There are four main Rwanda National Parks. Even though geographically small Rwanda has diverse National Parks and a visit to any will leave you yearning for more Rwanda Safari experiences. Volcanoes National Park is the most famous of the 4 Rwanda National Parks. It is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda about a 4 hours drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital city. The park is part of the Virunga conservation area and is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other wildlife species.

Mountain gorilla trekking is the most commonly done safari activity in Volcanoes National Park. We have a number of customized tour itineraries featuring gorilla trekking there starting from a Day Tour. The 2 and 3-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking tour options are also great and a bit relaxed.

Nyungwe National Park is another prominent National Park in Rwanda. It is located in the southwestern part of the country and is home to chimpanzees and 12 other primates. The park is the best chimpanzee trekking destination in Rwanda and our 5 Days Rwanda and 10 Days Rwanda Safari feature this and Volcanoes National Park. Nyungwe forest is also Rwanda’s most important birding area with various bird species including endemics of the Albertine Rift Valley.

Akagera National Park is the only Savanna National Park in Rwanda located in the eastern part. It is home to the big five mammals including black and white rhinos. Game drives in the savannas of Akagera are rewarding as you get to see various wildlife species including giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, Topi, and elands among others. Gishwati Mukura National Park is the fourth Park in Rwanda. It is also forested just like Nyungwe and best for primates and birding.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is located in northwestern Rwanda. It is home to the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. These on the entire planet can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places to see them. Rwanda gorilla trekking tours make up most of Rwanda tours as wildlife enthusiasts hike the Misty mountains to meet the giant apes. 

Volcanoes National Park is about a 3-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city and it is the most visited national park in Rwanda.

It covers a land area of 160 square kilometers but the Rwandan government embarked on a program to expand the park by more than 37.4 square kilometers. This expansion is primarily aimed at wildlife conservation by increasing the land area and habitat for the wildlife species. Volcanoes National Parks expansion will boost Rwanda Gorilla trekking safaris and other wildlife adventures in the park. 

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Discovery Journeys To
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2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour
2 days15
3
2-Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour
Volcanoes National Park
$2000
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4-Day Double Gorilla Trekking Tour
4 days40
3
4-Day Double Gorilla Trekking Tour
Volcanoes national park Rwanda
$3000
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5-Day Rwanda Safari Adventure
5 days40
3
5-Day Rwanda Safari Adventure
Volcanoes national park Rwanda
$3500
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Virunga Mountains

The park is part of the great Virunga massif a stretch of Volcanic mountains along the Rwanda, Uganda, and Democratic Republic of Congo borders. Volcanoes National Park has 5 of the eight Virunga volcanic mountains. It shares these with Uganda and Rwanda respectively. They include Mount Karisimbi, the highest of all at 4,507 meters above sea level and it is situated at the Rwanda DRC border.

Mount Muhabura is the third highest at 4,127 meters above sea level and it lies at the Rwanda-Uganda border. Mount Bisoke has a crater lake at its summit and stands at an elevation of 3,711 meters above sea level. It is also shared between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mount Sabyinyo is shared by the 3 countries and has an elevation of 3,674 meters above sea level. Mount Gahinga is the last of the Virunga massif in Volcanoes National Park. It has an elevation of 3,474 and lies along the Rwanda-Uganda border.

It is in the above mountains where you find mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and many other wildlife species. Mountain gorillas live in the forested mountains hence their name mountain gorillas.

Wildlife In Volcanoes National Park

Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are the highlight and most sought-after wildlife species in Volcanoes National Park. The total mountain gorilla population on the planet is estimated at 1100 with the Virunga massif having about 600 of them with the rest living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Of the 600, Volcanoes National Park has half of them, and the others are shared between Virunga National Park and Mgahinga gorilla parks in DRC and Uganda respectively. They live in families ranging up to 20 individuals or more. Each family is led by a dominant male gorilla called Silver Back.

There are 20 gorillas families in the park with 12 fully habituated and open for tourism. Eight are under habituation and will also be open for tourism with time. The 12 habituated families include Agashya, Pablo, Susa, Igishya, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Ntambara, Hirwa, Muhoza and Titus.

Some of these can be reached after a short time of hiking while others are strenuous. Depending on your physical fitness and health condition you can talk to the park rangers to allocate you a gorilla family that can be got to after a short time of hiking. Book your Rwanda gorilla tour now and hike to meet any of these habituated families. 

Golden Monkeys

Golden monkeys are other primates that live in the forested mountains of the park. Just like their name, golden monkeys are covered with golden fur and also live in families of up to 20 individuals. These, unlike mountain gorillas, live in the light bamboo forests and lower slopes of the mountains.

The golden monkey Diet is mainly of bamboo shoots and some edible plants and leaves. Catching up with them is also very impressive.

Other Wildlife Species

Volcanoes National Park is home to forest elephants though these are rarely seen. Some have been spotted at Singita Kwitonda Lodge as they freely roam the park’s ecosystem. Other wildlife in the park include forest buffaloes, forest hogs, and over 200 bird species including endemics of the Albertine Rift Valley.

Activities in Volcanoes National Park

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Mountain gorilla trekking is a commonly done activity in Volcanoes National Park. Here people hike seeking to find the mountain gorillas. This starts at the park headquarters at 7:00 a.m. with a briefing after which tourists are guided to the park. You then hike for 2 to 4 hours or more following the mountain gorillas.

Once you get to them, you are allowed to be in their presence for an hour taking photos and getting to know more about them. After 1 hour you are then brought back to the park where you are awarded your certificates of participation.

We customize all our Rwanda gorilla trekking safari adventures to ensure you get the best of your great apes expedition. 

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkey trekking is also among the activities in the park. Since golden monkeys inhabit the lower slopes of the light bamboo forests, it is very easy to get to them.

The Golden Monkey Trek also starts with a briefing at the park headquarters. From here you are led to the park where you see the golden monkeys and other wildlife species.

Mountain Hiking

For mountain hikers, Mountain climbing in Volcanoes National Park is very enjoyable. Two major mountains in the park can be hiked with mount Bisoke doable in a day. It takes around 7 to 8 hours to complete ascending and descending the mountain. While on the hike you get to see a number of wildlife in the park, especially birds, and also enjoy the views of other Virunga mountains. The crater lake on the summit of Mount Bisoke is the most impressive and iconic attraction.

Mount Karisimbi can also be hiked though it takes 2 days to complete this expedition. Here you spend one night in the mountains and get to experience real life in the jungle.

Birding

Birding safaris can be done alongside all the above-mentioned main activities. You can also visit the Musanze caves or go for community visits where you get to know more about the people’s ways of life.

Accommodation

The park has a wide range of accommodation options ranging from budget to high-end options. East Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges are here and they complement the primate safari experiences, especially gorilla trekking. High-end lodges near the park include Virunga Lodge, Bisate Lodge, One and Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Kwitonda Lodge among others.

For those who prefer mid-luxury lodges, Five Volcanoes Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Ingagi Parkview Lodge, and Bishops House can be the best options. There are also budget and mid-range lodges including Da Vinci Lodge, Gorilla Solution Lodge, and Muhabura Hotel among others.

All of the above-mentioned lodges are situated a few minute’s drive from the park headquarters. The only exception is Virunga Lodge which is located about 45 minutes drive from the park headquarters.

Getting to Volcanoes National Park

You can access the park by both road and air transport. By Road from Kigali, it is just a 3 hours drive. From Nyungwe National Park it is about a 5 to 6-hour drive. From Uganda depending on where you are coming from, from the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park it can take about 2 hours. There is an airstrip in Musanze near the park and a helipad at One and only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge for those who would prefer to fly to the park.

