5 Must-Visit National Parks In Rwanda To Explore In 2023

When dreaming of a safari adventure, South Africa, Tanzania or Kenya will often come to mind, but Rwanda is becoming highly popular for its affordable safaris. Since 1994, this African country has become famous for its majestic mountain gorillas, but it also offers so much more in the way of wildlife, birdlife and adventure. Read on to find out more about five national parks and forest reserves to visit in Rwanda.

1. Volcanoes National Park – Mountain Gorillas

Located in northern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is likely the top park to visit, mostly due to its iconic mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation area. Meanwhile, the park is located around a two-hour drive from Kigali International Airport, making it the most accessible gorilla national park in Africa. Moreover, the park also hosts golden monkeys, various reptiles and amphibians and birds, making it a unique safari destination.

2. Akagera National Park, Rwanda – Wetland and Savannah

Sharing a border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is named for the Akagera River running through its eastern areas. This is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland, which provides water for wildlife in what looks like a maze of lakes. Meanwhile, it is also the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in the country. These include southern white rhinos, lions and buffaloes which were reintroduced into the beautiful park. Moreover, Akagera is a wonderland for bird watchers with many beautiful species to be found.

3. Nyungwe Forest National Park – Rainforest

Nyungwe Forest National Park is considered one of the most pristine rainforests in the world. The timeless rainforest covers around 62-sq-mi and is home to many chimpanzees and other primates. Meanwhile, the park also hosts around 300 species of birds. One unique way to experience the park is by hiking or biking. Moreover, visitors can experience canopy walks through the forests and breathtaking waterfalls along the way.

4. Gishwati Forest Reserve – Hiking and Birdwatching.

Gishwati Forest Reserve is a sparsely populated area located in four distinct districts, Kigeyo, Nyabirasi, Ruhango and Mushonyi. Its rainforest spans the park across to the Congo and features an impressive range of fauna and flora. This includes golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s and blue monkeys. Meanwhile, the park is ideal for bird and butterfly watching, chimpanzee tracking and hiking the Congo Nile Trail.

5. Mukura Forest Reserve – convenient for Kibuye, Rwanda

Mukura Forest Reserve is located in the Mukura Forest, a one-hour drive from Kibuye. Meanwhile, the park is also only a three-hour drive from the city of Kigali. Meanwhile, the forest hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including 402 mammal species including chimpanzees, golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys. It also hosts 300 species of amphibians and reptiles and 1,061 species of birds. Moreover, the park features thousands of species of plant life.

Experience a safari in one of Rwanda’s incredible national parks in 2023, exploring the diversity of the country’s landscapes and wildlife.