National Parks in Rwanda

National Parks in Rwanda: Explore Rwanda’s national parks in 2026. From gorilla trekking in Volcanoes to Big Five safari, costs, and timings. Book Now with Us

Introduction

Rwanda may be small, but its protected areas deliver some of Africa’s most concentrated wildlife experiences. From the mist-covered volcanoes where mountain gorillas roam to classic Big Five savannah and ancient rainforest, the country’s national parks offer remarkable diversity within short driving distances.

This expert guide breaks down every national park in Rwanda, what makes each unique, when to visit, and how to plan a highly successful safari.

Whether you are comparing gorilla trekking destinations or building a multi-park itinerary, this pillar resource will help you choose smarter and travel with confidence.

How Many National Parks Are in Rwanda?

Rwanda has four national parks, each protecting a very different ecosystem:

• Volcanoes National Park
• Akagera National Park
• Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Gishwati Mukura National Park

Together, they cover montane rainforest, savannah, wetlands, and afro-alpine habitats, making Rwanda one of Africa’s most compact yet complete safari destinations.

Where to See Wildlife in Rwanda (Quick Comparison)

This table targets high-intent search queries and improves featured snippet potential.

Park	Signature Wildlife	Difficulty	Best For	Best Season
Volcanoes	Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys	Moderate	Gorilla trekking	Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb
Akagera	Big Five safari	Easy	Classic game drives	Jun to Sep
Nyungwe	Chimpanzees, canopy walk	Moderate	Primates and hiking	Jun to Sep
Gishwati Mukura	Rare monkeys, birding	Moderate	Off the beaten path	Jun to Sep

Volcanoes National Park: Rwanda’s Gorilla Trekking Capital

Why Visit Volcanoes National Park?

This is Rwanda’s flagship park and one of the best places on Earth to see endangered mountain gorillas. Located in the Virunga Mountains, it protects high-altitude rainforest and volcanic peaks.

The park is globally famous for gorilla conservation work pioneered by Dian Fossey.

Top Experiences

• Mountain gorilla trekking
• Golden monkey tracking
• Mount Bisoke hike
• Dian Fossey tomb hike
• Volcano climbing

Gorilla Permit Cost (2026)

• International visitors: about USD 1500
• Limited low-season discounts sometimes apply
• Permits are strictly limited and should be booked early

This high price keeps crowds low and success rates extremely high.

Sustainability and Conservation Impact in Rwanda

Rwanda pioneered the high-value, low-impact tourism model, which is why permits appear expensive at first glance.

Where Does the $1,500 Gorilla Permit Go?

A Rwanda gorilla permit currently costs about $1,500 for international visitors. Crucially:

• 10 percent of national park revenue is reinvested into local communities through Rwanda’s Tourism Revenue Sharing Program.
• Funds support schools, health centres, and local infrastructure near parks.
• Communities, therefore, directly benefit from conservation and actively protect wildlife.

This model has been a major driver behind mountain gorilla population recovery and Rwanda’s conservation success.

Traveler takeaway:

Your permit is not just an activity fee. It is a conservation investment.

Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park

Best months

• June to September
• December to February

Dry seasons offer easier hiking conditions and clearer photography. Gorilla trekking operates year-round, but trails are muddier in the rainy seasons.

Don’t Miss in 2026: Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony

If you want a truly unique Rwanda experience, time your trip around Kwita Izina, the country’s famous baby gorilla naming ceremony.

Why It Matters

• One of Africa’s most important conservation events
• Celebrates newborn mountain gorillas each year
• Attracts global conservationists and high-profile visitors
• Combines culture, conservation, and tourism

Kwita Izina has become a flagship event supporting Rwanda’s conservation success and community engagement.

When It Happens

• Usually held in September
• Location: near Volcanoes National Park
• Dates are announced annually by the Rwanda Development Board

Pro tip:

Luxury lodges and permits sell out quickly around this period. Book 6 to 12 months ahead.