Best time to Visit

You can visit the park any time of the year however best experiences can be enjoyed in the dry season. This is from June to September and from December to Early March. In the dry season rainfall is minimal which makes hiking and navigating through the park a bit easy. In the wet season, you can still enjoy gorilla trekking and other park activities though rainfall can occur at any time. We usually recommend having rain gear like a poncho and wearing waterproof pants even in the dry season. This is because the trails are usually wet in the morning from dew. Be sure to book your Rwanda gorilla tour in advance as gorilla permits quickly sell out. 

Nyungwe forest, one of the oldest rain forests in East and central Africa

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is located in southwestern Rwanda. The park is forested and protects Nyungwe forest, one of the oldest rainforests in East and Central Africa. It lies in the Albertine Rift Valley region and is among the outstanding wild places and primate safari destinations in Rwanda.

The forested park is located about 6 to 7 hours’ drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. Nyungwe National Park covers a land area of 1,019 square kilometers and comprises different ecosystems from bamboo, swamps, rainforests, bogs, and grassland and all of these are homes to the different wildlife species.

The park is a leading primate safari destination in Rwanda after Volcanoes National Park with chimpanzees trekking the major primate trekking adventure. It has several communities of eastern chimpanzees and offers for the Chimpanzee trekking and habituation experiences. Nyungwe together with Akagera National Parks are managed by Africa Parks. 

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5-Day Lowland Gorilla Habituation Tour 
5 days5
3
5-Day Lowland Gorilla Habituation Tour 
Kahuzi Biega National Park
$2500
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5-Day Rwanda Tour
5 days40
3
5-Day Rwanda Tour
Nyungwe National Park
$3500
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10 days40
6
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Rwanda
$5000
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Wildlife in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is very iconic as it is home to over 13 primate species. These include chimpanzees, L’hoest monkeys, golden monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, silver monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Colobus monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys and Dent’s Mona Monkeys among others.  

There are over 270 bird species in Nyungwe forest making it among the best Rwanda birding safari destinations. The park has a number of birds that are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley and Central African forests. Notable birds here include the Rwenzori Turaco, Regal sunbird, great blue turaco, black saw-wing, Albertine owlet, Rwenzori Apalis, and strange weavers among others.

Nyungwe forest also has about 1068 plant species, 38 reptiles, and 32 amphibian species. For those interested in botany and small wildlife species especially reptiles and amphibians the park is a great place to see. There are also other mammals including forest elephants though these are rarely seen. Exploring this wildlife diversity is a highlight of Nyungwe National Park tour adventures. 

Nyungwe National Park Activities

Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is the main activity done in the Nyungwe forest. There are two major habituated chimpanzee groups that are tracked. One lives in the Uwinka area near the park headquarters and the other at Cyamudongo towards Lake Kivu. Chimpanzees being man’s closest primates with over 98% DNA similar to humans, they are incredible to watch especially in their most preferred habitats. Chimpanzees, unlike mountain gorillas, are very mobile and oftentimes jump from one tree to another. Seeing them in a jungle-like Nyungwe enables you to enjoy real jungle life and see a number of other wildlife species present.

Chimpanzee trekking has an age limit. Only individuals above the age of 15 are allowed to track chimpanzees in groups of eight people. Given that they are two habituated groups, only 16 people are allowed to track a day. The trek takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the movement of the chimpanzees. You are allowed at least an hour to get to know more about the chimpanzees and their routine in the wild.

Nature Walks

There are a number of well-developed trails in the park where guided nature walks are done. Nyungwe forest is a water catchment area with many rivers and waterfalls. Some of the guided nature walks feature waterfalls and other iconic features including a canopy walk. The canopy walkway in Nyungwe hangs several meters above and offers great scenic views of the forest. It also enables you to see wildlife that prefers to stay in the higher canopy layers of the forest.

