RWANDA PARKS

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Rwanda Parks, situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this great mountain range–home of the risky mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.

Volcanoes National Park the chain of resting volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke with its verdant Crater Lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura.

Within the borders of Volcanoes National Park are Buhanga Eco-Park, an ancient forest holding Rwanda’s most intriguing folklore and Musanze Caves, formed 62 million years ago after the last set volcanic eruption.

NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK

One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and amazingly beautiful. The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small folk of chimpanzees as well as 12 other types of animals including the I’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Animal tracing is the most sought after activity, but it’s worth lingering a little longer for those with time to relax and take in the primal atmosphere.

The walk up to Isumo waterfall or along the canopy walk suspension bridge will give Memorable and photogenic moments. Tea plantations border the edges of the park, with a seasoned troop of Ruwenzori colobus monkeys at Gisakura as well as forest fringe birds.

With plenty of rainfall, Nyungwe is also the major catchment area in Rwanda, and supplies water to 70% of the country. A ridge running through the forest forms a watershed between the drainage systems of the Nile and the Congo.

A spring on the slopes of Mt Bigugu is the most remote source of the Nile, the world’s longest river.

AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

The relatively warm and low-lying plains of Akagera form savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes. A move to turn the National Park into a world class place for a wildlife safari meeting is underway.

The largely open expanse is ideal for game viewing. With the start of a helicopter, a canine unit and rhino trackers, poaching has been reduced greatly.
A family of lions from South Africa is settling in well, and breeding successfully, and 18 eastern black rhinos.

GISHWATI MUKURA NATIONAL PARK

Meanwhile, Gishwati and Mukura are made up of two separate forests.

They form a total of 34 square kilometers plus a buffer zone.

However, the forests sit on the ridge that divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas.

Furthermore, it is made up of 60 types of trees, including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo.

Similarly, Gishwati is a home to a group of 20 chimpanzees which live alongside golden monkeys, I’Hoest’s and Blue Monkeys.

Birds are well represented too, 232 types have been seen at Gishwati and 163 at Mukura, among others.

The park is currently part of hard view restoration program.