FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON RWANDA’S NATIONAL PARKS
You are probably planning a safari to Rwanda, the land of a thousand Hills but have no idea about the different National Parks and the attractions to see during your visit. Worry no more because with this information, you will be able to learn more about this country’s breathtaking attractions and Parks, so as to make an informed decision. Therefore, the following are the questions tourists frequently ask about Rwanda, especially the main destinations;
How many National Parks are in Rwanda and where are they located?
Well, there are only four National Parks within the land of a thousand Hills and they include Volcanoes National Park within North-western side of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south-west, Akagera National Park in North-eastern part and finally Gishwati-Mukura National Park at the North-western corner.
Which National Park offers the best safari experience?
Actually, there is no particular right answer to this question. Reason being, all the mentioned destinations offer different wildlife species and experiences to tourists. However, most tourists are drawn to Volcanoes National Park due to the exceptional critically endangered Mountain gorillas that are found in other two countries (Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo) in the whole World. What the other three National Parks offer can be found in many other African countries but the extraordinary Giant Apes are special to few places, hence the reason Volcanoes National Park is believed to offer the best safari experience. Akagera National Park also provides another breathtaking experience because it is the only place in the whole country to encounter the big five animals.
What attractions exist in the National Parks?
There are numerous attractions you can see within the individual National Parks but the main ones include; Mountain gorillas and Golden monkeys that are the stars of the show within Volcanoes National Park. There are also other mammals such as Buffaloes, Elephants, Bush duikers and spotted hyenas, over 180 species of birds, five of the eight Virunga volcanoes (including Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabinyo) as well as other sites such as the Dian Fossey gravesite.
Akagera National Park is popular for being a big five destination, offering home to Lions, leopards, Rhinos, Buffaloes and Elephants in addition to other wild animals such as Rothschild giraffes, warthogs, Kobs, Topis, Oribis, bushbucks, Common elands, Defassa waterbucks, olive baboons as well as black and white colobus monkeys among others.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is the primate capital of the country with over 13 species of primates including Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, golden monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, olive baboons and silver monkeys in addition to more than 310 bird species, other spectacular mammals, reptiles, butterflies and tree species among others. This is also the only destination in Rwanda to enjoy the exhilarating forest canopy walks.
Gishwati-Mukura, apparently the newest National Park in the country is known for at least 5 species of primates including Common chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Golden monkeys and the Blue monkeys, other mammal species such as the Red river hogs, southern tree hyrax as well as more than 100 species of birds worth marveling at during Rwanda safaris.
What interesting activities can I relish within Rwanda’s National Parks?
When you visit Volcanoes National Park, be sure of enjoying activities such as gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano climbing/hiking, the Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike, visit to the twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera, cultural encounters and bird watching.
Tourists who visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park are treated to interesting activities such as chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, nature walks/hiking and cultural encounters.
Akagera National Park is popular for day and night game drives, nature walks, helicopter rides, bird watching, boat rides within Lake Ihema, photography, fishing and camping.
Nyungwe Forest National Park can be visited for exceptionally jaw-dropping activities such as chimpanzee tracking, bird watching, hiking/nature walks, forest canopy walks and cultural encounters.
When is the best time to visit Rwanda’s National Parks?
All the four National Parks can be visited all year round. However, most tourists prefer visiting during the dry season from June to September and December to January because the hiking trails are less muddy and slippery hence favorable for most activities.
What do I need to pack when visiting Rwanda’s National Park?
What to Pack normally depends on what activity you are planning to undertake but generally you will need to carry at least 2 long sleeved shirts, two long trousers, a hat and sunglasses, strong waterproof hiking boots for hiking through muddy and slippery trails, long socks, a lightweight rain jacket, warm sweater, swimsuit, pajamas, a backpack to carry items while undertaking most of the activities, first Aid kit, Insect repellants, Toiletries, a camera and binoculars, gardening gloves, short sleeved shirts, sandals/flip-flops during other activities such as game drives, shorts, underwear and many others.