Beauty is hidden in the unique attractions; Rwanda is such an amazing destination in the world; a reason why we take you through its different national parks, with their respective attractions and activities therein. As you prepare to embark on a lifetime expedition to Africa, below is a Full List of National Parks in Rwanda offering epic safari activities
Rwanda, also described as “land of a thousand hills” is a tiny landlocked country in the east-central part of Africa, with a very breathtaking landscape, a variety of modern and traditional infrastructure, several water bodies which contributes to the good weather and good air quality, mountains, savannah plains, and very welcoming natives.
The countries it borders include; Uganda (the pearl of Africa), Republic of Tanzania, and Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. Though the country witnessed one of the worst killings in 1994 Genocide between the Tutsi and Hutu, it has managed to come back strong and very vibrant, with a lot of efforts dedicated towards conservation of the country’s ecosystems, establishing modern accommodation facilities, modern infrastructure, transport system and security.
There are four national parks located in the different corners of the country, having unique attractions, stories and residents, under the management of the Rwanda Development Board. In them tourists can hike, do primate trekking, photography, nature walk, honeymoon, game viewing, birding and so much more, through the guidance of friendly, experienced and knowledgeable park rangers. All the parks have unique attractions that in most cases leave us recommending visitors to visit all in a single trip; here they are; some of the leading national parks in the world;
Volcanoes National Park.
One of the top tourist destinations in Africa, Volcanoes national park is a gift to any tourist, and Rwanda as a country. It is the most visited national park in Rwanda, located in the northwestern part region of Rwanda. Volcanoes national park is one of the parks at the giant Virunga ranges, where the endangered mountain gorillas are found in only the continent of Africa. In it are the golden monkeys, and the endangered mountain gorillas among others, birds and forest mammals. this park is where the famous researcher, Dian Fossey made her studies on the Gorillas, leading to their survival and existence today, though her life was cut short by heartless people who murdered her.
Mountain gorilla trekking is restricted to a maximum of only 8 people, aged 15 years of age with a valid tracking permit; costing about 1500 USD per day. You should book your safari earlier because the demand is high yet they are limited.
Nyungwe National Park.
Located in the southeastern part of the country by the Burundian border, Nyungwe national park is a true primate world, with over 13 unique primate species in its lush rain forest. Chimpanzees, grey checked monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, Hamlyn’s monkeys, golden monkeys and silver monkeys among others.
The park was established in 2005, covering about 270sqkm and has a green coverage, bamboo, bogs, and grassland among others. Also, a good portion of the park is marked by mountains, which are similar to those in Uganda and the democratic republic of Congo. Activities in this park include among others; birding, canopy walks nature walk and chimpanzee tracking.
Akagera National Park.
Akagera national park is the only destination where wildlife is encountered, with a variety of mammals, and birds; including Africa’s Big 5 (lions, leopards, Cape Buffaloes, elephants and Rhinos), zebras, hippos, warthogs, and several other antelope species among others. Game viewing, photograph and many more are the activities.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
This is the newest and least talked about a national park in Rwanda, yet with a variety of unique flora and fauna. It combines two giant Forests; Gishwati and Mukura. It was designated in 2015, as a move to protect the unique tree balances, and the different primates such as the chimpanzees and monkeys among others, birds and forest mammals among others. In partnership with wilderness safari, the government devoted time to restore the endangered species, sensitize the locals on the importance of conservation, and end poaching activities.
Primate trekking and bird watching are the main activities at this park. The primate residents include the chimpanzees, blue monkeys, golden monkeys, and L’Hoest monkeys among others.
Other destinations you visit and activities you can do in Rwanda include; a tour around the magnificent Kigali city, Visiting the Musanze caves and cultural adventure among others. The best time to visit is from June to October and December to February. Classic accommodations are available throughout the country.
The full list of Rwanda national parks is a guide to your next safari plan either budget or luxury. Rwanda is a wonderful destination to visit so add it to your travel list, so affordable and exciting.
