There are four national parks in Rwanda, each located in a distinct region of the country. Every national park offers unique activities.
Rwanda, famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” because of its mountainous terrain, is a landlocked country in the East-Central region of Africa.
Well-known for its breathtaking scenery, Rwanda lies 121 km south of the equator, 1,250 km east of the Atlantic Ocean, and 1,416 km west of the Indian Ocean.
Located almost at the center of Africa, the Land of a Thousand Hills is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna spread across its four national parks.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern corner of Rwanda, two and a half hours northwest of Kigali International Airport. It spans an area of 160 square kilometers.
This park is home to a chain of dormant volcanoes that form the Virunga Massif. These include Mount Karisimbi, the highest at 4,507 meters, along with Mount Bisoke, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo.
At the summit of Mount Sabyinyo, visitors can stand at the point where three countries converge. These mountains are ideal for adventurous hikes.
The park’s lush bamboo forests provide a habitat for nearly half of the endangered mountain gorilla population. Its gentle slopes offer unforgettable experiences for those trekking to see the gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park reflects Rwanda’s appeal as a top African destination, offering activities such as biking, hiking, canoeing, sightseeing, photography, and, most famously, gorilla trekking.
In addition to gorillas, the park is home to golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, buffaloes, and bushbucks.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to September, when daytime temperatures range between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius and drop to 13.5–15 degrees Celsius at dusk.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the southwestern region of Rwanda and is renowned for its impressive chimpanzee populations.
Established as a national park in 2004 to promote tourism, it has since contributed significantly to Rwanda’s reputation as a leading tourist destination.
This well-preserved montane forest covers an area of 1,019 square kilometers and features diverse landscapes, including grasslands, bamboo forests, and dense rainforests. These habitats are home to chimpanzees, silver and golden monkeys, olive baboons, and Ruwenzori colobus, among others.
The forest’s canopy bridge, called “Africa on the Move,” offers tourists a unique bird’s-eye view of the forest. This experience provides a refreshing connection to nature, filled with fresh air and awe-inspiring views.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park was established as a national park in 1934 by the Belgian colonial administration.
The 1994 genocide, however, led to a severe encroachment by refugees, resulting in significant wildlife loss through poaching and hunting, which drove lions and black rhinos to extinction.
The park was also overrun by over 30,000 cattle, displaced by the genocide.
Akagera National Park exemplifies how human intervention can restore nature. In 2010, the Rwandan government launched efforts to reintroduce wildlife, transforming the park into a top tourist attraction, generating income for over 300,000 people in the surrounding communities.
Lions were reintroduced from South Africa in 2015 after a 15-year absence, with two more males added in 2017 to boost genetic diversity. Additionally, 18 eastern black rhinos were reintroduced, with one giving birth soon after.
The park now hosts all of Africa’s Big Five mammals, allowing tourists to experience a classic African safari in Akagera.
Akagera’s recovery underscores Rwanda’s commitment, through partnerships, to wildlife conservation. Visitors enjoy diverse landscapes, including savannah grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park was created by combining the Gishwati and Mukura forests, covering a total of 34 square kilometers, making it Rwanda’s smallest park.
The park was designated in 2015 to protect its unique flora, fauna, and rare plant species, including chimpanzees. It is a favorite spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts along the Congo Nile Trail.
