DISCOVER RWANDA: "LAND OF THE THOUSAND HILLS"
Rwanda, known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is emerging as a captivating safari destination in East Africa. Its diverse offerings include renowned mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, tracking golden monkeys, experiencing the Big Five in Akagera National Park, indulging in birdwatching in Nyungwe National Park, and exploring the rich local culture. With its picturesque landscapes and a commitment to conservation and ecotourism, Rwanda's compact size and excellent infrastructure make it an accessible and rewarding choice for travelers seeking a blend of wildlife adventures and cultural immersion in the heart of Africa.
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Northern Circuit:
Volcanoes National Park: Located in the north, this park is renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking. It's also home to golden monkeys and a variety of bird species. The park's lush, volcanic terrain adds to the allure of the experience.
Eastern Circuit:
Akagera National Park: In the east, Akagera offers a classic savanna safari experience. It's the only park in Rwanda where you can spot the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceros. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema and game drives are popular activities here.
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Western Circuit:
Nyungwe National Park: Nestled in the southwest, Nyungwe is a biodiversity hotspot. It's famous for its chimpanzee tracking, canopy walkway, and birdwatching, featuring the elusive shoebill stork. The park also boasts lush rainforests and hiking trails.
Southern Circuit:
Nyabarongo-Akanyaru Wetlands: This lesser-known but ecologically vital area in southern Rwanda is an emerging destination for birdwatching and wetland safaris. It's home to numerous avian species and provides an excellent opportunity for nature enthusiasts.
Each of these circuits offers a unique safari experience, making Rwanda a well-rounded destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. Whether you seek the thrill of tracking gorillas in the north, encountering the Big Five in the east, exploring the biodiversity of the rainforest in the west, or discovering the avian wonders in the south, Rwanda's circuits have something special to offer, making it a diverse and captivating safari destination.
RATES (USD)
$285 to $1,017 pp/day
BEST TIME TO GO
June to September (Dry season)
HIGH SEASON
June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)
SIZE
26,338km² / 10,169mi²
EXPERT RATING
Good balance between vehicle, boat and walking activities
One of the very few places to see mountain gorillas
Excellent birding
Not the best destination for a classic savannah safari
Expensive Destination
GREAT PARK (NOT TO BE MISSED)
GREAT PARK (WORTH A DETOUR)
RWANDA NATIONAL PARKS
AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
"Where the Wild Roams Free: Akagera's Serene Savanna"
BEST PARK 4.9/5
AREA: 1200 SQ KM
ALTITUDE: 800/1230 METRES
OPTIMAL TIME TO EXPLORE: THE DRY SEASON FROM JUNE TO SEPTEMBER OFFERS THE BEST WILDLIFE VIEWING, BUT AKAGERA CAN BE VISITED YEAR-ROUND.
Akagera National Park, located in the eastern part of Rwanda, offers a captivating safari experience with its diverse landscape encompassing savannah, rolling hills, lakes, and wetlands. This picturesque setting provides a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Visitors can embark on exhilarating game drives and boat safaris to witness the thriving animal and birdlife in their natural habitat. The optimal time to explore Akagera is during the dry season, from June to September, when wildlife congregates around water sources, creating a prime opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy this classic African savanna experience.
Noteworthy Features: Akagera is known for its diverse landscapes, including savannah, rolling hills, lakes (Lake Ihema and Lake Shakani), and wetlands. It offers a unique contrast to Rwanda's other national parks with its classic African savanna setting.
Activities: Popular activities in Akagera include game drives for spotting the Big Five, boat safaris on Lake Ihema to see hippos and crocodiles, and birdwatching with over 500 bird species.
Did you know?
Akagera National Park is part of the Akagera-Muhazi Wetlands, an essential ecosystem for numerous bird species and wildlife. It's also home to the Akagera River, which flows into the Nile River.
NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
"Nyungwe's Enchanted Rainforest: Nature's Wonderland"
AREA: 1500/1800 SQ KM
ALTITUDE: 1600/2950 METRES ABOVE SEA LEVEL
OPTIMAL TIME TO EXPLORE: DRY SEASON MONTHS FROM JUNE TO SEPTEMBER. (DECEMBER - FEBRUARY)
Nyungwe National Park, located in the southwest of Rwanda, is a lush montane rainforest that offers a remarkable and immersive experience in a unique natural setting. Covering an expansive area of approximately 1,020 square kilometers, Nyungwe is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, hosting a variety of primates such as chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, along with over 300 bird species. Visitors to Nyungwe can explore its enchanting trails, take part in chimpanzee tracking, and experience the awe-inspiring canopy walkway, which provides an unforgettable view of the forest's lush canopy. The optimal time to explore Nyungwe is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when trekking and birdwatching conditions are at their best, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.
Noteworthy Features: Nyungwe is renowned for its vast montane rainforest, with a canopy walkway that provides an immersive experience. It's also known for its high biodiversity, including a variety of primates and bird species.
Activities: Visitors can enjoy activities such as chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, guided forest hikes, and birdwatching. The park's extensive network of trails caters to various levels of trekkers.
Did you know?
Nyungwe National Park is home to one of the world's largest populations of colobus monkeys, with a count of over 400 individuals. It's also considered an important water catchment area for Rwanda and the Nile River.
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
"In the Shadows of Giants: Volcanoes' Gorilla Kingdom"
BEST PARK 4.5/5
AREA: 160 SQ KM
ALTITUDE: 2400/4507 METRES
OPTIMAL TIME TO EXPLORE: THE BEST TIME TO VISIT IS DURING THE DRY SEASON FROM JUNE TO SEPTEMBER AND DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY
Volcanoes National Park, situated in the northwest of Rwanda, is a place of breathtaking natural beauty and extraordinary wildlife encounters. The park is dominated by a chain of volcanic mountains and is renowned as the premier destination for gorilla trekking, offering visitors a rare opportunity to observe critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. In addition to gorillas, the park is home to golden monkeys and a rich variety of other wildlife. Its altitudes range from 2,400 meters to 4,507 meters, creating diverse ecosystems. The optimal time to explore Volcanoes National Park is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when the weather is favorable for trekking, providing an unforgettable and immersive experience in one of Africa's most iconic wilderness areas.
Noteworthy Features: Volcanoes National Park is famous for its volcanic mountains, with several dormant volcanoes, including Mount Karisimbi (the highest peak). It's most renowned for its gorilla conservation efforts.
Activities: The park offers gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and hiking opportunities. It's also part of the Virunga Conservation Area, which includes parks in neigh-boring countries.
Did you know?
Dian Fossey, the American primatologist who dedicated her life to studying mountain gorillas, conducted her research in Volcanoes National Park. The park continues her legacy in gorilla conservation efforts.
GISHWATI-MAKURA NATIONAL PARK
"Gishwati-Makura: A Green Jewel of Conservation"
AREA: 1510 SQ KM
ALTITUDE: 1600/2281 METRES
OPTIMAL TIME TO EXPLORE: THE GREAT MIGRATION TYPICALLY OCCURS FROM JULY TO OCTOBER, MAKING THIS A POPULAR TIME TO VISIT.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park, located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, is a hidden gem that boasts a pristine forest environment and extraordinary biodiversity. Encompassing the Gishwati and Mukura forests, the park covers around 3,500 hectares and is recognized for its lush greenery, dense vegetation, and rich wildlife. Home to chimpanzees and various primate species, including colobus monkeys, Gishwati-Mukura is a biodiversity hotspot with over 80 bird species. It offers visitors opportunities for immersive nature walks, wildlife tracking, and a chance to connect with the wilderness in an untouched, tranquil setting. The park is open year-round, with the wet season from March to May providing particularly vibrant and lush surroundings for birdwatching and guided nature excursions.
Noteworthy Features: Gishwati-Mukura is a biodiversity hotspot, with the Gishwati Forest representing one of the last surviving stands of montane rainforest in Rwanda. The park showcases lush greenery and is part of a reforestation project.
Activities: Activities in the park include guided nature walks, birdwatching, and the opportunity to track chimpanzees, offering a unique chance to observe these primates in a natural setting.
Did you know?
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is involved in an ambitious conservation and reforestation initiative aimed at restoring the forest cover in the area, making it a significant contribution to Rwanda's sustainability efforts.
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