Birding

Birding expeditions are also done in the Nyungwe forest. The forested park has over 280 bird species including Albertine endemics. Notable birds here include the African Hill Babbler, Bar-tailed Trogon, blue-headed sunbird, great blue turaco, and Rwenzori Turaco among others.

All the above-mentioned activities can be done at any time of the year. For birding, from November to May migratory birds from as far as Europe set in and that time is therefore the best birding time. For overall primate trekking adventures, it is best to visit from June to September and December to March when rainfall is minimal. These activities make Rwanda tours to Nyungwe diverse and not focused to chimpanzee trekking as many assume. 

Accommodation

One and Only Nyungwe House is the most luxurious, perfectly located near Uwinka Park headquarters. The lodge is surrounded by tea plantations and overlooks Nyungwe forest giving one of the most refreshing views. It is high-end but truly worth the price and overnight here is really memorable.

Nyungwe Top View Hotel is another lodging option near Uwinka Park headquarters. The lodge is mid-range and also directly overlooks the forest. One and Only Nyungwe House and Nyungwe Top View Hotel are the best options if you are starting your chimpanzee trekking adventure from the main headquarters. They are also ideal for other pack activities like nature walks and other primate treks. Gisakura guesthouse is the only budget accommodation option at the Uwinka area. 

Nyungwe forest is near Lake Kivu and other accommodation options are on the shores of Lake Kivu. They include Mantis Marina Bay and Emeraude Kivu Resort and have interrupted views of the Lake Kivu. Mantis Marina Bay and Emeraude are ideal to stay at when tracking chimpanzees in cyamudongo. They are about an hour’s drive from the Uwinka Park headquarters. This means when you have activities like the nature walks and colobus monkey trekking you drive that 1 hour to the main park headquarters for a briefing and then proceed for the activities.

It is advisable to book accommodation and permits in advance, especially for the peak tourist season. Note that you can get a discount on the gorilla permit if you have Nyungwe or Akagera National Park plus Volcanoes National Park. The discount is valid from November to May and can only be approved if you provide paid accommodation vouchers.

Getting to Nyungwe National Park

The park can be accessed by road transport from Kigali. The road trip to Nyungwe involves en route stopovers at the Nyanza Royal Palace and Butare museums. Here you get to know more about Rwanda’s rich culture and heritage. The 6 to 7 hours drive even though with stopovers does seem like a lot for some people. You can therefore opt to fly to Kamembe Airport near the park and then drive to your accommodation facility.

Nyungwe National Park was recently inscribed as a World Heritage Site and has gained more value with this development.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savanna national park. The park is located in eastern Rwanda stretching towards the border with Tanzania covering a land area of 1,122 square kilometers.

Akagera National Park has diverse ecosystems including savanna grass and woodlands, Montane vegetation, and a swamp. The swamp vegetation is supplemented by some lakes and Rivers and it covers about a third of the park. With that Akagera National Park is east and central Africa’s largest protected wetland. Akagera Safari adventures are rewarding as your explore savanna’s most after wildlife species. 

The park initially had a land of 2,500 square kilometers and was once home to a variety of wildlife species including African wild dogs. It also had five big mammals including Black rhinos that at some point became extinct because of poaching.

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3 Day Akagera Tour
3 days40
4
3 Day Akagera Tour
Akagera National Park Rwanda
$1500
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6-Day Rwanda Tour
6 days40
4
6-Day Rwanda Tour
Volcanoes National Park
$4000
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10 days40
6
10-Day Rwanda Safari
Rwanda
$5000
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Akagera National park History

Because of the internal insecurity and civil war that happened in Rwanda, the government de-gazetted part of the park’s land to compensate and resettle some Rwandan citizens who had returned home after losing a lot in the war and having lived in exile for long.

Akagera National Park management was in 2009 taken over by Africa Parks Network in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board. The main aim of this was to foster conservation of the existing wildlife and reintroduce wild animals that once roamed the park. Another aim was to ensure that the park boundary is well protected and secured from any form of encroachment. With that, a lot has been restored so far and major wildlife species including Rhinos and lions have been reintroduced to the park.

