Rwanda National Parks

The Rwanda National Parks are protected ecosystems and wildlife reserves located within the borders of Rwanda in east central Africa. In 2012, these protected natural zones include the Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest. Maintenance of the national park system, as well as tourism infrastructure and promotion of the parks, is managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) with assistance from government ministries.

With a vast array of incredible things to see and do, it is unsurprising that Rwanda Safari welcomes so many visitors from around the world each year.

Each Rwanda Safari Park protects a distinct ecosystem and variety of species. Bordering Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, into which the Virungas volcanic mountain chain extends, Volcanoes National Park is the most heavily patrolled park in the world and the oldest in Africa. In combination with adjoining parks in the neighbouring countries, it serves as the world’s only habitat of the mountain gorillas, whose numbers have been increasing here over the past decade. Visitor numbers to the gorillas are strictly limited and passes must be purchased, often well in advance, from RDB. Golden monkeys also inhabit a separate portion of the park.

To the southeast along the Burundian border, Nyungwe National Park hosts a large number of chimpanzees and a variety of other primate species in a highland rainforest environment.

The eastern border of Rwanda, along Lake Victoria and Tanzania, is the location of Akagera National Park and protects a variety of African fauna in a savannah ecosystem, including giraffes, elephant, buffalo, baboons, gazelles and zebra. Lions originally inhabited the park but were exterminated by poisoning during and after the genocide. The park is currently being fenced in to allow the reintroduction of lions to be imported from South Africa in 2014.

Different National Parks In Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

A stunning chain of volcanoes that stretch off into the distance, evoking the romanticism of tropical jungle forests and the gentle mountain gorilla giants that inhabit them with-in.

Akagera National Park

In 2010, African Parks conservation took over the management of this eastern savannah reserve and in the last 10 years it has gone from strength to strength with the introduction of rhino and lion adding to the already healthy populations of giraffe, zebra, hyena and more. Read more about Akagera National Park.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe is a lovely gallery forest with walking trails. Home to semi-habituated chimpanzees and a friendly group of black and white colobus monkeys. Read more about Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Best Places In Rwanda To See…

1. Mountain Gorillas – Volcanoes National Park
2. Chimpanzees – Nyungwe National Park
3. Golden Monkeys – Volcanoes National Park
4. Black and White Colobus Monkeys – Nyungwe National Park
5. African Game – Akagera National Park

When you think of Rwanda Safari Tours what comes to mind? Impossibly green rolling hills and mountains? Brilliantly rich national parks? Bamboo forests and the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas? Or, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and olive baboons? An essential part of any holiday to Rwanda, game safaris are an unforgettable Rwanda Travel Tips & experience that you won’t want to miss. Let our African Experts help you start planning your Rwanda Safari Packages today.