National Parks and other top places to Visit in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

baby mountain gorilla rwandaHome to the Mountain Gorillas, Volcanoes National Park lies in the Northern Province of Rwanda, along the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is also Africa’s oldest national park, gazetted in 1925 primarily to protected the Mountain Gorillas from poaching. The park spans 5 Virunga Volcanoes, clad with lush mountain vegetation that is inhabited by a variety of wildlife of which include: Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Buffaloes, and lots of birds including many Albertine Rift endemics. Volcanoes National Park is the prime tourist destination of Rwanda and offers a range of exciting adventures including Mountain Gorilla trekking, Golden Monkey Tracking, Birdwatching, Hiking, Nature Walks, Community walks, and Caving. Read more about Volcanoes National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park

nyungwe forest national parkSituated in southwestern Rwanda and covering more than 1000 sq km, Nyungwe Forest is the largest Afro-montane forest in East and Central Africa, and one of the most ancient, dating back to before the ice age. Its longevity has led to accummulation and survival of an incredible diversity of wildlife, including many endangered and endemic species. It is very rich for primates, with 13 species, including Chimpanzees. It harbors more than 300 bird species, including the highest number of Albertine rift endemics. Tourist activities include Chimpanzee tracking, Canopy Walk, Guided Nature walks, birding, camping, tracking habituated Mangabeys and Blue Monkeys. Read more about Nyungwe Forest National Park

Akagera National Park

giraffe in Akagera national parkAkagera is Rwanda’s biggest national park measuring 1085 square kilometers. It lies in the Eastern Province, at a lower altitude – with grassland plains, labyrinth of lakes and papyrus swamps – contrasting the rolling hills and mountains that make much of Rwanda. The park has a beautiful scenery with plenty of wildlife including Elephants, Zebras, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Leopards, Hyenas, Hippos, Crocodile. Lions are being introduced back into Akagera. With more 525 species of birds, the Akagera has the highest concentration of birds per square kilometer of any African national park! The park offers visitors the classic African safari that includes a range of experiences. Read more about the Akagera National Park

Gishwati Mukura National Park

gishwati forestGishwati – Mukura National Park is Rwanda’s youngest park formed in 2015. The parks consist of two disjointed montane forests Gishwati and Mukura and it is located to the northwest of the country. The park is home to a number of threatened species including the Chimpanzees and monkeys. The park is hotspot for birding, and also wonderful for hiking. The local communities offer cultural and traditional experiences such hand craft making, traditional dances    about the Gishwati Mukura National Park

Kigali City

kigali cityKigali is one of Africa’s most vibrant, cleanest, safest and organized cities. It is located in the heart of Rwanda, covering several hills and exuding such a fresh atmosphere. For visitors flying into Rwanda, Kigali harbors the international airport and so a tour of the city is just inevitable! Kigali harbors several historical and cultural attractions. Here is the Kigali City tour guide

Mount Bisoke Volcano

Bisoke Crater LakeMountain Bisoke, 3711m, is a dormant volcano of the Virunga Mountain range. It  spans across the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Of Rwanda’s five Virunga volcanoes, Bisoke is the most popular for one day hiking adventures. It contains two beautiful crater lakes, including the one at the summit. The slopes are inhabited by Mountain Gorillas & Golden Monkeys which may be encountered during the trek to the summit. Read more about Mt. Bisoke and Activities

Lake Kivu Rwanda

lake kivu rubavu rwandaLake Kivu is Rwanda’s biggest lake and one of the most beautiful lakes in Central Africa. The lake is located in the west of the country near the Volcanoes National Park in the north and Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south. It is therefore the ideal place to relax after the adventures in the parks. It is also a wonderful gateaway for those seeking to escape the hustle of the city. Meanwhile, Lake Kivu is also a top adventure destination of Rwanda offering a number of adventures such as kayaking, boat ride, paddle boarding, canoeing etc… For more about Lake Kivu

The Congo – Nile Trail

This is a 227km (141 miles)  trail along the Lake Kivu, that runs from Gisenyi in Rubavu District to Rusizi District. The trail offers an exciting adventure through Rwanda’s spectacular landscapes of rolling hills and clear waters. For the adventure travelers the trail offers an exciting way to explore and discover Rwanda. It is a perfect fit for those that enjoy off the beaten path adventures. The entire trail can be explored via 10 day hiking, or 5 day biking adventure.

Read more about the Congo Nile Trail

Culture Corridor

The cultural corridor offers a chance to experience the rich Rwandan culture and history. Major sites along the corridor include: Kigali City, The King’s Palace/Urukari, National Art Gallery/Rwesero, Inema Art Center, Ethnographic Museum, Women dancing groups in Butare.

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