This week Steppes Travel, leaders in wildlife conservation tours, welcomes the news of the reintroduction of Black Rhino into Akagera National Park in Rwanda after the species was eradicated from the country 10 years ago.
African Parks are translocating a founder population of 20 rhino from South Africa to the park in the first two weeks of this month with the help of the Rwanda Development Board and funding provided by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. With the last confirmed sighting dating back to 2007, this is a historic move which follows an overhaul of the protection of the park, a dramatic reduction on animal poaching and the successful reintroduction of seven lions in 2015. A film of the reintroduction of the first 10 rhino is available here.
Steppes Travel Managing Director, Justin Wateridge commented: “Steppes is a big supporter of African Parks and their conservation work and welcomes the reintroduction of the black rhino in Rwanda. So much work and effort has gone into turning the situation around in Akagera National Park. It is a great reward to see species like these being able to thrive again in the savannah and for our clients it means that they can now proactively support this Story of Hope and the rehabilitation of Akagera as a ‘Big Five’ national park.
Steppes Travel offers a twin centre 9 day Rwanda itinerary including time in Akagera National Park to see Black Rhino, and trekking to see gorillas in the iconic Volcanoes National Park. Prices start from £5,695 per person based on two people sharing, including international flights, internal flights, transfers, accommodation and meals. www.steppestravel.co.uk/01285 601 050