Tsetse fly flag traps in Akagera National Park Rwanda. Over 1000 tsetse fly flag traps have been installed in Akagera since 2013 along the densely vegetated roads with lots of tsetse activity. The dark/blue black colour of the flag attracts the tsetses as well as the smell of cow urine placed in a bottle at each flag.
Tsetse fly flag traps are impregnated with an insecticide which affects the tsetses when they land on the fabric. 5o traps are also located at intervals throughout the park, the tsetse fly flag traps catch the tsetse so that samples can be collected to give an idea of the quantity, the species and the sex each flag is attracting. These flags are maintained and replaced on a regular basis to keep them as effective as they must be.
Black & Blue Tsetse Fly flag trap
While this is a long-term project, initial feedback has proven very positive with repeat visitors reporting a great reduction tsetses. To further reduce the change of being bitten visitors should use inspect repellent and wear light coloured clothing, avoid wearing dark colours such a s blue, black and purple. Although tsetse flies are known to transmit human sleeping sickness, there are no known cases from Akagera and the risk is considered extremely low.
Below are some of the Akagera National Park rule to observe
Akagera wildlife park rules are in place to minimize any risks and allow a safe and enjoyable visit for tourists and visitors in Akagera National Park. It is advisable to read and observe the park rules, understand and adhere to them
-Visitors to Akagera National Park must remain in their safari vehicles unless in a designated campsite or marked picnic area. Do not wonder past the vicinity of the campsite, and never far from your vehicle when at unfenced campsites and picnic area. Wild animals can still access these areas.
-Among the most and must be observed Akagera wildlife park rules is stick to the speed limit with in the park! Most roads are single track dirt roads. Drive no faster than 40km/h on all roads to avoid collisions with wildlife, large and small, as well as other vehicles
-Note that not all roads are accessible by all vehicles and during the wet seasons certain roads are closed. Please consult your guide, or ask at reception before your game drive safari inside the park about suitable roads for your vehicle at a time of your visitation. Recent rain may make roads inaccessible before the park management has time to close them. Please use common sense and avoid waterlogged roads to avoid getting stuck.
–Akagera National Park is open to day visitors from 06am to 6pm. Day visitors must be leaving the park by 6pm. If you have not exited and the park management cannot get hold of you by phone, they will start the search and rescue operation, you will be liable for all costs incurred which may include by vehicles and or helicopter as deemed appropriate by the park management
-The other Akagera Wildlife Park rules is not to drive off –road. Keep to the designated roads only. This is very important to avoid getting lost, making ambiguous tracks and causing damage to vegetation. Rarely used roads may become inaccessible, do not take roads which are not mapped
All visitors are advised to be observant of the Park rules set by management herein. Visitors are also advised to visit other protected areas in Rwanda including Nyungwe Forests for Chimpanzee tours in Rwanda and Canopy walk tour, or visit the home of mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park not only for gorilla trekking safari that will change your life in Africa but also visit the Dian Fossey Museum.