Discover Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda often known as the land of a thousand hills is fast emerging as a premier destination for the ultimate African vacation safari. Nestled in the heart of east Africa, Rwanda offers a unique blend of rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes and deeply rooted cultural experiences. At the forefront of Rwanda’s tourism success are two distinct and iconic destinations of akagera national park and volcanoes national park. each park offers a contrasting safari experience thus making them perfect companions for travellers seeking variety on their African safari adventure.
AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK.
Located in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania, akagera national park is the country’s only savannah reserve and a paradise for lovers of classic African safaris. Spanning over 1,122 square kilometres, akagera boasts with a stunning mix of rolling savannah, acacia woodlands, extensive wetlands and a network of shimmering lakes including the scenic lake ihema which is the second largest lake in Rwanda.
The contrast between Akagera’s sun drenched plains and the lush mountainous terrain of western Rwanda is striking. The air is warmer, the terrain flatter and the wildlife viewing more expansive thus offering a quintessential big game African safari experience without the crowds often found in other safari destinations.
WILDLIFE AND GAME DRIVES
Akagera is a home to the big five such as lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros and buffalo thus making it one of the few parks in east Africa where you can spot all five in one location. This was made possible through significant conservation efforts led by the akagera management company which is a collective venture between the Rwanda development board and African parks.
The reintroduction of lions in 2015 and rhinos in 2017 transformed the park into a fully fledged African safari destination. Today over 13000 large mammals roam the park including giraffes, zebras, Topis, waterbucks, warthogs and large pods of hippos and crocodiles. Game drives are offered in the morning, afternoon and night each revealing a different side of the park.
Morning game drives often catch predators at their most active while night drives which is an increasingly popular activity offer thrilling opportunities to see nocturnal creatures such as civets, bushbabies, porcupines and even leopards on the prowl. For birding enthusiasts, akagera national park is a haven with more than 520 bird species including iconic and rare birds like the shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek and the majestic fish eagle.
Boat safaris on lake Ihema
One of Akagera’s most unique experiences is the boat safari on lake Ihema. As you glide through the peaceful, lily speckled waters, your surrounded by wildlife. Large pods of hippos snort just below the surface, crocodiles bask on the banks and elephants are often seen drinking at the water edges. Birdlife thrives here too such as kingfishers, herons, cormorants and jacanas dot the skies and shoreline. This peaceful water safari is refreshing complement to traditional game drives thus offering photographers and nature lovers up close, tranquil moments in the heart of the wilderness.
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
While Akagera delivers the classic African safari experience, volcanoes national park offers something entirely different raw, intimate journey into the realm of mountain gorillas. Situated in Rwanda’s northern province near the town of Musanze, this 160 square kilometre park forms part of the greater Virunga Massif which spans Rwanda, Uganda and the democratic republic of Congo.
This area is home to five dramatic volcanoes including Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo thus rising like emerald giants above the forested landscape. The biodiversity here is astounding. Lush rainforests, alpine meadows and bamboo groves provide habitat for a host of rare species including the iconic mountain gorilla.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park is arguably the most profound wildlife experience on any African vacation safari. Rwanda is home to roughly one third of the worlds remaining mountain gorillas and the park protects around 12 habituated families each accessible to a small group of tourists per day.
Treks begin at kinigi park headquarters where visitors are briefed on gorilla behaviour, safety and trekking protocol. Groups of up to 8 trekkers are assigned a gorilla family and the journey into the forest begins. Depending on the group’s location, treks can last from 1 to 6 hours and vary in difficulty.
Upon locating the gorilla group, trekkers are allowed one magical hour in their presence. You may watch a silverback calmly overseeing his troop, juveniles playing energetically or mothers nursing their babies. This encounter often evokes deep emotion many describe it as life changing, spiritual and the highlight of their Rwanda safari. This highly regulated activity not only protects gorillas from human interference but also funds conservation and supports local communities through employment and profit-sharing schemes
GOLDEN MONKEY TRACKING AND VOLCANOES HIKE
While gorilla trekking is the headline experience in Rwanda’s volcanoes national park, the park offers a wealth of other unforgettable adventures that make it a prime destination for nature lovers, families, hikers and wildlife photographers. Among the top activities are golden monkey tracking and a variety of volcano hikes which provide different perspectives on the park.
- Golden monkey tracking
Golden monkey is one of the most popular alternative primate experiences in volcanoes national park. these charismatic, playful monkeys are endemic to the Albertine rift and are found only in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Massif which spans part of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic republic of Congo
The experience
Tracking starts early in the morning at the park headquarters in kinigi where visitors are briefed by guides before heading into the forest. A golden monkey trekking permit is required and typically costs less than a gorilla trekking permit thus making it a budget friendly yet rewarding addition to your Rwanda safari. The guided trek usually lasts 2-4 hours depending on the location of the troop and once located, visitors spend up to an hour observing the groups behaviour and interactions.
VOLCANOES AND HIKES
Volcanoes national park is part of the Virunga Mountain range with a chain of majestic volcanoes that dominate the skyline of northern Rwanda. For adventure tourists seeking to elevate their African safari experience. The trails are well maintained, the scenery is dramatic and the ecological diversity is unmatched.
- Mount bisoke
Mount bisoke is one of the most accessible and popular volcano hikes in the park. standing at 3,711 meters (12,175 feet) above sea level, Bisoke offers a manageable yet rewarding challenge for moderately fit hikers.
What to expect
Hikes start early in the morning with a briefing at kinigi. Visitors are escorted by experienced guides and armed rangers. The trail can be steep and muddy, especially during the rain season, so proper hiking gear including waterproof boots is essential. Altitude can be a factor so pacing and hydration are key.
- Mount Karisimbi trek
For serious hikers and mountaineers, the two-day trek to the summit of mount Karisimbi is the ultimate test. At 4,507 meters (14,787 feet) Karisimbi is the tallest mountain in Rwanda and the sixth highest in Africa. This dormant volcano lies on the border with the democratic republic of Congo and is part of the Albertine rift region.
The experience
The trek begins early on day 1 with a hike through forested trails, wildlife sightings and steady elevation gains. After reaching the overnight camp, trekkers rest before a pre-dawn summit push on day 2. Reaching the summit rewards hikers with panoramic views across the Virunga massif including distant views of Nyiragongo and the Congo basin on clear days.
DIAN FOSSEY TOMB HIKE
For those interested in primate conservation and history, the Dian Fossey tomb hike is a deeply moving experience. The trail leads to the original research centre established by Fossey and her final resting place in the forested saddle between mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke
- Who was Dian Fossey?
Dian Fossey was an American primatologist and conservationist whose groundbreaking work with mountain gorillas in Rwanda brought global attention to their plight. She fought tirelessly against poaching and habitat destruction and her legacy is immortalized in the book and film called Gorillas in the mist.
- What the hike involves;
Moderate difficulty: the round trip takes 3-4 hours and involves walking through dense montane forest. It’s less strenuous than volcano climbs but still requires moderate fitness.
Historic sites: visitors explore the ruins of the Karisoke research centre, see the graves of Fossey and several of the gorillas she studied and learn about her life, work and tragic death.
Educational value: this is more than a hike it’s an emotional journey through the history of gorilla conservation. Guides share stories of Fossey’s life and the ongoing efforts to protect mountain gorillas.