Rwanda has four national parks that have been gazetted for tourism. These include;Akagera Park, the Volcanoes National Park as well as Nyungwe forest. Of these, each protects a different ecosystem along with a group of big mammals, as a result more information on the fauna of each one of the reservation is given under the recommended regional part. Generally speaking, though Akagera holds up typical savanna fauna dominated by a number of antelope, different grazers like zebra, buffalo as well as giraffe, the aquatic hippopotamus along with plain predators like lions, leopards and spotted hyena.
Nyungwe Forest along with Volcanoes Park supported the same group of large mammals over 500 years ago. At the moment the faunas defer, basically due to prolonged deforestation along the lower slopes of theVirungas. These volcanoes presently support bamboo specialist like golden monkey along with mountain gorilla, and a relic population of habitat – tolerant mammals species such as buffalo and elephant.
Rwanda National Parks
Rwanda has three national parks: Nyungwe National Park, Akagera National Park, and Volcanoes National Parks.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe is basically a rain forest, frequently receiving over 2, 000 mm of precipitation annuary. It’s in addition among the oldest forests in Africa,the reason as to why it features such a high level of diversity. Scientific judgement is that Nyungwe, together with different forests in the Albertine Rift, was for the most part not affected by the drying up of the low-lying regions throughout the final ice age, and as a result it develop into a refuge for jungle plants along with animals which have later on been recolonised areas like the Congo Basin.
Also, Nyungwe forest national park offers a unique canopy walk, suspended high above the forest floor, providing a bird’s-eye view of the lush surroundings and a chance to spot various species of birds and monkeys.
Also, in the park, you can enjoy bird watching experience since it protects over 300 bird species in its rainforests.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park named after the river which flows along its eastern edge, The Park is Rwanda’s solution to the prominent Savanna reservations of Kenya, Tanzania and so on.In measure to the rest of the geographical region, the area is moderately warm as well as low-lying, with its undulating plains supporting a cover of thick, broad-leaved forest interspersed with lighter acacia woodland along with patches of rolling grassland decorated evocatively with stands of thecactus-like Euphorbia candelabra shrub.
Visit a residence that is home to all five of the major species, including antelopes and a diverse range of birds. However, locating lions or rhinos may still require a significant amount of time, as they are now engaged in active efforts to increase their number. In contrast, a game drive safari typically involves making pauses to observe Nile crocodiles, zebras, hippos, and giraffes.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park covers 160km² of land which protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains, range of 6 inactive and 3 active volcanoes which ranges the border of Uganda and DRC. The Volcanoes National Park is component of an abrupt 433km² Trans frontier conservation unit that furthermore includes the Virunga National Park as well as Mgahinga National Park, which respectively protects the DR Congo and Ugandan sectors of Virungas.
Note: For one to take part in gorilla trekking experience, he or she must possess a valid trekking permit from Rwanda Development board or licensed tour operator at USD 1500 per person.
Besides mountain gorillas, the Volcanoes national park is also a home to golden monkeys, which are equally fascinating to observe. The encounter also involves hiking through the park rainforests in search of the playful apes and these ae witnessed swinging from one tree branch to another.
Still in the park, take part in the hiking adventure of different volcanoes since the park encompasses five of the 8 volcanoes in the Virunga mountains namely; Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo. For adventure enthusiasts, a hike to the top of Mount Karisimbi or Bisoke offers breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment.