Rwanda is a small country located in the heart of East Africa, known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. Despite its small size, Rwanda is home to several national parks, each offering a unique experience for visitors.  It is home to three national parks that offer visitors a chance to explore its natural beauty. These parks are Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Akagera National Park. Each park offers unique activities that will allow you to get up close and personal with nature. In this article, we will explore each park and the activities you can do there.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is located in the north-western part of Rwanda and is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The park was established in 1925 and is one of the oldest national parks in Africa. The park is named after the Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanic mountains that stretch across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is elevated at 15000 feet high so “high that you shiver more than you sweat as stated by Dian Fossey”  its surrounded by rainforests and bamboo trees in the footstool of the five volcanoes.

 Gorilla Trekking: This is the main activity in the park. Visitors can go on a guided trek to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. There are about 10 gorilla families that have been habituated to human presence, and visitors can choose which family to visit. Visitors are allowed to spend one hour with the gorillas, and the trek can take between 1 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Golden Monkey Trekking: The park is also home to the endangered golden monkeys. Visitors can go on a guided trek to see them in their natural habitat.

  Hiking: Visitors can go on a hike to explore the beautiful scenery of the park. There are several hiking trails that lead to the top of the volcanic mountains, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area. Volcanoes National Park is home to the highest mountain in Rwanda, Mount Karisimbi, which stands at 4,507 meters above sea level.

 The park was made famous by Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who dedicated her life to the conservation of the mountain gorillas.                                                                                                            

The   park has over 200 species of birds, including the Rwenzori turaco, the red-throated alethe, and the handsome francolin.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

 Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda and is one of the largest montane rainforests in Africa teaming with wildlife and primates. The park was established in 2004 and is home to over 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.

 Chimpanzee Trekking: Visitors can go on a guided trek to see the chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The trek can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the chimpanzee family.                                            

Canopy Walk: Visitors can walk on a 90-meter-long suspended bridge that is 50 meters above the forest floor. The canopy walk offers stunning views of the forest and is a unique way to experience the par the forest from a different perspective, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.   Bird Watching: The park has over 300 species of birds, including the Rwenzori turaco, the red-throated alethic, and the Kivu ground thrush.  The park also offers cultural experiences, allowing visitors to learn more about the local communities that call the area home.

 Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to the largest number of colobus monkeys in Africa.  The park has over 140 orchid species, making it a haven for orchid lovers. c) The park has over 200 species of trees, some of which are over 400 years old.

Akagera National Park

 Akagera National Park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda and is the only savanna park in the country. The park was established in 1934 and is named after the Akagera River,which flows through the park. Its Rwanda biggest home for the Africa’s big five.  The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos  and zebras.

 Game Drives: Visitors can go on a guided game drive to see the wildlife in the park. There are several game drive routes, and visitors can choose between a morning or an evening game drive.                                              

Boat Safaris: Visitors can go on a boat safari on Lake Ihema, which is located in the park. The boat safari offers a unique way to see the park’s wildlife and is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery.                         

Fishing: Visitors can go fishing on Lake Shakani, which is located in the park. The lake is home to several fish species, including tilapia and catfish.

 Akagera National Park is home to over 500 bird species, including the shoebill stork, the African fish eagle, and the papyrus gonolek.                                                                                                                                                                      

The park was once home to the black rhinoceros, but they were hunted to extinction in the 1980s. Efforts are currently underway to reintroduce them to the park. The park has over 10,000 large mammals, including elephants, lions, and buffaloes.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park:

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the newest national park in Rwanda, located in the western part of the country , comprising of two forests the bigger Gishwati and small Makura. The park covers an area of over 34,000 hectares and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and several bird species.

In recent years, the park has undergone significant restoration efforts, including reforestation and reintroduction of wildlife. The park was previously used for agricultural purposes and suffered from deforestation, but now it has become a protected area to preserve the ecosystem and wildlife.

The park offers several activities for visitors, including guided nature walks, bird watching, and cultural experiences. The park has several hiking trails that lead through the forest and offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors can also learn more about the local communities that live in the area and their traditional ways of life. Karisoke Research Center:

The Karisoke Research Center is not a national park, but it is an essential destination for anyone interested in conservation and the study of mountain gorillas. The research center was established by Dian Fossey in 1967 and has since become a leading institution in the study of gorilla behavior and conservation.

Conclusion: Rwanda’s national parks offer visitors a chance to explore its natural beauty and see some of its rare and endangered wildlife. Whether you want to go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, see chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, or go on a game drive in Akagera National Park, there is something for everyone. Additionally, each park offers unique activities that will allow you to get up close and personal with nature. So, if you’re planning a trip to Rwanda, make sure you visit one of its national parks for an unforgettable experience.