Top Rated East Africa National Parks: A Comprehensive Guide (Rwanda)

Among the natural wonders of East Africa, the national parks pride themselves on the top rating among East African national parks, places where one would seek out adventure and unforgettable wildlife encounters. This guide takes an in-depth look at two of Rwanda's premier parks, which make up the list of East African national parks. 

From mist-shrouded volcano sanctuaries hosting some of the last endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to the great rolling savannas of Akagera National Park, these parks represent some of the finest and most biodiverse game reserves in Africa.

Whether trekking through mist-shrouded volcanoes or embarking on safaris in search of the Big Five, Rwanda's parks showcase the stunning variety of East Africa's ecosystems. Lying adjacent to the biggest national game park in East Africa, these parks are feted for their conservation successes and dramatic landscapes. 

Take a tour of some major national parks in Africa, and you will find their beauty and wildlife in Rwanda's parks, which are some of the most feted places on any list of East Africa's national parks.

Check out more national parks in Eastern Africa featured in our comprehensive guide:

List of East Africa's National Parks: Rwanda Edition

Volcanoes National Park

Situated in the massif of the Virunga Mountains in northwestern Rwanda lies Volcanoes National Park, one of the key national parks in Africa and a must-see for any wildlife lover. This renowned sanctuary also forms part of a larger protection area known as the Virunga Conservation Area, which extends across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking a prestigious list of national parks in East Africa. It attracts many travelers from different parts of the world because of the mountain gorillas, which are endangered, seeking an exceptional experience in gorilla trekking. 

Having dramatic volcanoes and rich biodiversity, Volcanoes National Park counts among the top-rated East Africa national parks. It is dominated by five of the Virunga Volcanoes, which are Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. Each of the lofty peaks offers a spectacular backdrop against which mists weave in and out through dense forest cover to create an almost surreal atmosphere. 

The park is also known for its varied ecosystems, including bamboo forests and Afro-alpine moorlands, making it among the most geographically diverse national parks in eastern Africa. With nutrient-rich volcanic soils supporting a variety of flora and fauna, it is of little wonder that this park features as one of the most important ecological game reserves in Africa.

Wildlife Highlights

No doubt, the star attraction for Volcanoes National Park is its mountain gorillas. This isolated population is one-third of the world's remaining gorillas, hence making it top of the destination list among East African national parks for anyone who would want to see these great animals. 

Besides the gorillas, other visitors can also find golden monkeys, as well as other primates and mammals like buffaloes, forest elephants, and bushbucks. Birders will be overjoyed at the park's excellent variety of over 200 species, including the-endangered Rwenzori turaco and Shelley's crimsonwing.

Read more: Trekking Rwanda: In the Footsteps of Majestic Mountain Gorillas

Top Experiences

  • Gorilla Trekking: The number one reason people come to Volcanoes National Park is that gorilla trekking offers an experience unlike any other when it comes to seeing these gentle giants up close.

  • Golden Monkey Trekking: A softer option for trekking in this park, Golden Monkey trekking epitomizes the biodiversity of this very special place.

  • Mount Bisoke Hike: Climbers love the challenging hike up Mount Bisoke and its reward—the beautiful crater lake.

  • Karisimbi Hike: The highest peak in the Virunga range is Karisimbi, offering a two-day adventurous trek for clear all-around views.

  • Dian Fossey Tomb and Karisoke Research Center: This trek takes one to the tomb of this legendary primatologist and takes a touching look into her conservation legacy.

  • Cultural Encounters: The Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village offers a peep into Rwandese culture, displayed through traditional dances and crafts, which forms helpful links between guests and the local community.

Read more: Exploring the Cultural Diversity of Eastern Africa: Top Cultural Experiences

When to Go

Volcanoes National Park can be visited year-round, though trekking is easier during the dry seasons:

  • Dry Season: June through September, December through February. Conditions are excellent during these months of the best time to take on trekking in the park.