Akagera National Park: Rwanda’s Big Five Safari Destination

What Makes Akagera Special?

Akagera is Rwanda’s only savannah park and the place for traditional game drives. Thanks to major conservation work and wildlife reintroductions, visitors can now see the full Big Five here.

Key Wildlife

• Lions
• Rhinos
• Elephants
• Leopards
• Buffalo
• Giraffes
• Hippos
• Over 480 bird species

This makes Akagera essential for travelers who want a complete East African safari without leaving Rwanda.

Top Things to Do in Akagera

• Sunrise and sunset game drives
• Boat safari on Lake Ihema
• Night game drives
• Birdwatching
• Sport fishing

The park’s mix of lakes, wetlands, woodland, and savannah creates an excellent habitat for wildlife.

Best Time to Visit Akagera

Peak wildlife viewing

• June to September

Birding peak

• November to April

Roads remain accessible most of the year, but heavy rains can slow game drives.

Nyungwe Forest National Park: Africa’s Ancient Rainforest

Why Nyungwe Is Unique

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a biodiversity hotspot, home to a diverse array of primates and birdlife.

If you love forests more than savannahs, this park is essential.

Star Attractions

• Chimpanzee trekking
• Canopy walkway
• Colobus monkey tracking
• Waterfall hikes
• Birding (300-plus species)

Nyungwe offers Rwanda’s most immersive jungle experience.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe

Chimp tracking here is typically:

• Faster paced than gorilla trekking
• Less predictable
• More physically demanding

But it is also significantly cheaper, making it a strong mid-budget alternative.

Best Time to Visit Nyungwe

Best trekking conditions

• June to September
• December to February

Morning treks offer the highest chimpanzee encounter rates.

Gishwati Mukura National Park: Rwanda’s Hidden Gem

Why This Park Matters

Established in 2015, this is Rwanda’s newest and least visited national park. It combines two restored forests and protects rare primates and birds.

For travelers seeking low crowds and conservation-focused tourism, this park is increasingly attractive.

What to See

• Chimpanzees
• Golden monkeys
• L’Hoest’s monkeys
• Blue monkeys
• Excellent birdlife

Who Should Visit Gishwati Mukura?

Best for:

• Repeat East Africa travelers
• Birding specialists
• Conservation enthusiasts
• Luxury slow-travel clients

It is not yet a mass tourism destination, which is actually its biggest strength.

Best Time to Visit National Parks in Rwanda

Overall Best Months

Prime dry seasons

• June to September
• December to February

These months provide:

• Easier trekking
• Better wildlife visibility
• Lower malaria risk in highlands
• More reliable road conditions

When to Avoid (If Possible)

Heavy rains

• March to May
• October to November

However, the low season can offer:

• Fewer tourists
• Possible permit discounts
• Lush photography conditions

Packing & Practicalities for Rwanda National Parks (2026)

Gorilla Trekking Gear Checklist

Even though Rwanda’s treks are shorter than Uganda’s, the terrain in Volcanoes National Park can be steep, muddy, and covered in stinging nettles. Pack smart:

Must-have items

• Gardening gloves for gripping vegetation and nettle protection
• Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support
• Gaiters to keep mud and ants out
• Lightweight rain jacket (weather changes fast)
• Long trousers and a long-sleeve shirt
• Daypack with 2 litres of water
• Energy snacks

Smart luxury add-on

• Hire a porter at the park gate. It supports local livelihoods and makes the trek far more comfortable.

