Media High Council to members of the press or media houses in Rwanda. Travelers interested in applying for filming licenses in Rwanda to participate in filming with the Big Cats of Akagera National Park Rwanda, the crew, must fill out the Rwanda Press Requirements Application Form and submit all necessary documents, such as a copy of their passport. A formal letter should be submitted to the Executive Secretary requesting accreditation to film with the big cats in Akagera National Park.

 

Scan and email a recent colored passport photo of the interested person.

Send a scanned copy of your passport to the person who wants to film you.

Scan and email a copy of the Rwanda Revenue Authority's payment receipt. Except for people who come from countries that directly benefit from the Rwanda Visa Waiver, 

scan and provide a copy of the traveler’s visa. These beneficiaries include members of the East African Community, the United States, and COMESA member countries.

Scan and email a copy of your country’s media or press card.

Scan and email a list of all the types of filming equipment and kits that will be used for the production. Travelers are also required to list the whole crew. Depending on the nature of the filming project you are interested in, processing the filming licenses for Akagera National Park may take from 2 to 7 working days.

 

How much does a filming permit cost in Akagera National Park, Rwanda?

The cost of a filming permit in Akagera National Park Rwanda’s Akagera National Park varies depending on how long your filming project is. For instance.

 

$30 Filming Permit available between 1 and 15 days

$50 Filming Permit available between 15 and 30 days 

• Between 1 and 3 months, a $100 filming permit is available.

• $200 Filming Permit available between 3-6 months

Between 6 months and 1 year, a $300 filming permit is available.

 

Where can a traveler stay during their visit to Akagera National Park?

 

Akagera national park offers a variety of lodging facilities that are always available for visitors who are planning to spend a night or two there. These lodging facilities range from budget to standard to luxury, depending on the tourist’s budget. Lodging facilities in Akagera National Park include Magashi Tented Camp, Karenga Bushcamp, Rusizi Tented Camp, and Akagera Game Lodge.