Rwanda National Parks

Akagera National park rwanda only savannah reserve and is again a Big Five destination after the recent reintroductions of a lion and black rhino. Other animals include elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and hippo. In terms of pure wildlife viewing, Akagera can’t quite compete with the more famous parks in Kenya and Tanzania. However, the park is very scenic and the birdlife is particularly rewarding.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is remarkably accessible contains the largest remaining tract of the montane rainforest in East Africa. Montane rainforests are a rare and unique ecosystem, found only in mountainous areas above 1,000m/3,281ft within the tropical belt. The main attraction is primates including chimpanzees. Another highlight is the suspended canopy walk, offering a bird’s eye view into the dense forest.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda (also known as Parc National des Volcans) is arguably the best place in the world to observe the critically endangered mountain gorilla. This is where Dian Fossey started the habituation of these gentle giants decades ago. Other activities in the park include golden monkey trekking, a hike to Diane Fossey’s former camp, and the more strenuous volcano summit.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park. It consists of the Gishwati and Mukura forests, which are about 25km apart in western Rwanda. The main attraction is a troop of habituated chimpanzees. Other primates include a golden monkey, blue monkey, and l’Hoest’s monkey. As of late 2018, there was no accommodation or other tourist development in the park, but it’s likely the development of a new luxury/upmarket lodge.