There has been a lot of financial investment in the park at levels to ensure the park is restored to its glory. Today Akagera National Park stands out and is a must-visit in Rwanda for savanna wildlife and big five safari adventure.

Wildlife in Akagera National park

Akagera National Park is home to over 1200 wildlife species. The big five mammals are among the outstanding wildlife and include lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and Rhinos. The lion population at the park currently stands at 37, with over 4000 buffaloes and about 133 elephants. Other notable wildlife in the park include Hippos, Topi, waterbucks, and giraffes among others. Akagera Safari adventures featuring the Big Five Mammals and Big Cats are a recommended for the ultimate Discovery Journeys. 

Akagera National Park has over 480 bird species and it is an internationally recognized Important Birding Area. Of the 480 over 100 bird species occur only here and can therefore not be found in any national park in Rwanda except Akagera. Some of the birds you will not miss on a visit to Akagera include the African fish eagle, Marabou storks, white-browed coucal, booted eagle, and shoebill storks among others.

There are also primates in the park, especially baboons and vervet monkeys that live in the woodlands that the park has.

Activities

Game drives are the leading safari activities done in the park. These feature the major wildlife the park has, especially the big five. Savannah big cats, especially the lions and leopards are often sighted while on early morning game drives. There are well-developed and maintained trails in the park that enable you to fully explore the park as you see the many wildlife species the park has. The northern sector of the park has the highest wildlife concentration and it is the best area for a fruitful game drive.

Night game drives are also done in the park enabling one to explore and catch up with the nocturnal wildlife. The big cats, especially leopards and lions hunt in the night and are very active.

Birding is also among the top safari activities in the park. With the many bird species Akagera National Park has, birding is undoubtedly very rewarding. From November to May, a number of migratory bird species from as far as Europe set in, and those months are the best times for a birding safari.

Akagera National Park has a number of lakes including Lake Ihema where boat trips are done. Here you get to see a number of wildlife including hippos and Crocodiles. You can also spot a number of birds freely roaming the sky as you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

Accommodation

Akagera tour adventures are best experienced staying at an exquisite location. There are a number of accommodation facilities within the park. They include Magashi Camp, a high end safari lodge in the northern sector of the park. Magashi camp is perfectly situated in the park and all game drives start right at the camp. It has self-contained tents with great views of the wilderness. The northern sector has the highest wildlife concentration. Booking your Akagera tour adventures with a stay at Magashi increases your chances of wildlife viewing. 

Ruzizi Tented Lodge is another beautiful and Cozy situated in the park. The lodge is situated on a lakeside and offers great refreshing views of the lake. The tented lodge is very eco-friendly and rustic and a stay there is very rewarding.

Akagera Game Lodge is the only mid-range safari lodge in the park. The lodge also has great views of the lake and has well-furnished self-contained rooms. It is important and convenient to spend a night within the park premises for an easy start to the park activities, especially game drives. Once you exit you are required to pay again once entering again so to avoid double payments staying within the park is better. Karenge Bush camp is also situated in the park. The park closes at 7:00 am and it is recommended to be there early to avoid any inconveniences.

Other accommodations outside the park premises include the Dereva Hotel, Akagera Transit Lodge, Akagera Rhino Lodge among others.

Getting to Akagera national park

The park can be accessed by road from Kigali. The road to the park is well-turmacked and maintained. Movement within the park is also easy as the major roads and game drive trails are also well maintained. You can also fly to the park in just 25 minutes arriving early to start off the park adventures.

Best time to Visit

Akagera National Park can be visited at any time of the year. All the park activities are doable year-round but the best game drives and photography experiences can be had in the dry season. For bird lovers, the wet months from November are very much suitable. The park can be visited alongside other Rwanda safari destinations. Book Your Akagera Tour Experiences and start your journey through the diverse land of a thousand hills.