Volcanoes National Park Rwanda Map

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda Map: Experiencing the perspective of a mountain gorilla is an unparalleled opportunity. Nevertheless, Rwanda possesses far more to provide. Volcanoes National Park is the premier destination for gorilla trekking. Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in Rwanda’s southwestern province, hosts around 300 chimpanzees and 12 more primate species, while Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s sole savannah national park, renowned for the Big Five. Why not spend several days unwinding on the picturesque shoreline of stunning Lake Kivu?

The Wildlife of Rwanda.

Rwanda possesses an exceptional diversity of species owing to its position in the Albertine Rift, recognized as a biodiversity hotspot. In addition to gorillas and chimpanzees, numerous other primates are available for observation, such as the Ruwenzori colobus and golden monkeys. Boat trips provide an exceptional opportunity to watch hippos and crocodiles, while the savannah grasslands of Akagera are abundant with species such as giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and defassa waterbuck. Lions are invariably nearby.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda Map

Rwanda’s National Parks exhibit a diversity usually encountered in East Africa, featuring rainforest on the Virunga Volcanoes’ slopes in the west, montane forests in Nyungwe National Park in the southwest, and savannah plains in Akagera National Park in the east. The amalgamation of these national parks provides a stunning exploration of one of Central Africa’s most vibrant regions.

Rwanda’s national parks exemplify effective wildlife management, featuring transparent entry fees, adequate amenities, and a variety of attractive lodging options.

Akagera National Park.

Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s equivalent of Eastern Africa’s savannah reserves; its low-lying park is situated in the eastern region of the country, adjacent to the Tanzanian border. The habitat of undulating plains, characterized by dense woodlands and grasslands, transitions into swamps, lakes, and papyrus forests in the far east, contrasting markedly with Rwanda’s renowned mountainous landscapes. Travelers seeking a diverse itinerary in Rwanda may consider incorporating this into their plans, as depicted in the Map of Rwanda National Parks.

Akagera, Rwanda’s inaugural national park, was established in 1934 to protect the species inhabiting its varied ecosystems of wetlands, grasslands, and mountainous regions. The park encompasses approximately 900 square kilometers, rendering it relatively compact but exhibiting different topography from west to east. The park is a mere two-hour drive from Kigali, facilitating a swift day trip from the capital.

The undulating grasslands of Akagera National Park in Rwanda provide a habitat for a diverse array of species, including buffalo, elephants, impala, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope. One may witness hippos basking in the lakes or crocodiles along the riverbanks. The region boasts significant biodiversity, featuring raptors and aquatic avifauna in the wetlands observable on boat excursions along the rivers. Certain avian species are exclusive to Nyungwe National Park, and among the aquatic birds observable are crowned cranes, storks, fish eagles, herons, cormorants, and egrets.

Accommodation options in Akagera National Park comprise Mantis Akagera National Park, Rusizi Tented Camp, Karenge Bush Camp, Akagera Transit Lodge, and Akagera Rhino Lodge.

Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Located in southwest Rwanda, within a national park formed in 2004, Nyungwe Forest is one of Africa’s oldest and genuine rainforests, receiving yearly precipitation of up to 2,000 mm. The region holds immense importance for Rwandan tourism being the largest contiguous montane forest in Central/Eastern Africa, undoubtedly serving as one of the country’s main attractions, with waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and scenic vistas of the countryside.

The national park is teeming with wildlife; particularly for those who appreciate monkeys, its verdant trees serve as a refuge for 13 species in total.

Nyungwe Forest National Park provides limited accommodation options; nonetheless, the One&Only Nyungwe Forest Lodge features a picturesque location with views of the forest canopy and elegantly furnished apartments and villas. One may organize exceptional trekking excursions of various lengths to study the forest’s primates and partake in canopy skywalks; it is also possible to view monkeys traversing the forest from your accommodation. Additional accommodations in Nyungwe comprise the Gisakura Visitor’s Center, Kitabi Eco Center, and Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, also known as National Volcanoes Park, is situated in northern Rwanda, adjacent to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The area adjacent to the park comprises agricultural terrain that transitions into a lush evergreen forest beyond the park’s perimeter. This remarkable territory encompasses 8,000 square kilometers and safeguards five of the nine magnificent Virunga Mountains. Each feature exhibits precipitous inclines adorned with lush verdant jungle.

Presently, Volcano National Park hosts 12 groups of mountain gorillas, and trekking to observe these endangered species is an unforgettable immersion experience. It constitutes an experience. Here, you will have the opportunity to successfully locate a 400-pound silverback and a mother caring for her offspring. We employ only the finest guides who utilize their experience and tracking abilities to locate these charming creatures in their natural environment.

Numerous accommodation options exist in and around the park, many of which are environmentally focused. The most notable is the Virunga Lodge, constructed on the mountainside, providing breathtaking vistas of the Virunga volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Burera.

Additional hotels offer breathtaking vistas and comfortable accommodations near the park, including Virunga Resort Inn, Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, One&Only Gorillas Nest Lodge, Muhabura Hotel, Le Bambou, among others. Our primary objective is to bring you as close to the wildlife as feasible without compromising your comfort. We provide a range of lodges that do this, enhancing your whole experience and providing a touch of luxury upon your return after a hard day in the wilderness.

Gishwati Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park in Rwanda has two forests: Gishwati Forest and the smaller Mukura Forest, delineated by a 30-mile buffer zone. This does not conform to the conventional definition of a national park. Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a continuous conservation initiative designed to combat one of Central Africa’s most significant instances of environmental degradation, rather than preserving an area of remarkable natural beauty.

Gishwati Mukura was officially designated as a national park in 2015 and subsequently opened to the public in 2019. Activities in the national park encompass chimpanzee trekking, monkey tracking, birdwatching, and guided nature excursions, among others.

When is the best time to visit Rwanda?

Rwanda can be visited year-round; however, precipitation is frequent, and it is advisable to avoid the wettest month, April. In these months, the trails are occasionally fairly slippery, complicating gorilla trekking. Precipitation may also hinder your gorilla trekking experience, which is both time-sensitive and distinctive. The optimal period to visit the country is from June to September, when the weather is predominantly sunny and wildlife is more observable.