The top 3 must visit Rwanda National Parks are Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Akagera. These are the crown jewel of Rwanda tourism the major foreign exchange source. Rwanda may be known as the Land of a Thousand Hills. But beyond its breathtaking landscapes lies an incredible network of protected wilderness that makes it one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations. From mist-covered volcanic mountains and ancient rainforests to vast savannah plains teeming with wildlife. Rwanda’s national parks offer unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Akagera National Park. These parks are the crown jewels of the country’s natural heritage. Attracting thousands of visitors from around the world each year and playing a vital role in Rwanda’s economy through tourism. Each park offers a unique adventure from coming face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas and trekking through one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. To witnessing the Big Five on a classic African safari.
The Top 3 must Visit Rwanda National Parks
Volcanoes National Park leader The top 3 must visit Rwanda National Parks
Volcanoes National Park ranks the most and its at the first on the list of the top 3 must visit Rwanda national parks. This is the home to the rare mountain gorillas which are as well the leading attraction in the country. The park is located in north western region of Rwanda in the Virunga ranges. This region has 5 out of the 6 Virunga Mountains that in habit the majestic mountain gorillas. These include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Muhabura and Mount Gahinga.
Volcanoes National Park is a home to mountain gorillas, blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabey, black and white colobus monkeys and many more. The region is also a birding spot with over 200 recorded bird species which include the Albertine rift endemics. The bird species recorded include Rwenzori turaco, strange weaver, Handsome francolin, kivu ground thrush, brown backed honeybird, bush shrikes, scarlet tufted sunbird, Rwenzori batis, Dusky crimsonwing and many others.
Activities to do in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla trekking
The major activity in Volcanoes National Park is gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking involves tourists searching in the dense forests looking for an allocated gorilla family. Upon finding it they have a full hour enjoying these gentle giants in their natural habitat. During this one hour, the guests are free to take as many photos as possible provided the camera is flash less.
Currently Rwandas Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 gorilla trekking habituated families including Hirwa, Susa, Umubano among others. To engage in the gorilla trekking experience, you should have a gorilla trekking permit that costs 1500$ as of 2026-2027. The trek is quite challenging however, when you encounter the gorillas, you forget all the hardships since these gentle giants are so adorable. During the trek in the forest, you are likely to encounter other primates like blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabey and many more.
Golden monkey trekking
Besides gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is also home to the golden monkeys. They are called golden monkeys because have golden brown hair which makes them unique, they are larger in body compared to all the other monkeys. The golden monkey trekking process starts with acquiring a permit form the Rwanda Development Board. Additionally, you will embark to the forest in search for these giants. The trails are a bit challenging but the encounter is worth it.
Upon finding the golden monkeys, you have one hour to enjoy them as they pray, feed, nest, communicate and a lot more. You may also encounter other primates like monkey, grey cheeked mangabeys and many more.
Hike to Diane Fossey Grave
Diane Fossey was a philanthropist and primatologist who dedicated her life to the conservation of mountain gorillas. Diane Fossey preached about the importance of gorillas and how they were endangered. And later the world picked concern in this and overtime the number of gorillas has increased.
Unfortunately, in 1985 Dianne was brutally killed by unknown assassins and her remains buried in the forest that in habits the mountain gorillas which she loved and cared for. This hike is considered a hero walk and a way of supporting the conservation of mountain gorillas
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is a tropical rain forest situated close to Lake Kivu and Uwinka as the main headquarters. The forest is dense covered with lush green trees. The terrain is rugged and has lots of highlands. The nature of Nyungwe Forest National Park brings out clearly the reason why Rwanda is referred to ass the land of a thousand hills.
Activities to do in Nyungwe National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking
Nyungwe National Park is the only place that offers chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. The park has one chimpanzee community within the park and one in Cyamudondo. There are two chimpanzee trekking sessions namely morning and afternoon.
Additionally, engaging in chimpanzee trekking requires you to have a permit which is bought in advance through a trusted and licensed tour operator like Vibrant Holiday Safaris. Or directly through the Rwanda Development Board. When you reach the park, you will have a briefing before you go into the forest to search for the chimpanzee. The trails to follow under the ranger guidance include Igishigishigi trail and Usamo trail.
As the trek proceeds, watch out for other forest dwellers including butterflies, beauty of nature, primates like blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys and a lot more. When you finally encounter the chimpanzees, you have one hour with them. Enjoy and capture as many photos as possible.
Canopy walk
The Nyungwe forest canopy walk is a suspension bridge of 160 meters long and 70 meters high. The canopy walk enables you to enjoy the amazing views of the forest, a number of birds, different tree species that dominate the forest and the fresh air. Canopy walk is one of the must do activities while in Rwanda.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is the only game park in Rwanda and was the first Rwanda wildlife reserve. The park hosts a number of wildlife however it has been recorded to have deteriorated over time due to human influx. Not forgetting endless civil wars and many other factors. During game drives in Akagera National Park, you are likely to encounter waterbucks, bushbucks, elephants, giraffes, zebras and many more.
Activities to do in Akagera National Park
Game drives
Akagera National Park is a game park meaning game drives are the order of the day. During a game drive in Akagera National Park, you will encounter zebras, giraffes, warthogs, , impalas, topis, elands, lions, leopards, buffaloes, rhinoceroses, elephants and many more. Including about 520 bird species for birders to look out for.
In the afternoon after the game drive, you can decide to go for a boat cruise on lake Ihema and get to enjoy the fresh waters of Africa. You are likely to encounter crocodiles busking on the sun.
Birding
Akagera National Park is home to over 520 bird species. A professional birding guide is very important for this birding excursion. You are likely to spot the rare shoebill, African fish eagle, lilac breasted roller, papyrus gonolek, African jacana, goliath heron. Saddle billed stork, lilac breasted roller, secretary bird, African grey hornbill. These can be encountered during the game drive for the savannah birds and during a boat cruise on lake Ihema for the shoebill and other water birds
