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Akagera National Park
Eastern Rwanda
Akagera National Park, Rwanda's largest and only savannah park, offers a unique safari experience with diverse landscapes....
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Rwanda Β· East Africa
All 4 national parks in Rwanda, mapped and explained by a team that has been to every one of them.
Rwanda, despite having the fewest national parks of any country where we operateβjust fourβoffers a remarkable diversity of experiences within these protected areas. Each park is unique and showcases the country’s stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
Volcanoes National Park is a standout feature of Rwandaβs wildlife conservation efforts, as it is home to nearly half of the worldβs remaining mountain gorillas. This park, nestled in the Virunga Mountains, provides visitors with the extraordinary opportunity to undertake guided treks to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The parkβs breathtaking landscapes are defined by lush vegetation and towering volcanic peaks, making it an unmatched destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, offering a completely different experience. The park is a treasure trove of biodiversity with countless plant species, birds, and primate populations, including the charming colobus monkeys. A highlight of your visit would be walking along its famous canopy walkway, a unique experience in East Africa that allows visitors to appreciate the parkβs stunning vistas from above. The rich biodiversity and serene ambience make Nyungwe an ideal spot for eco-tourists and bird watchers.
Akagera National Park breaks the mould as Rwandaβs only savannah park and is unique in offering the chance to see the Big Fiveβlions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo, all within a single park. Following extensive conservation efforts, lions and rhinos have been successfully reintroduced to the ecosystem after being locally extinct for decades. The park’s diverse landscapes, including savannahs, wetlands, and lakes, create a dynamic backdrop for wildlife safaris and photography.
Having explored each of these parks ourselves, we can provide detailed insights into the costs associated with visiting, the best times of year to go, and how these parks can be seamlessly combined within an itinerary. Given Rwandaβs compact size, itβs entirely feasible to experience all four parks in just a week, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking adventure and a deeper connection with nature.
Explore our full portfolio of parks, reserves and conservancies.
4 parks in this collection
Volcanoes National Park is a sanctuary for nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of the Virunga Mountains. These formidable slopes are not only home to these magnificent creatures but also the very location where the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey dedicated her groundbreaking research. Visitors to the park can embark on unforgettable golden monkey tracking adventures amidst the enchanting bamboo forests that surround the area.
In stark contrast, Nyungwe Forest, recognized as one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests, presents a remarkably different yet equally captivating primate experience. Here, adventurers can venture through the lush, dense canopy to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. This diverse forest boasts an astounding variety of primate species, with a total of 12 unique types, offering a rich tapestry of wildlife encounters. Additionally, thrill-seekers can traverse an exhilarating suspended canopy walkway, a unique feature that sets Nyungwe apart as the only one of its kind in all of East Africa.
Most travellers combine gorilla trekking in Volcanoes with a shorter stay in Nyungwe rather than treating the two as separate trips. See how we typically sequence them β
When considering gorilla trekking in East Africa, it’s important to compare the costs and logistics involved in both Rwanda and Uganda. A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is priced at $1,500 per person, which is nearly double the cost of Uganda’s permit at $800. The higher fee for Rwanda contributes to shorter transfer times from Kigali, typically taking 2 to 3 hours, compared to the longer journeys of 8 hours or more required in Uganda. Additionally, Rwanda offers better-organized trekking logistics and more comfortable lodge options close to the national park.
Ultimately, the decision between the two destinations depends on personal preferences regarding cost and convenience. If you prefer a quicker, more streamlined experience, Rwanda might be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more adventurous and budget-friendly journey, Uganda could be the way to go.
Regardless of which country you decide on, it’s essential to book your permits well in advance, as availability is limited. We can assist with the booking process as part of our trip planning services.
Akagera National Park stands out as Rwanda’s only savannah park and the country’s exclusive destination to experience the awe-inspiring Big Five. Once home to diverse wildlife, the park faced significant challenges, leading to the local extinction of lions. However, a successful reintroduction program in 2015 brought these majestic predators back to the grasslands, while black rhinos returned to their rightful habitat in 2017, enhancing the park’s biodiversity.
