Big Cats Species in Akagera National Park: The big cats found in Akagera National Park include the lion, leopard, and cheetah. Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, located 2.5 hours west of Kigali, is the country’s sole savannah national park, as well as the only place to go hunting for, discovering, and filming Big cats. Lions are the most common big cats in Akagera National Area, which was only recently restored when seven lions were flown in from private reserves in South Africa by African Parks, a non-governmental group that also runs Nyungwe Forest National Park which is located in the western part of Rwanda.
In 2017, two additional males were put into the park, and the number of lions in the region has since risen, with over a dozen cubs born in the park over the previous five years.
Leopards have been seen in Akagera National Park, although their numbers are still low. The best sightings, however, have been reported in the Magashi Tented Camp area, which you may want to try visiting during your shoot.
Civets, servals, and genet cats have been observed at Akagera National Park, as well as other smaller but as intriguing cats.
When can you see Big Cat Species in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park.
When it is dry, the best time to watch Big Cats in Akagera National Park is from June to September. The bushes thin down during this season, making it easier to detect the Big Cats of Akagera National Park thus Big Cats Species in Akagera National Park.
Except if you prefer getting wet, you should avoid visiting the park during the rainy months of March and April.
Filming Big Cats in Akagera National Park.
Yes, you may film Big Cats at Akagera National Park for a fee. Visitors who wish to film Big Cats in Akagera National Park must first contact the park in order to get a filming permit and learn about the park’s filming rules.
Requirements for filming Big Cat Species in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park.
The Rwanda Development Board, a government entity in charge of monitoring all of the country’s national parks and protected regions, issues filming permits in Akagera National Park.
The Rwanda Media High Council, on the other hand, gives filming permits to Rwandan journalists. Crew must complete the Rwanda Press Accreditation Application Form and submit the relevant documentation to apply for filming permissions in Rwanda to film the Big Cats of Akagera National Park.
A formal letter requesting accreditation was sent to the Executive Secretary.
Scan and send a recent passport photo in color.
Please include a scanned copy of your passport.
Except for those coming from countries covered by the Rwanda Visa Waiver, please scan and send a copy of your visa. Among those represented are members of the East African Community, the United States, and COMESA member countries.
Send a copy of your country’s media/press card by scanning and emailing it.
Scan and email a Rwanda Revenue Authority payment receipt.
Scan and send an email with a list of the filming equipment and kits that will be used in your project.
You’ll also be asked to provide a list of your crew members. Processing your filming permissions in Rwanda may take between 2 and 7 working days, depending on the nature of your production.
Cost Of A Filming Permit In Akagera National Park.
The cost of a filming permit in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park varies according on the length of your project. As an example:
A filming permit costs $30 and is good for 1-15 days.
Filming Permit: $50, good for 15-30 days
Permit to film for $100, valid for 1-3 months
A $200 filming permit that is good for 3-6 months is available.
A filming permit costs $300 and is good for 6 months to a year.
Where to Stay During Your Visit To Akagera National Park.
There are a number of housing options for those who want to stay a night or two in Akagera National Park, ranging from budget to midrange to luxury depending on your budget. Magashi Tented Camp, Rusizi Tented Camp, Karenge Bush Camp, and Akagera Game Lodge are among the accommodation options in Akagera National Park.
How to Get To Akagera National Park.
The Akagera National Park in Rwanda is approximately 2 : 30 hours’ drive from Kigali City. The road from Kigali to Akagera national park is designated as a land of thousand hills. Flights to Akagera by helicopter from Kigali International Airport take around 25-30 minutes. The park is served by Akagera Aviation Company, which provides helicopter services.
