Eight must-visit Rwandan destinations for nature lovers

Easy to explore by car in just about a week thanks to its relatively small size, landlocked Rwanda is a paradise – boasting an extraordinary range of wildlife, landscapes and biodiversity – for nature lovers. The country’s peaceful rivers and majestic hills will simply take your breath away. If you’re a nature lover, here are some of the destinations worth considering: Akagera National Park The relatively warm and low-lying plains of Akagera comprise savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes are ideal for game viewing. The park reintroduced lions and rhinos, meaning that once again visitors can see The Big Five – the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo – on safari drives. ALSO READ: Akagera National Park reports 127% increase in animal population Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda, is also home to antelopes, zebras, giraffes, baboons, monkeys, an incredible 490 bird species, plus much more. ALSO READ: Increase in Rwanda’s lion population attributed to bold conservation efforts Besides exploring the park by vehicle, a boat trip on Lake Ihema is also a highlight of any visit to Akagera, with its large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and waterbirds on the island in the middle of the lake. Nyungwe National Park One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. ALSO READ: Why you should try Nyungwe Park guided nature walks The nearly 102,000-hectare rainforest located in southwestern Rwanda is home to intact forests and peat bogs, moors, thickets, and grasslands, providing habitats to highly diverse flora and fauna. The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift. In September 2023, Nyungwe National Park was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, becoming Rwanda’s first site to get the UN agency’s coveted status. ALSO READ: Explainer: UNESCO heritage sites and why they matter According to UNESCO, the Park also contains the most significant natural habitats for a number of species found nowhere else in the world, including the globally threatened Eastern Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis ssp. kandti) and the Critically Endangered Hills Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus hillorum). Nyungwe National Park is home to 12 mammal and seven bird species that are globally threatened, with 317 species of birds recorded. Nyungwe National Park is one of the most important sites for bird conservation in Africa. Volcanoes National Park “In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat, are great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas,” wrote eminent primatologist Dian Fossey. Hiking, canoeing, mountain biking and village experiences are some of the things you will enjoy in this park situated in the far northwest of Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of a magnificent mountain range – home of the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. ALSO READ: Buhanga forest now part of Volcanoes National Park Within its boundaries are Buhanga Eco-Park, an ancient forest holding Rwanda’s most intriguing folklore and Musanze Caves, formed 62 million years ago after the last estimated volcanic eruption. Gishwati Mukura National Park Guided nature hikes, guided chimp and monkey tracking, bird watching and a visit to the waterfalls are among the activities to enjoy in Rwanda's fourth national park, Gishwati Mukura. It comprises two separate forests - the larger Gishwati and small Mukura, and is home to chimpanzees, golden, blue and L'Hoest's monkeys as well as a host of birds and smaller animals. ALSO READ: Gishwati-Mukura park witnesses surge in animal population The animal population in Gishwati-Mukura, the youngest national park in Rwanda, has grown since restoration efforts of the biosphere began in 2014. The chimpanzee population grew to 36 in 2023 from 13 in 2008, and the biosphere is home to 174 endangered golden monkeys. Environment museum Situated along the shores of Lake Kivu, the Museum of Environment is the first of its kind on the continent. Looking at renewable and non-renewable sources of energy, the Museum of Environment is an educational centre, helping people to understand and safeguard their environment. ALSO READ: Eight unforgettable Rwandan museums you should visit Aiming to ensure integrated and durable development, it exhibits natural history collections and addresses critical environmental issues, encouraging community action. An outdoor garden of indigenous medicinal plants further enriches visitors’ experience. Sabyinyo Hiking Trail Sabyinyo Volcano lies between Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda. Rwanda’s epic scenery, pleasant climate and magnificent wildlife make the land a remarkable place to explore on foot. The best hiking to be had is in the western half of the country, all the way from Volcanoes National Park in the north, along the fringes of Lake Kivu in the west and down to Nyungwe National Park in the south. Lake Kivu Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa. Part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, the lake is dotted with islands and inlets along its shoreline, with charming beach resorts, spectacular vistas and plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling. Exploring the coastline of Lake Kivu by kayak is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the scenery, gazing up at the mountainous backdrop from the tranquillity of the water. Birds dart in and out of the bushes whilst fisherman mend their nets on the shore in the daytime. At sunset, the local fishermen paddle out in unison, their rousing song carrying across the water, to return the next morning with their catch. Nyandungu Eco-Park Nyandungu Eco-Park is a wetland sprawling over 121.7 hectares nestled within the heart of Kigali. From a degraded wetland to an educational and recreational eco-park in the heart of Kigali, the park is a key go-to place for nature lovers. ALSO READ: Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park to be expanded Featuring walkways, gardens, ponds as well as birds, the place is good for taking walks, sitting down to relax, bike riding, and more other activities. ALSO READ: Birds find new home in Nyandungu Mount Kigali The hill in the capital, Kigali, has in the past few years developed into an attraction for nature lovers, providing opportunity for various activities including hill climbing, in addition to giving an amazing view of the city. The hill also features activities like physical exercise, horse and donkey riding, and picnics.

Lifestyle

Eight must-visit Rwandan destinations for nature lovers