Rwanda Safari Journeys to the Country’s National Parks

Many tourists from all over the world take on Rwanda safari journeys to the country’s major national parks. Rwanda is blessed with diverse wildlife most of which is experienced in the four national parks it has.

In this article we will be tackling Rwanda safari journeys featuring safari experiences in these national parks.

Volcanoes National park

This is the most visited national park located just a 3 hours drive Northwest of Kigali Rwanda’s Capital city. Volcanoes national park is part of the Virunga massif a series of mountain ranges along the border with Uganda & DRC. The park is most famous for its primates and its home to half of the mountain gorilla population in the Virunga massif.

Golden monkeys are other primates that live in Volcanoes national park. These are endemic to the Virunga massif making the park one of the best places to see them. There are a number of bird species here that can be seen while on primate tracking or on birding excursions.

With the Virunga Volcanic mountains, mountain climbing is also often done in this park. Common hikes include the Dian Fossey Hike where adventure lovers hike to where Dian Fossey was buried near her favorite gorilla Digit. One can also hike mount Bisoke to the summit where you will clearly see the crater.

There are many activities in this park therefore while on Rwanda safari journeys there ensure to add this park to your bucket list.

Akagera National Park

As the only savanna park in the country, Rwanda safari journeys to Akagera are very exclusive and enjoyable. The park is located in eastern Rwanda about a 3.5 hours drive from Kigali. While in Akagera national park you get to experience classic safari experiences especially game drives.

Akagera national park is home to a variety of savanna wildlife that include the big five mammals. These are lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and rhinos. Apart from these, there are zebras, giraffes, a number of antelope and bird species.

The parks northern sector has the highest concentration of wildlife and its where most game drives are done. This beautiful park has a number of water bodies but lake Ihema is the most prominent. Lake Ihema is very ideal for boat cruises where you will see hippos, crocodiles and a number of birds.

Ensure not to miss visiting Akagera national park while on any Rwanda safari journeys.

Nyungwe National Park

This forested national park is Rwanda’s ultimate primate national park located in the southwestern part of the country. Nyungwe national park is home to chimpanzees plus other primates including colobus monkeys, Silver monkeys among others.

The park is one of the best places in East Africa for chimpanzee tracking as you meet one of mans’ closest primates. Chimpanzee tracking is the common activity done here as well as other primate treks.

Nyungwe national park is outstanding as it has one of East Africa’s oldest forests and with age comes with diversity. While here you will get to see a number of plant and tree species as well as reptiles and small insects.

While on Rwanda safari journeys, Nyungwe national park comes highly recommended for primates. Its even the isolated and while here you can enjoy calm and peaceful environment away from the city noise.

Gishwati Makura National Park

Gishwati Makura National Park is the fourth and newly established national park in Rwanda. Its located in western Rwanda and its also home to a number of wildlife species especially primates.

The two major primates species in this forested park include the eastern chimpanzee and golden monkeys. Other wildlife species here include bats, Jackals (side striped) and a number of birds. These are often see while on guided walks in the forest.

A lot has not yet been discovered about this new destination but while on Rwanda safari journeys ensure to visit this place. Its not crowded and therefore one gets to enjoy the exclusivity of the park listening to the sights and sounds of nature.