  • Wet Season: March through May, October through November. Landscapes are richly colored due to the rain, but hiking and trekking become less practical.

Places to Stay

  • Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: This lodge is high-end and offers good views of the Virunga Mountains.

  • Virunga Lodge: This is also a high-end lodge that has wide panoramic views of the mountains and lakes such as Burera and Ruhondo.

  • Mountain Gorilla View Lodge: It falls mid-budget, balancing comfort and affordability.

  • Kinigi Guesthouse: This is a low-budget lodge located near the park headquarters.

  • Bisate Lodge: A really unique luxury lodge that has been set within a reforestation project to immolate further.

Akagera National Park

Situated on the eastern border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park borders the mountainous part of Rwanda and forms one of East Africa's largest national game parks. With its rich mix of savannah, lakes, and wetlands, it has earned its status as an iconic destination for any visitor and is top-rated among the national parks in East Africa. Akagera spans an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometers and offers a quintessential East African safari experience across diverse ecosystems teeming with great populations of wildlife.

Geography and Landscape

This park encompasses a very particular combination of savannah grasslands, woodlands, swamps, and a labyrinth of lakes. The Akagera River forms the eastern boundary, feeding into Lake Ihema-Rwanda's second-largest, famous for its hippos and crocodiles. Akagera's topography—from open savannah in the north to hilly woodlands in the south—makes it one of eastern Africa's most varied national parks and a haven for birdwatchers and animal lovers alike.

It is because of its commitment to wildlife conservation that Akagera has become one of the leading game parks in Africa. Situated in Rwanda, it is the only park where one can find the Big Five; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. After the successful reintroduction of lions in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017, the park was reinstituted as one of Africa's premier Big Five destinations. In addition to these icons, Akagera is home to zebras, giraffes, hippos, and over 500 species of birds, which easily make it one of the big national parks in Africa when it comes to wildlife diversity.

Key Experiences

  • Game drives offer classic safaris through the savannah, with a chance to spot the Big Five and get right into the heart of the Akagera ecosystem.

  • Lake Ihema Boat Safaris: Visitors get to enjoy the serene boat ride in Lake Ihema, getting them very close to hippos and crocodiles, plus some of the waterbirds on this special water-based safari.

  • Bird Watching: Akagera boasts one of the richest bird life with over 500 species, thanks to its varying habitats, particularly in wetlands.

  • Night Drives: Among the few places in Rwanda where night drives are possible, this could be seen by nocturnal animals like leopards and hyenas.

  • Lake Shakani Fishing: This is a quiet activity for fishing enthusiasts and will also give one a chance to catch some tilapia and catfish.

  • Guided Walks: Walking safaris with highly trained guides are the best ways to get a little closer to the flora of the park and some of the smaller fauna.

When to Go

The dry season is generally the best time to view Akagera's wildlife:

Dry Season (June to September, December to February): Water holes attract animals and make them easier to see. 

Wet Season (March to May, October to November): The landscape is green, but animals are more spread out. 

Accommodation Options 

  • Magashi Camp: Luxury tented camp with panoramic views of Lake Rwanyakazinga-an exclusive game drive and personal service. Ruzizi Tented Lodge: Situated on the shores of Lake Ihema, this lodge has been designed and built in an eco-friendly manner.

  • Akagera Game Lodge - This is a mid-range lodge that enjoys modern amenities, complete with a swimming pool. It is relatively near the southern entrance of the park. 

  • Camping - Akagera has several campsites scattered all over, offering a far more engaging budget option. 

From mist-shrouded forests to trek in Volcanoes National Park to open savannah driving in Akagera, Rwanda's national parks offer experiences second to few on any list of East Africa's national parks. Through conservational efforts in these parks, the dramatic sceneries and outstanding biodiversity unveil Rwanda as one of the most desirable countries for any enthusiast of nature. From the Big Five game reserves in Africa to Rwanda's one-of-a-kind gorilla sanctuaries, these parks remain among the most favored and frequently visited national parks in Africa.