Suggested Rwanda Safari Itineraries

4 Day Gorilla and Golden Monkey Express

• Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes
• Day 2: Gorilla trekking
• Day 3: Golden Monkeys
• Day 3: Return to Kigali

Best for luxury short-stay travelers. Book Now

5 Day Rwanda Primates Safari

• Day 1: Kigali arrival
• Day 2: Volcanoes gorilla trek
• Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe
• Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking
• Day 5: Return

Excellent mid to high-end package. View our Package here

7 Day Complete Rwanda Safari

• Volcanoes National Park
• Nyungwe Forest
• Akagera National Park

Book Our Classic Package here

How Rwanda Compares to Uganda and Tanzania

Rwanda Advantages

• Short driving distances
• Premium luxury positioning
• High gorilla trekking success
• Very clean and safe tourism infrastructure

Rwanda Limitations

• Higher gorilla permit cost
• Smaller wildlife densities than in Tanzania
• Fewer large savannah parks

Planning Tips

Book Gorilla Permits Early

Permits are limited daily, and peak months sell out quickly.

Combine Parks Strategically

Best conversion combo:

• Volcanoes plus Akagera
  or
• Volcanoes plus Nyungwe

Use Kigali as Your Hub

Most parks are within a 2 to 6-hour drive from Kigali, making Rwanda ideal for short safaris.

Health Requirements and Safety Reality

Yellow Fever Certificate

Rwanda requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you are arriving from a risk country. Always travel with the certificate.

Malaria Risk by Region

Understanding geography helps travelers plan properly:

• Lowland parks like Akagera National Park: Malaria risk present. Use prophylaxis and repellent.
• Highland parks like Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes: Much lower risk due to altitude, but precautions are still advised.

Bottom line: Rwanda is very safe medically for travelers who prepare properly.

Rwanda’s Cleanest Country Rule: Plastic Bag Ban

Rwanda is globally known for its strict environmental standards, and this is one rule many travelers overlook.

Important: Non-biodegradable plastic bags have been banned since 2008. Airport security may inspect luggage and confiscate any plastic carrier bags on arrival.

What travelers should do instead?

• Use reusable silicone pouches
• Pack with cloth or mesh bags
• Avoid duty-free plastic carriers

This small detail signals strong local expertise and helps travelers avoid delays at immigration.

The East Africa Tourist Visa Hack (And the Tanzania Trap)

If you are planning a multi-country safari in 2026, this is one of the biggest money-saving strategies.

The smart move

The East Africa Tourist Visa costs USD 100, is valid for 90 days, and allows multiple entries between:

• Rwanda
• Uganda
• Kenya

This visa must be used first in the country that issued it.

 The common mistake

Tanzania is NOT included.

If your itinerary connects Rwanda to the Serengeti or other Tanzanian parks, you will need a separate Tanzanian visa. Many travelers miss this and face delays at the border.

👉 Need help structuring a seamless East Africa safari? Our planners can design a visa smart route.

Rwanda Travel Logistics and New Infrastructure (2026 Update)

Bugesera International Airport

Rwanda is developing Bugesera International Airport to become the country’s future aviation hub.

Key facts:

• Located about 40 km south of Kigali
• Designed to handle up to 8 million passengers annually
• Backed by major international aviation investment
• Current projections place completion around 2027

Until fully operational, most travelers still arrive via Kigali.

Latest 2026 projections suggest the full “Grand Opening” for passenger flights has shifted closer to 2027/2028.

• Expert Tip: Travelers will still be landing at Kigali International (KGL), which is actually more convenient (only 15 mins from the city center).

Internal Flights and Helicopter Transfers

For luxury and time-sensitive travelers, Rwanda offers premium air access between parks.

Akagera Aviation

Akagera Aviation provides:

• Helicopter transfers to Volcanoes
• Scenic flights over Nyungwe
• Fast access to Akagera
• VIP charter services

This is especially attractive for:

• High-end safari clients
• Short-stay travelers
• Multi-country East Africa itineraries

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Plan Your Rwanda Safari?

If you want expert help choosing the right national parks in Rwanda, the smartest move is to work with a specialist who understands permit availability, seasonality, and logistics on the ground.

Talk to Agasaro Safaris to:

• Secure gorilla permits
• Build a custom Rwanda itinerary
• Compare Rwanda vs Uganda options
• Get the best travel window for your dates

Inquire with us now to start planning your ultra luxury. Luxury or mid-range Rwanda Safari now