RWANDA GAME RESERVES & NATIONAL PARKS GUIDE

Overview On Parks & Reserves In Rwanda

From the dense forest homes of rare mountain gorillas to the shores of beautiful Lake Kivu, Rwanda offers an enchanting holiday of unparalleled diversity in both scenery and wildlife. Perhaps the most well-known destination in the country is Volcanoes National Park, a 160-square-kilometer montane ecosystem that includes the Virunga Mountains, which serve as the centerpiece of the park. The range includes five breathtaking volcanoes, the tallest of which, Mount Karisimbi, reaches an elevation of 4507 meters.

In the words of famed primatologist and mountain gorilla advocate Dian Fossey, the area that is now Volcanoes National Park is “in the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat.” Among the highest volcanic peaks in Africa, the vivid green slopes of the mountains are covered with thriving rainforests that provide food, shelter, and safe haven to creatures large and small. The park shares its borders with Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Together, these three protected areas represent the primary territory of the rare mountain gorillas, the highlight of many nature tours. About half of these mountain primates live in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, although the gorillas do roam freely between the three parks. Joining these gentle giants are 178 bird species, including 13 species and 16 subspecies that are endemic to the region, as well as other mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

The ultimate primate safari experience continues at Nyungwe National Park, recognized as one of the richest areas in Africa for endemic species. It was declared a national park in 2005, when more 970 square kilometers were set aside to become the third national park in the country. Nyungwe is known for its incredible diversity and for the fact that it is home to one of the oldest and largest remaining sections of montane rainforest in the region. An estimated 2,000 mm of rain falls in the park each year, and the runoff provides fresh water to 70% of the country. On the southwestern slopes of the highland region is the divide where runoff water flows to either the Nile or Congo River, which has led to the theory that the mighty Nile originates in Nyungwe Forest Park.

Chimpanzee trekking tour is the primary wildlife viewing activity in the park, which is home 500 chimpanzees. Seeing these delightful primates in their natural habitat is sure to be one of the most heartwarming of all your international travel experiences. The chimpanzees are joined by 13 other species of primates that, in total, account for twenty percent of all apes in Africa. You may see Angola colobus monkeys in groups of 300 to 400 individuals, or even the threatened owl-faced monkey. Unverified sightings of golden monkeys have also been reported. But primates are not the only intriguing animals in the park. Other mammals include serval cats, wild cats, golden cats, mongoose, side-striped jackals, Congo clawless otters, hyrax, duikers, and bushbucks, to name only a few. Spectacular birdwatching also awaits in Nyungwe; in fact, Birdlife International recognizes the forest park’s ecosystem as “the most important site for biodiversity conservation in Rwanda.” Guests have the opportunity to witness first-hand an estimated 310 species of birds.

Along the Tanzania border is another of Rwanda’s gems, Akagera National Park, the oldest of the three parks. Founded in 1934, the park once covered more than 2500 square kilometers, but much of the land was allocated to farming to stabilize the country’s economy. Today, Akagera National Park encompasses 1122 square kilometers in the Rwandan wilderness to offer guests a classic bush vacation. As the only protected savannah ecosystem in the country, the park is home to a wildlife population that has been nurtured by partnerships between local communities and law enforcement.

More than 8,000 large mammals roam the expanses, and 500 bird species have been recorded in Akagera. Those charged with managing the park’s animals have taken specific steps to improve wildlife diversity, such as reintroducing seven lions to the park in 2015 and several black rhinos in 2017. Anti-poaching efforts are working to protect the animals that now live within the park. Considered one of the most scenic areas in Africa, Akagera National Park includes forest-fringed lakes, savannah plains, papyrus swamps, amazing highlands, and the largest protected wetland in Central Africa. It is now the only place on the planet that has the Big Five as well as the rare sitatunga and shoebill, alongside the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes and chimpanzees of Nyungwe (best time to go to Rwanda).

After spending time in the rainforests and savannah ecosystems of Rwanda, take a beach break at Lake Kivu before heading home. Many guests are surprised to learn that Rwanda has an inland beach setting that adds a touch of tranquility to an otherwise fast-paced adventure trip. The lake is the largest of several freshwater lakes in Rwanda’s valleys and offers plenty of area for aquatic sports with an impressive surface area of 2700 square kilometers. With a maximum depth of 480 meters, Lake Kivu is the 18th deepest lake on the planet. The hot springs along the shoreline are evidence of underground volcanic activity, but the most impressive sights are the random outbursts that happen far away from shore. Geological activity causes the sudden release of methane gas to create massive water plumes.

During your adventure tour of Lake Kivu, you can also opt to visit Napoleon Island in search of fruit bats and other avian life, a great option for birding explorers and nature lovers alike. The charming lakeside settlements of Gisenyi, Kibuye, and Cyangugu offer a touch of local flavor, as well as launching points for charter boats that take you to various landmarks along the lake. Lake Kivu is one of the few lakes in Africa where guests can swim without wondering if hippos and crocodiles are nearby, making it one of the safest bodies of water on the continent. Long stretches of beach, quaint villages, blue waters, a selection of water and land-based activities, and a romantic ambience is why Lake Kivu is a favorite escape for Kigali residents. We are certain that you will also fall in love with this stunning destination in western Rwanda.

Optionally, you can also visit the 2016 gazetted park of Gishwati-Mukura Forest where hard work, hope, and courage through sustainable conservation is slowly yet surely bringing back flora and fauna to this unique forest wilderness. The primary activity at Gishwati-Mukura is trekking the eastern chimpanzees, viewing a diversity of monkeys alongside spotting some of 130 species of birds.