Rwanda National Parks – Best Places to Visit in Rwanda (w/Photos)

Rwanda has several national parks and protected areas that are known for their rich biodiversity and unique landscapes. Being a landlocked country in East-Central Africa, is known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. The national parks in Rwanda play a crucial role in the conservation of the country’s natural heritage, as well as in promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.

It’s commitment to conservation, sustainable tourism, and community involvement has made Rwanda national parks significant contributors to biodiversity conservation and important attractions for nature enthusiasts. The protection of endangered species, such as mountain gorillas, has been a major success story for the country. Visitors are encouraged to follow ethical and responsible tourism practices to ensure the long-term preservation of Rwanda’s natural treasures.

List of Rwanda National Parks

  1. Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans)
  2. Akagera National Park
  3. Nyungwe Forest National Park
  4. Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Detailed Rwanda National Parks

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda, along the border with Tanzania. It is one of the country’s major protected areas and covers approximately 1,200 square kilometers. This park is named after the Akagera River, which flows along its eastern boundary.

The Park plays a crucial role in Rwanda’s conservation efforts, and it contributes to the overall biodiversity of the region. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to witness a variety of wildlife and experience the natural beauty of the area.

It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis, elands, and more. Predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas also inhabit the park.

The park is renowned for its rich birdlife, with over 500 bird species recorded. This includes a variety of water birds, raptors, and migratory species. It is characterized by numerous lakes and wetlands, such as Lake Ihema. These water bodies attract a diversity of aquatic life, including hippos and crocodiles.

In recent years, Akagera has undergone significant conservation and restoration efforts to reintroduce key species that had been lost from the park due to poaching and habitat loss. Visitors to Akagera can enjoy activities such as game drives, boat safaris, and bird watching. The park offers a unique opportunity to experience both savannah and wetland ecosystems.

Rwanda National Parks

Rwanda National Parks

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda and is one of the most ecologically diverse and pristine montane rainforests in Central Africa. This Park offers a rich and immersive experience for nature lovers and those interested in exploring the unique ecosystems of Central Africa. It is an important conservation area, contributing to the protection of biodiversity in the region.

It is renowned for its high level of biodiversity, including a variety of plant and animal species. This parkis estimated to be home to over 1,000 plant species, 85 mammal species, and more than 300 bird species.

The park is particularly known for its primate populations. It is home to 13 different primate species, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, mangabeys, and blue monkeys. Chimpanzee tracking is a popular activity for visitors.

This forest has one of the only canopy walkways in East and Central Africa. Igishigishigi Canopy Walkway is suspended above the forest floor and offers visitors a unique perspective on the forest ecosystem.

The park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with a diverse array of bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics. Bird watching in Nyungwe offers opportunities to spot colorful and rare species in a pristine forest environment.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a protected area in western Rwanda, established to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable tourism. It is a combination of two separate forest reserves: Gishwati and Mukura.

The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including a number of primate species. This includes chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and various species of monkeys and baboons. This Park consists of montane rainforest and bamboo forests. These ecosystems are important for the conservation of biodiversity and contribute to the overall ecological health of the region.

It is known for its efforts in chimpanzee conservation. Chimpanzees in Gishwati-Mukura are part of the greater conservation strategy in Rwanda to protect and preserve these endangered primates. Golden monkeys, another endangered primate species, inhabit the bamboo forests of the park. Visitors have the opportunity to observe and learn about these unique and colorful monkeys.

The management of Gishwati-Mukura National Park emphasizes community involvement and sustainable development. Efforts are made to engage local communities in conservation initiatives and to ensure that they benefit from the presence of the park.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park, also known as Parc National des Volcans (PNV), is one of the most famous and significant national parks in Rwanda. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a critical part of Rwanda’s tourism and conservation efforts. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors are encouraged to follow responsible tourism practices to ensure the continued well-being of the park’s ecosystems and its inhabitants.

The park is renowned for its population of mountain gorillas. It gained international attention as the primary research site for Dian Fossey, the American primatologist, who studied and lived among the mountain gorillas here. Today, visitors have the opportunity to participate in gorilla trekking to observe and photograph these incredible primates.

The park is characterized by a dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks and lush vegetation. Several volcanoes are within the park, including Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo.

In addition to mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is home to the endangered golden monkeys. Visitors can go on golden monkey trekking experiences to see these playful and colorful primates.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Journeys to Consider When Planning a Visit to Volcanoes National Park