Transforming Akagera National Park into a Global Destination
The Return of the Black Rhino
GreenDreamCompany has been developing a Natural Experience Park & Residential Family Village on the edge of Akagera National Park in Rwanda. This project was initiated as part of a strategic tourism infrastructure across five locations, aligning with Rwanda’s master plan for sustainable tourism development.
Akagera National Park had long been a hidden gem, primarily attracting local and regional visitors. However, the Rwandan government set its sights on transforming the park into a world-class destination that would appeal to international travelers. At the heart of this transformation was the return of the black rhino by the nature conservation organization African Parks. The black rhino, once extinct in Rwanda, made a triumphant comeback. This conservation success story provided a powerful narrative for positioning Akagera as a symbol of resilience, renewal, and sustainable tourism.
This project combined strategic and integrated spatial development with family storytelling and cultural concepts. By seamlessly blending nature, heritage, and community development, it aimed to establish a resilient and future-proof destination that promoted eco-tourism, wildlife conservation, and local economic empowerment.
Our Challenge
Developing an internationally appealing destination in this region presented several key challenges:
- Balancing conservation and development – Creating tourism and residential infrastructure while ensuring the protection of Akagera’s fragile ecosystems, particularly the black rhino’s habitat. The balance between conservation and visitor experience remained crucial.
- Capitalizing on the black rhino’s return – Leveraging this extraordinary conservation achievement to establish Akagera as a premier wildlife tourism destination, drawing global attention.
- Creating an internationally attractive tourism product – Transitioning Akagera from a national park to an internationally recognized destination required a unique concept, premium facilities, and a compelling visitor experience.
- Empowering local communities – The development needed to generate inclusive employment opportunities and economic growth while respecting local traditions and cultural heritage.
- Sustainable and strategic spatial development – The project aligned with Rwanda’s broader master plan and established a future-proof infrastructure that supported eco-tourism.
- Stakeholder management and investment – Strong collaboration between public and private partners was essential, along with a robust financial model to ensure long-term sustainable growth.
By embracing these challenges as opportunities, Akagera National Park positioned itself to redefine wildlife tourism in Rwanda, using the return of the black rhino as a symbol of conservation success and international appeal.
Scope of Services
- Location Scouting: Strategic exploration and selection of the optimal site.
- Quick Scan: Feasibility analysis with a focus on sustainable spatial development and eco-tourism.
- Stakeholder Fieldtrip: Engaging local leisure and tourism partners to foster collaboration and support.
- Concept Development: Designing a meaningful and immersive experience that connects nature, culture, and community.
- Project Management: Coordination and execution in alignment with the strategic goals of the master plan.
Project Details
Client: Ubuntu Impact Investments
Architects: BroekBakema Architecten & MTD Landscape Architects
Location: Kayonza District, Rwanda
Size: To be determined
This project represented a unique opportunity to position Akagera National Park as a sustainable and internationally appealing destination, where strategic spatial development, storytelling, and sustainable tourism came together. With the return of the black rhino, Akagera became a global symbol of conservation and eco-tourism excellence.
