Natural parks in Rwanda
Natural parks in Rwanda, often known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is home to a number of national parks that are unparalleled in their beauty and splendor. The safari and ecotourism experiences that Rwanda has to offer are truly unforgettable. From the verdant rainforests of Volcanoes National Park to the savannahs of Akagera and the variety of Nyungwe, Rwanda has something to offer everyone.
In this guide, we will discuss Rwanda’s four national parks, the characteristics that set each park apart from the others, and the activities that are popular in each park.
1. Volcanoes National Park
Location: Northwest Rwanda
Best For: Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano hikes
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s most famous national park, known for its mountain gorillas and stunning volcanic landscapes. This park was made famous by Dian Fossey, the primatologist who dedicated her life to protecting gorillas.
🌟 Top Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness endangered mountain gorillas in their native habitat, gorilla trekking is an experience that cannot be duplicated.
Golden Monkey Tracking – Discover that this region is the only place where you may find the elusive and playful golden monkeys.
Climb Mount Bisoke, a volcano that features a crater lake, or embark on a two-day trek to Mount Karisimbi. Both of these activities are available for hiking and climbing.
Learn about the efforts that are being made to preserve gorillas by paying a visit to Dian Fossey’s grave and research center.
🏕️ Where to Stay?
- Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Mid-Range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi Guest House
📌 Best Time to Visit: June – September & December – February (Dry season for easier trekking)
2. Akagera National Park
Location: Eastern Rwanda
Best For: Big Five safaris, boat safaris, birdwatching
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah park, home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. This park offers a classic African safari experience with game drives, boat safaris, and scenic landscapes.
🌟 Top Things to Do in Akagera National Park
On a guided safari, you will have the opportunity to spot the Big Five, which includes the lion, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, and leopard.
Hipos, crocodiles, and over 500 different species of birds can be seen during a boat safari on Lake Ihema.
Night Game Drives offer the opportunity to witness the presence of nocturnal animals, such as hyenas and leopards.
Camping and Walking Safaris offer an exciting opportunity to engage in an exciting bush camping adventure or to embark on a guided nature walk.
🏕️ Where to Stay?
- Luxury: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Mid-Range: Akagera Game Lodge
- Budget: Karenge Bush Camp, Dereva Hotel (outside the park)
📌 Best Time to Visit: June – September (Best wildlife viewing)
3. Nyungwe Forest National Park
Location: Southwest Rwanda
Best For: Chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, birdwatching
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and over 300 bird species. The park also features East Africa’s only canopy walkway, offering breathtaking views above the treetops.
🌟 Top Things to Do in Nyungwe Forest
Chimpanzee trekking is an exciting activity that allows you to track wild chimpanzees in the deep rainforest.
Canopy Walkway – Experience breathtaking woodland views while walking on a suspension bridge perched at a height of 70 meters.
When you go birdwatching, you have the opportunity to observe uncommon birds such as the Great Blue Turaco and the Ruwenzori Turaco.
One of the hidden gems within the park is the Kamiranzovu Waterfall, which may be reached by hiking to the waterfall.
🏕️ Where to Stay?
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
- Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Budget: Gisakura Guest House
📌 Best Time to Visit: June – September & December – February (Best for chimpanzee trekking)
4. Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Location: Western Rwanda
Best For: Primate tracking, nature walks, eco-tourism
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s smallest and newest national park, established to protect chimpanzees and endangered monkeys. It is also part of Rwanda’s reforestation and conservation efforts.
🌟 Top Things to Do in Gishwati-Mukura
Primate trekking is an exciting opportunity to observe chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and blue monkeys.
Nature Walks – Take part in guided treks that journey through the vibrant trails of the woodland.
Over two hundred different species of birds, including rare endemics of the Albertine Rift, are available for birdwatching.
🏕️ Where to Stay?
- Eco-Lodge: Gishwati Lodge
📌 Best Time to Visit: June – September & December – February (Best for wildlife viewing)
Which National Park in Rwanda Should You Visit?
| Park | Best For | Top Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Volcanoes | Gorilla trekking, volcano hikes | Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys |
| Akagera | Big Five safari, boat safaris | Lions, elephants, Lake Ihema |
| Nyungwe | Chimp trekking, canopy walk | Chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, waterfalls |
| Gishwati-Mukura | Off-the-beaten-path eco-tourism | Chimpanzees, golden monkeys, birdwatching |
🌟 Tip: If you want a mix of wildlife, adventure, and culture, combine a visit to Volcanoes, Akagera, and Nyungwe for the ultimate Rwandan safari experience!
Plan Your Rwanda National Park Safari!
In Rwanda, we provide individualized safari packages that include visits to all four national parks. In the event that you are interested in going on a safari with the Big Five, trekking with gorillas, or walking through the canopy of the rainforest, we have you covered.
