Kigali

Akagera National Park lies in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. It is a diverse protected landscape of open savannah, acacia woodland, rolling hills, swamps and lakes connected to the Akagera River system.

The park has become a leading African conservation success story. Through strengthened protection, community partnerships and wildlife reintroductions, Akagera is once again home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros.

Akagera’s wetland system supports hippos, crocodiles and a remarkable variety of birdlife, while the drier northern plains offer excellent sightings of giraffes, zebras, antelope and predators. More than 500 bird species have been recorded in the park.

Visitors can explore Akagera through game drives, guided walks, boat cruises on Lake Ihema and overnight stays in lodges or camps. Its compact size and easy access from Kigali make it an ideal safari addition to a Rwanda itinerary.

Nyungwe National Park protects one of Africa’s oldest and most important montane rainforests. Located in southwestern Rwanda, its misty hills, forested valleys and high-altitude canopy form a vital part of the Albertine Rift biodiversity region.

The park is best known for chimpanzee trekking and its remarkable primate diversity. Thirteen primate species occur here, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and large troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Nyungwe is also a major birdwatching destination, with more than 310 recorded bird species, including many Albertine Rift endemics. Its forest trails reveal orchids, giant ferns, butterflies, waterfalls and a rich variety of smaller wildlife.

Visitors can join guided chimpanzee treks, colobus monkey walks, birding excursions and the famous Canopy Walkway. Suspended high above the forest floor, the walkway offers extraordinary views across the rainforest and surrounding mountains.

Volcanoes National Park lies in northwestern Rwanda and protects the country’s share of the Virunga Mountains. Its bamboo forest, montane rainforest, swamps and high volcanic slopes create one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes.

The park is internationally known for mountain gorilla trekking. Small, guided groups visit habituated gorilla families under strict conservation rules, offering an intimate and unforgettable encounter with one of the world’s most endangered primates.

Volcanoes is also home to golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffalo, bushbuck and a rich variety of birds. The park’s five volcanoes—Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo—form a spectacular backdrop to every visit.

Visitors can combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, the Dian Fossey tomb hike and community experiences around Musanze. Its proximity to Kigali makes it Rwanda’s most accessible primate wilderness.

Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda, set among rolling green hills in the centre of the country. It is widely known for its clean streets, orderly neighbourhoods, growing creative scene and warm hospitality.

The city is an important gateway to Rwanda’s celebrated national parks, including Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park. Kigali International Airport provides convenient connections for visitors arriving for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris and cultural travel.

Kigali offers meaningful places to learn about Rwanda’s history, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial. It also has lively markets, contemporary art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants and craft centres that showcase the country’s creative energy.

Visitors can explore Kigali’s hillside neighbourhoods, enjoy Rwandan coffee, shop for handmade crafts and take in panoramic views from restaurants and cultural venues. It is an ideal place to begin or end a Rwanda journey.