Rwanda
Rwanda National Parks | Destinations
You are likely here because you want to see mountain gorillas. That is the main reason most travelers visit Rwanda. But if you fly in only for the gorillas, you miss half the story. Rwanda is not just mountains. It splits into two distinct worlds. To the west, you have the high-altitude rainforests of the Congo Nile Divide. This is where the gorillas and chimpanzees live. It is wet, cold, and steep. To the east, the land drops down into the warm savannah plains of the Akagera basin. This feels like Kenya or Tanzania. It is dry, flat, and full of lions, elephants, and giraffes.
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Akagera National Park Rwanda
Comparing the Logistics
| Feature | Volcanoes | Akagera | Nyungwe |
| Primary Animal | Mountain Gorillas | Lions, Elephants | Chimpanzees |
| Activity Type | Hard Hiking | Vehicle Safari | Hard Hiking |
| Temperature | Cold/Wet | Hot/Dry | Cool/Wet |
| Malaria Risk | Low (High Altitude) | Higher (Low Altitude) | Moderate |
| Time Needed | 2-3 Days | 2 Days | 3 Days |
Common Traveller Concerns
Is it safe to drive between parks?
Yes. The roads connecting these parks are some of the best in East Africa. The drive from Kigali to Musanze (Volcanoes) takes two hours on tarmac. The drive from Kigali to Akagera takes two and a half hours. Security is tight. You will see police checkpoints. They are there for safety.
What about toilets?
This is a common worry. Volcanoes National Park has clean toilets at the headquarters. Once you start the hike, there are no toilets. You must use the “bush toilet.” The rangers carry a shovel. Akagera has toilets at the visitor centre and picnic sites. Nyungwe has facilities at the reception centers.
Can I do it alone?
You can rent a car and drive to Akagera. You can drive to the headquarters of Volcanoes or Nyungwe. But you cannot enter the forests alone. You must have a park ranger with you for any hike in Volcanoes, Nyungwe, or Gishwati. This is a strict rule.
Popular safaris going to Rwanda
10-days rwanda birding from Uganda
16-day Rwanda and Uganda primate safari
3-day Rwanda gorilla trek and Karisimbi hike
When to Go
The seasons decide the mud. The Long Dry Season (June to September): This is the peak time. The gorilla trails are drier. The traction is better. In Akagera, the grass is short. It is easier to see lions.
The Short Dry Season (December to February): This is also a good time. It is popular for birdwatchers. The migrant birds are present.
The Wet Seasons (March-May, October-November): It rains heavily. The forest paths become slippery slides. You need a 4×4 transport. However, the air is clear for photography after the rain. The parks are quiet. You might have the gorillas to yourself.
Preparing for the Trip
Fitness: You do not need to be an athlete, but you need to walk. For Volcanoes and Nyungwe, practice hiking up stairs. The legs need strength. The lungs need capacity.
Gear: Bring gloves. The vegetation in the mountains has thorns. Gardening gloves work best. Bring waterproof trousers. The morning grass is wet even if it is not raining. Bring a neutral color palette. Khaki, green, and brown work. Bright colors scare animals and attract insects.
Health You are in the tropics. Consult your doctor about malaria tablets. Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Rwanda.
