Volcanoes National Park & Akagera National Park

Discover Rwanda’s Iconic National Parks Volcanoes National Park High in the Virunga Mountains of northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a place where towering volcanoes, bamboo forests, and mist-covered slopes create one of the country’s most captivating landscapes. Established in 1925, it is Rwanda’s oldest national park and one of the world’s most important refuges for the endangered mountain gorilla. Gorilla trekking is the park’s signature experience, allowing visitors to spend time with these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. Beyond the gorillas, the park is alive with golden monkeys, colourful birdlife, and scenic hiking trails that lead to volcanic peaks such as Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi, offering sweeping views across Rwanda and neighbouring countries. The terrain can be challenging, with steep and sometimes muddy trails, but the reward is an unforgettable journey through ancient forests and dramatic mountain scenery. The park is also closely linked to the legacy of primatologist Dian Fossey, whose pioneering work helped bring global attention to mountain gorilla conservation. Whether you are trekking through bamboo forests, climbing volcanoes, or simply enjoying the cool mountain air, Volcanoes National Park offers a unique combination of wildlife, adventure, and natural beauty. Akagera National Park In eastern Rwanda, along the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park reveals a completely different side of the country. Rolling savannahs, wooded hills, wetlands, and shimmering lakes provide the perfect setting for classic African wildlife experiences. As Rwanda’s largest national park, Akagera is the only place in the country where visitors can enjoy a traditional Big Five safari. Lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and black rhinos roam alongside giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and hippos, making every game drive full of possibility. The park’s diverse landscapes extend beyond the open plains to include Lake Ihema, where boat safaris bring visitors close to crocodiles, pods of hippos, and an impressive variety of birdlife. The mix of water and savannah habitats makes Akagera one of East Africa’s outstanding destinations for both wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Akagera is also a remarkable conservation success story. Once threatened by habitat loss and declining wildlife populations, it has been carefully restored through strong partnerships between conservation organisations and local communities. Today, it stands as a thriving ecosystem where wildlife flourishes once again. From exciting game drives and peaceful boat cruises to spectacular sunsets over the savannah, Akagera National Park offers an authentic safari experience and showcases the rich natural heritage that makes Rwanda an exceptional destination for nature lovers.