The accolade, part of the publication's annual Best of the World feature, highlights 25 must-visit locations globally, curated by the magazine's editors, photographers, and adventurers.
Among the world's top destinations for 2026, National Geographic also included Banff in Canada, the Dolomites in Italy, Akagera's Caribbean counterparts like Dominica, the Basque Country in Spain, and Morocco's Rabat. The selections span continents and offer a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure, reflecting the magazine's commitment to showcasing both iconic and lesser-known destinations.
Nestled along Rwanda's eastern border, Akagera offers a Big Five safari experience in a setting of rolling savannas, lush woodlands, and winding waterways. The park is home to lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and over 500 bird species.
According to National Geographic, Akagera attracts around 50,000 visitors annually, offering a quieter and more intimate safari experience compared to Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara.
Once severely affected by poaching and deforestation in the 1990s, Akagera has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 15 years. The Rwanda Development Board, in partnership with African Parks, has successfully rehabilitated the park's ecosystems and wildlife populations.
A notable milestone in this recovery was the reintroduction of rhinos from South Africa in 2021, followed by the relocation of 70 additional white rhinos in May 2025, positioning Akagera as a leading conservation hub in the region.
Tourism infrastructure is also expanding, with new and upgraded hospitality options enhancing the safari experience. The southern part of the park, closest to Kigali, saw extensive renovations at Karenge Bush Camp, while the northern Magashi Peninsula welcomed Wilderness Magashi, a high-end safari camp offering tented suites and remote wildlife encounters.
The park also offers diverse activities, including game drives, boat safaris, and hot air balloon rides, providing multiple ways to explore its natural beauty.
The national park's accolade comes as Rwanda continues to strengthen its position as a premier destination, with the tourism sector generating $647 million in revenue in 2024. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has set an ambitious target of surpassing $700 million in earnings for 2025, as part of the nation's strategy to reach $1.1 billion in annual tourism revenue by 2029.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
