How Many National Parks are in Rwanda?
How Many National Parks are in Rwanda? Rwanda has seen tremendous transition since 1994, and it is now regarded as one of the greatest tourist sites in Africa for viewing the legendary gorgeous mountain gorillas. Because of the present expense of safaris, it is becoming increasingly popular.
Because of its beautiful undulating slopes, volcanoes, and valleys, it has earned the nickname “country of a thousand hills.” Rwanda truly is a magnificent world of wildlife, culture, and adventure; here are four national parks to see on your next Rwanda vacation.
Akagera National Park
Akagera national park borders Tanzania, so if you want to visit both Tanzania and Rwanda for wildlife, this may be a good site to start or end your expedition. The Akagera River meanders through the eastern portions of the national park, giving water for what appears to be a maze of lakes. The reserve is also considered to be one of the most beautiful in Africa.
The national park is the largest of Rwanda’s three national parks, with an area of 1,085 square kilometres. Rwanda’s Akagera National Park is located in the country’s north-east, about a two-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. The Akagera National Park is mostly savannah area, providing the ideal climate for Rwanda’s animals to thrive.
Rwanda’s Akagera national park is home to the big five animals: the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. Other wildlife that tourists may see on boat trips in Akagera National Park includes giraffes, antelope species, and crocodiles. The Akagera National Park is accessible all year and offers a variety of activities such as savannah game drives, a boat excursion on Lake Ihema, nature walks, community walks, Rhino tracking experience and community cultural experiences. Take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about how the park operates on a daily basis.
The national park is also a fantastic site to go birding because there are many different species to see. It is rather warm throughout the year, promoting the growth of broad-leaved and acacia-type flora, as seen in the park.
Volcanoes National Park
This may be the most well-known National Park in Rwanda, owing to its status as the world’s most popular site for viewing mountain gorillas. The park reopened in 1999, and with so few gorillas surviving on the earth, it has really become a highly significant tourism activity for the expansion of Rwanda’s economy.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s most visited national park, and it’s only a two-hour drive from Kigali. This national park in Rwanda is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and five of the Virunga volcanic ranges. The national park has an area of 160 square kilometres and borders the Virunga National Park in Congo. The national park is home to around 178 bird species, 13 of which are indigenous to the region, the Albertine rift.
Gishwati Mukura National Park
The Gishwati Mukura national park, Rwanda’s newest national park, was established in 2016. This national park encompasses an area of 992.48 hectares and includes both the Gishwati and Mukura forests, thus its name. The Gishwati Mukura national park is home to Rwanda’s other chimps as well as several forest wildlife that visitors may see during their visit, How Many National Parks are in Rwanda?.
This national park may be visited following a Congo safari that includes a visit to the Virunga national park for gorilla trekking or ascending Mount Nyiragongo. It is located in the western section of Rwanda, near Lake Kivu, and is divided into four districts: Rubavu, Rutsiro, Ngororero, and Nyabihu.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe forest national park in Rwanda is located amid Africa’s biggest virgin rain forest, the Nyungwe forest. This everlasting rainforest extends around 100 kilometers and is widely considered as one of the world’s most pristine rainforests due to the fact that it remains evergreen all year and reportedly during the ice period as well. The Nyungwe forest national park was established as a national park in 2005 to be maintained by the Rwandan government, but the management was later taken over by African parks in 2021.
Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest national park is home to chimps and other primates including blue monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys, to name a few. It’s a place where tourists may see chimps, monkeys, and over 300 different bird species. Hiking and biking are also options for exploring the area. Awe-inspiring waterfalls and canopy treks through lovely woods are among the other sights and sceneries. This woodland is home to around 12 primate species. The national park also provides opportunities for bird viewing, canopy walks, waterfall hikes, ecological walks, and even a village tour.
Best Time to Rwanda on a Safari.
The greatest time to visit Rwanda is between June and September, when the weather is dry and you have the highest opportunity of seeing the country’s undisputed highlight: the mountain gorilla. The wet seasons, from March through May and again in November, are ideal for monkey tracking. It’s also quieter at that time, How Many National Parks are in Rwanda?.
Because Rwanda is located close south of the Equator, temperatures seldom fluctuate throughout the year. The days are pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the late teens to the mid-twenties depending on where you go in the nation. The nights may be chilly, especially at higher elevations.
Is Rwanda Safe for Tourists?
Rwanda is rated as one of Africa’s safest destinations. Every year, thousands of visitors visit Rwanda, primarily for gorilla trekking safaris, and they are typically welcomed and made to feel comfortable and secure in the nation. As long as you go with a trustworthy tour operator and take the typical safety precautions, your Rwanda vacation should be incident-free.
