4 National Parks in Rwanda – Volcanoes, Gishwati-Mukura, Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park
Ranging from Tropical rainforests to spectacular savannah plains, National Parks in Rwanda offer something extraordinary in every corner. The Parks are undeniably nothing short of awe-inspiring and visitors will discover verdant rainforests, pristine white sand beaches, rugged cliffs, sweeping plains and towering mountains, yet be sure of something unexpected.
If you are prepared to explore some of the Earth’s most spectacular natural attraction (wildlife, birds, waterfalls, Lakes and others), head to any of the National Parks in Rwanda that include;
Volcanoes National Park
The Northern Province is one of Rwanda’s most endowed places with magnificent waterfalls, walking trails, towering mountains, wildlife (mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and many others) and well as birds are hidden within Volcanoes National Park.
Situated in the secluded nature of Northern Province, Volcanoes National Park is haven to the endangered mountain gorillas that are surprisingly considered the country’s main tourist attraction. Embark on gorilla treks in the company of armed Park Ranger, guide and other trekkers to learn about the interesting way of life of endangered mountain gorillas. Besides that, there are a million and one chances of tracking the endangered golden monkeys, undertaking birding tours, touring the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo, hiking to the Dian Fossey Grave site, climbing the Virunga Mountains found in the Park and many others.
Just a stone throw from Volcanoes National Park is the incredible Buhanga Eco-Park, a popular ancient forest where Rwanda’s well-kept secrets can be uncovered.
Stay at the outskirts of the Park and in style at Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorillas View Lodge, One & Only Gorillas’ Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Virunga Lodge among others.
Akagera National Park
Two to two and a half hours east of Kigali City lies the spectacular Akagera National Park, popular for its dramatic game viewing experiences, with sights of lions, Rhinos, black and white colobus monkeys, leopards, Cape buffaloes, olive baboons, African bush elephants, Kobs, Masai giraffes, Topis, Defassa waterbucks, vervet monkeys, Masai giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, impalas, black and white colobus monkeys and many others. Besides game viewing experiences, visitors can also indulge in walking safaris, boat rides on Lake Ihema, cultural tours, birding tours with hope of seeing part of the 500 species of birds that call the Park home.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Brimming with spectacular waterfalls, over 75 species of mammals, about 322 species of birds, over 200 butterfly species, wetlands, reptiles and Amphibian species, Nyungwe Forest National Park is one you can’t afford to miss. Situated about 5-6 hours’ drive from Kigali City, this 1000-square kilometer Park offers the golden opportunity to trek the endangered chimpanzees alongside other 11 species of primates (that include the Angolan colobus monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Blue monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys among others), hit one of the 15 hiking trails to explore the hidden beauty of the forest National Park.
You can’t leave Nyungwe Forest National Park without undertaking the canopy walk through the tree canopy, forest gorges and streams where several primates, birds and other features of the Park can be explored. It is a smooth and tarred road to get to this stunning Park and to make your trip complete, book to stay within Nyungwe Forest Lodge, One & Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel or Gisakura Guesthouse and you will leave longing for more.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
There is no Rwandan National Park that is as phenomenal as it is secluded, like Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Established in 2015, this 34-square kilometer Park is the newest Park in the country situated within the far north-western side of the country and so far the least visited. It is nestled on the ridge that divides the Congo and Nile water catchment with about 6 species of primates including chimpanzees (totaling to about 20 individuals), golden monkeys, blue monkeys and L’Hoests monkeys among others. Visitors to this Park should also expect over 230 bird species including Albertine Rift endemics hence activities such as chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey tracking, bird watching and guided forest walks await visitors.