Rwanda is a country of incredible biodiversity and beauty. The country is famously known as the “Land of the Thousand Hills”.  Rwanda in the past decade has become a premier eco-tourism and adventure destination. This transformation has largely been due to the nation’s commitment to conservation and to sustainable tourism. 

Rwanda’s tourism sector recorded a 36 percent jump in revenue in 2023, from $445 million to $620 million. There were 1.4 million visitors, a 124% recovery rate from the COVID-19 challenges, and higher than pre-pandemic levels.

This success happened because of the country’s national parks. The national parks brought in $35.79 million in revenue in 2023. Akagera National Park had 24%, Nyungwe National Park had 10%, and Volcanoes National Park had 38% more visitors.

African investment in infrastructure, conservation, and community engagement has made Rwanda a leading destination in Africa. High-end, low-impact tourism focuses the nation’s attention on unique visitor experiences while helping to preserve the nation’s natural and cultural heritage.

Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali, is a perfect example of what Rwanda has managed to pull off. Today, Kigali is a lively metropolis, clean and safe, with progressive development. Panoramic views and a unique urban experience are seen in the city.

Key Attractions in Kigali:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial: This site honors the victims of the 1994 genocide. Visitors can engage with exhibits that provide a deep understanding of the events.
• Inema Art Center: A hot spot for contemporary Rwandan art. Works from local artists can be found at the center, giving a glimpse into the country’s changing art scene.
• Kimironko Market: This bustling market will give you an understanding of the daily life of a Rwandan in all its variety, from fresh produce to hand-crafted items.

Rich biodiversity and beautiful landscapes are what make Volcanoes National Park unique. One of Africa’s oldest national parks, it was established in 1925 and has been part of the Virunga Massif, spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park covers approximately 160 square kilometers and is home to five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga range.

Key Attractions in Volcanoes National Park: 

• Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Mountain gorillas are famous in the park. Visitors are then able to observe these gentle giants in the wild with guided treks. Recent estimates have the global population of mountain gorillas at over 1,000, and a considerable number live in Volcanoes National Park.
• Golden Monkey Tracking: The park is also home to the endangered golden monkey. They have golden orange fur and are found only in the Virunga region. Visitors can see how they behave in the bamboo forests on guided tours.
• Dian Fossey’s Tomb and Karisoke Research Center: There are hikes to the former research site of renowned primatologist Dian Fossey. Her grave and the remains of the Karisoke Research Center are at the end of the trail.
• Volcano Hiking: The park’s adventurous travelers can hike up volcanoes such as Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. Breathtaking views and the opportunity to explore a variety of ecosystems are what these treks offer.

Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda, is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Covering approximately 1,019 square kilometers, it is renowned for its rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes. The park’s dense canopy and diverse ecosystems make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. 

Key Attractions in Nyungwe Forest National Park:

• Chimpanzee Tracking: It is the home of many chimpanzees. Visitors to these primates can see them in their natural habitat through guided treks. It gives you an idea as to how they will behave and how their society works.
• Canopy Walkway: The 50-meter-high suspension bridge is 160 meters long, and provides a panoramic view of the lush canopy. The rainforest is experienced from above, this unique perspective.
• Bird Watching: Nyungwe is a bird watchers’ paradise, with over 300 bird species, 25 of which are endemics. You can find species such as the Rwenzori turaco and the red-collared babbler, among other things, on the park’s trails.
• Hiking Trails: Numerous well-maintained trails, including several for all fitness levels, are what the park has to offer. The Igishigishigi Trail and the Umugote Trail are trails that allow you to visit waterfalls, swamps and diverse flora.

Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda, is the country’s largest protected wetland, covering approximately 2,500 square kilometers. Established in 1934, the park is named after the Kagera River, which flows along Rwanda’s eastern boundary with Tanzania. The river feeds into Lake Ihema and other smaller lakes in and around the park. 

The park protects an African savanna landscape of acacia and bush with patches of open grassland and a dozen swampy lakes. It is home to elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, leopards, hyenas, lions, rhinos, and several antelopes. Visitors can also see the environment make a shift from savanna plains to wetlands and lakes.

Key Attractions in Akagera National Park:

• Game Drives: The guided safaris offer the opportunity to see a lot of animals in their natural habitat. The park’s diverse landscapes, from savannahs to wetlands, are home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five: elephants, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, and lions.
• Boat Safaris on Lake Ihema: Sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and many birds can be seen in the park’s largest lake. Different intervals of the day are scheduled boat trips offering a special perspective of the park’s aquatic life.
• Bird Watching: Akagera is a birders’ haven with over 520 bird species recorded. Both resident and migratory birds are attracted to wetlands and woodlands, both of which make up a variety of ecosystems. Birdwatching excursions, led by experts, provide the chance to see rare and colorful species including the shoebill stork, Papyrus gonolek, and African Fish Eagle.
• Night Game Drives: Night drives allow visitors not only to see leopards and hyenas – nocturnal wildlife — but also to see other predators such as lions out on the plains. These guided tours are about the behaviors of animals that are active after dusk.

Rwanda is a country of remarkable beauty and resilience. Its landscapes, from lush forests to sweeping savannas, are filled with rare wildlife and diverse ecosystems. There are exciting things to do in Volcanoes National Park such as gorilla trekking, such as going swimming with the huge pods of Nile hippos in Lake Kivu. 

The culture and history of Kigali give you a glimpse into Rwanda’s resurgent growth. Rwanda takes pride in national parks like Nyungwe and Akagera, which honor conservation to retain rare species and to benefit local communities. Rwanda is a unique and meaningful destination because it is focused on eco-tourism. Travelers explore Rwanda and see incredible natural beauty, but also help preserve its heritage and ecosystems. Rwanda is the destination of choice if you want a little adventure, a little culture, and a little conservation.