Visitors to Akagera can immerse themselves in a variety of captivating wildlife experiences. Classic game drives provide an opportunity to traverse the sprawling landscapes, where herds of elephants roam and antelopes sprint gracefully across the open plains. For those seeking adventure after dark, the park offers exhilarating night drives, revealing the secrets of the savannah under the blanket of stars.
A highlight of any visit is a serene boat safari on the shimmering waters of Lake Ihema. Here, one can witness hippos wallowing in the shallows, crocodiles basking on the sun-kissed shores, and the elusive shoebill stork, a rare sight with its impressive beak, often seen stalking the water’s edge.
The atmosphere in Akagera is refreshingly different from that of Rwanda’s renowned Volcanoes and Nyungwe national parks. The park’s open plains, dotted with acacia trees, and the picturesque lake shorelines provide a striking contrast to the dense forests and volcanic slopes found in other regions. Visitors are invited to experience the rich tapestry of life in this unique ecosystem, where nature thrives in the sun-drenched savannah.his setting provides a distinct contrast to Rwanda’s other national parks, such as Volcanoes and Nyungwe, showcasing open plains and lake shorelines instead of forested areas and volcanic slopes.
Rwanda’s newest gem, a hidden treasure among its national parks, was established in 2015 and remains largely untouched by the throngs of tourists that flock to the more renowned Volcanoes and Nyungwe parks. This enchanting park safeguards a variety of captivating wildlife, including charming chimpanzees and several species of monkeys, nestled within two small, lush forest blocks that border the serene shores of Lake Kivu.
What sets this park apart is its tranquil atmosphere, making it an appealing retreat for travellers seeking a more intimate and quiet experience in nature. It offers a perfect escape for those who have already explored the country’s more popular attractions and are in search of a unique adventure away from the crowds.
This park shines brightest when incorporated into a wider itinerary, serving as a peaceful complement to Rwanda’s stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems rather than standing alone as a primary destination.
The population of mountain gorillas in the breathtaking Virunga region has seen a remarkable resurgence, nearly doubling since the 1980s. Nestled around the stunning Volcanoes National Park, the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village plays an integral role in this conservation success story. It provides employment opportunities for former poachers, transforming them into knowledgeable guides and talented performers, all thanks to the direct financial support from tourism revenue.
Additionally, a significant portion of the nation’s park fees (10%)earmarks funds for vital community projects. This money supports local schools, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure improvements in the villages that surround these magnificent parks.
Visiting these natural wonders is not merely about soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery; it is a tangible way to engage with and sustain this vital economic model that benefits both wildlife conservation and local communities. Your presence there contributes to a cycle of support that empowers the people living alongside these remarkable ecosystems.
Kigali International Airport serves as a convenient gateway to some of Rwanda’s most stunning natural attractions, with Volcanoes National Park located approximately 2 to 3 hours away by road. Meanwhile, Akagera National Park is situated roughly the same distance in the opposite direction. Travelers can appreciate the journey, as Rwanda’s roads are consistently well-maintained, featuring smooth tarmac that enhances the overall travel experience.
Most transfers between these magnificent parks typically take between 2 to 4 hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic landscapes of this picturesque country. This efficient infrastructure makes it feasible to craft a 7 to 10 day itinerary that includes thrilling activities such as gorilla trekking in the misty mountains, chimpanzee tracking in lush forests, and embarking on a classic Big Five safari in the sprawling savannasβwithout the necessity of taking a single internal flight. This seamless travel experience truly allows you to immerse yourself in the rich wildlife and breathtaking scenery that Rwanda has to offer.
Not researched from a desk. George Nchau's team has trekked, driven and boated through each of Rwanda's four parks.
Booking months ahead, at the right price point for what you actually want out of the trek.
Every park visit we arrange uses your own vehicle and guide, at your own pace.
That access means better timing and more current information than a static guide can offer.
Tell us which parks interest you most, especially if gorilla trekking is on the list, and how much time you have. We will build a private itinerary around it, permits included.
Tell us which parks you want to see and when you can travel. We reply within 24 hours with a private itinerary built around it.