add-banner

About Rwanda National Parks National Parks

Rwanda’s national parks offer a captivating glimpse into the country’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity. From the dense rainforests of Nyungwe National Park to the iconic mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, each park presents a unique and immersive wilderness experience.

Nyungwe National Park, a verdant oasis in southwestern Rwanda, is celebrated for its pristine montane rainforests, canopy walks, and diverse primate species, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains, is renowned as the primary habitat for endangered mountain gorillas, offering visitors the rare opportunity to trek through mist-shrouded forests to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Akagera National Park, in the east, showcases savannah landscapes teeming with wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and zebras. These national parks not only safeguard Rwanda’s natural heritage but also contribute to conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable development initiatives.

detail-img detail-img

Rwanda National Parks's National Parks

Volcanoes National Park mountain gorilla

Volcanoes National Park

Explore Now

FAQ’s

1. How many national parks are there in Rwanda?

Rwanda has four national parks. These parks encompass a wide range of ecosystems, including rainforests, savannahs, and volcanic landscapes, and are home to diverse wildlife species, including endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and various bird species.

The national parks of Rwanda are an integral part of the country’s conservation efforts and also serve as major tourist attractions, offering visitors opportunities for wildlife viewing, trekking, and cultural experiences.

2. What is the largest national park in Rwanda?

The largest national park in Rwanda is Akagera National Park. Covering an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometers (about 463 square miles), Akagera National Park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania.

It encompasses diverse habitats, including savannahs, wetlands, and woodlands, and is home to a variety of wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

Akagera National Park offers opportunities for game drives, boat safaris, guided walks, and birdwatching, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists visiting Rwanda.

 

3. What is the smallest national park in Rwanda?

The smallest national park in Rwanda is Nyungwe National Park. Covering an area of approximately 1,019 square kilometers (about 393 square miles), Nyungwe National Park is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda.

Despite being the smallest national park in terms of land area, Nyungwe is incredibly rich in biodiversity and is renowned for its dense montane rainforests, diverse flora and fauna, and numerous primate species, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.

The park also offers opportunities for canopy walks, birdwatching, and hiking, making it a popular destination for ecotourism and nature enthusiasts visiting Rwanda.

4. What was the first national park in Rwanda?

he first national park established in Rwanda was Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans). It was established in 1925 as Albert National Park, covering the Virunga Mountains in the northwestern part of Rwanda.

The park was initially created to protect the mountain gorillas inhabiting the region. Later, the park’s name was changed to Volcanoes National Park, reflecting its volcanic landscape and its role in conservation efforts for endangered species, particularly the mountain gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park gained international recognition as a critical habitat for mountain gorillas and has since become a renowned destination for gorilla trekking and wildlife conservation.