National Parks in Rwanda

Rwanda, officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in East Africa bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," Rwanda is famous for its lush landscapes and the towering Virunga volcanoes in the northwest. The country enjoys a tropical highland climate due to its elevation, with mild temperatures year-round. There are two rainy seasons—from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December—and a dry season from June to mid-September, ideal for travel.

Rwanda has two main airports: Kigali International Airport for international travel and Kamembe Airport for domestic flights. The capital, Kigali, is known for its cleanliness and modern infrastructure. The country enforces a national plastic ban and holds monthly community cleanups called Umuganda, while Car-Free Days promote healthy, eco-friendly living.

A highlight of Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas and part of the Virunga range. Gorilla trekking is a major attraction, with 12 habituated families and limited daily permits. The park is also linked to Dian Fossey's conservation work.

Rwanda is one of the cleanest and fastest-growing countries in Africa. Its rich biodiversity, scenic terrain, and renowned bourbon coffee make it a unique and rewarding destination.

The Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s premier wildlife destination and the most accessible gorilla trekking location in the world, just a two-hour drive from Kigali International Airport. Located in the country’s north and spanning 160 sq km, it forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The park is best known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, but it also shelters golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, and black-fronted duikers. It’s home to 178 bird species, including 29 endemic to the Rwenzori and Virunga ranges.

Trekking experiences for both gorillas and golden monkeys begin at 7:00 AM and are limited to small groups. Golden monkeys, often seen in bamboo forests near the volcano bases, have been habituated to human presence, offering an engaging wildlife encounter similar to gorilla tracking. Most Rwanda safaris start or conclude here, making it the heart of wildlife tourism in the country.

Nearest Airport – Kigali International Airport.

Type of Accomodations - Accommodation options come from Mid range to Ultra high end

Best Time to Visit – Through out the year

The Nyungwe National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests, covering over 1,000 km² in southwestern Rwanda. This vast Afromontane forest is a key watershed, feeding both the Nile and Congo Rivers, and provides a major source of Rwanda’s fresh water.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nyungwe hosts rich biodiversity with over 1,100 plant species, 345 bird species, and 85 mammals, including 13 primate species such as chimpanzees, Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. It has the highest number of endemic species in the Albertine Rift region.

Chimpanzee tracking is a major activity, with habituated groups visited daily by tourists, offering a rare opportunity to observe these primates in their natural habitat.

Nearest Airport – Kigali International Airport , Kamembe airport

Type of Accomodations -Accommodation options come from Mid range to Ultra high end

Best Time to Visit – Through out the year.

The Akagera National Park is located in northeastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. Named after the Akagera River, which flows through the area, the park features a mix of swamps, lakes, savannah, and woodland, creating a diverse and scenic ecosystem.

Established in 1934, Akagera is the largest protected wetland in Africa, though its size was reduced by nearly half in 1997 to accommodate returning refugees. Today, the park spans about 1,200 km² and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. It also hosts primates like olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and bush babies.

Lake Ihema, within the park, supports large populations of hippos and crocodiles, best viewed during boat safaris. Akagera offers a classic savannah safari experience with Rwanda’s unique natural charm.

Nearest Airport – Kigali International Airport.

Type of Accomodations - Accommodation options come from Mid range to Ultra high end

Best Time to Visit – Through out the year.

The Lake Kivu is Rwanda's largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa, located in the country's western region along the Great Rift Valley. Surrounded by scenic mountains and known for its deep emerald waters, Lake Kivu spans an area of 2,700 km².

It offers a range of outdoor activities for adventurous travelers, including kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking along the beautiful and less-traveled Congo Nile Trail.

Nearest Airport – Kigali International Airport.

Type of Accomodations - Accommodation options come in every price range.

Best Time to Visit – Through out the year.