Rwanda national parks give you mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and the Big Five in one small country, often within a single week. The catch is that a lot of the fee and travel information online is out of date, which makes planning harder than it should be.
This complete guide brings it all together: the four Rwanda national parks, what to do in each one, current park fees, where to stay, how to combine Rwanda with Uganda, and the culture and experiences that make Rwanda special beyond the parks. It is written by our team at Tulambule, a licensed tour operator that has planned East African safaris since 2014.
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Rwanda National Parks at a Glance
Rwanda has four national parks: Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Each protects a different landscape, from volcanic bamboo slopes to savannah plains and ancient montane rainforest.
Tourism in all four parks is overseen by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Akagera and Nyungwe are run in partnership with African Parks, a conservation organisation, which is one reason both parks have recovered so strongly in recent years.
| Park | Region | Drive from Kigali | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volcanoes National Park | North-west | About 2.5 hours | Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, volcano hikes |
| Akagera National Park | East | About 2.5 hours | Big Five game drives, boat trips on Lake Ihema |
| Nyungwe National Park | South-west | About 5 to 6 hours | Chimpanzees, 13 primate species, canopy walkway |
| Gishwati-Mukura National Park | West | About 3.5 to 4 hours | Chimpanzees, golden monkeys, quiet forest walks |
Because Rwanda is so compact and its roads are well paved, you can visit all four Rwanda national parks on one trip without long, tiring transfers. Few countries in Africa let you see gorillas, chimpanzees and the Big Five this easily.
1. Volcanoes National Park: Gorillas and Golden Monkeys
Volcanoes National Park is the most famous of the Rwanda national parks. It covers about 160 square kilometres of the Virunga Mountains in the north-west, and it is one of only three areas in the world where you can trek to see mountain gorillas.
The others are Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and, in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Volcanoes protects five of the eight Virunga volcanoes, including Karisimbi, the highest at 4,507 metres.
This is also where the American primatologist Dian Fossey studied mountain gorillas for almost 20 years, and her work helped save them. Today just over 1,000 mountain gorillas live in the wild, shared between the Virunga volcanoes and Bwindi, and their numbers are slowly rising.
Most visitors base themselves near Kinigi or Musanze, about 2.5 hours by road from Kigali. Gorilla treks start early from the park headquarters at Kinigi, where rangers assign each visitor to one of the habituated gorilla families. Our Rwanda gorilla trekking guide explains the full day.
Things to Do in Volcanoes National Park
- Gorilla trekking: a guided trek to a habituated gorilla family, followed by one hour with the gorillas. Groups are limited to eight visitors, and trekkers must be at least 15 years old.
- Golden monkey trekking: a lively, easier trek into the bamboo zone to watch these rare, bright orange monkeys. See golden monkeys and mountain gorillas.
- Dian Fossey tomb hike: a forest hike to the old Karisoke research site and the grave of the famous primatologist.
- Volcano climbs: day hikes up Bisoke to its crater lake, or longer climbs of Muhabura, Gahinga and Karisimbi. Our 4-day gorillas and Mount Bisoke hike combines both.
- Nearby extras: the Musanze caves, Buhanga eco-park and the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
Kwita Izina: Rwanda's Gorilla Naming Ceremony
Every year, usually in September, Rwanda holds Kwita Izina, a national celebration where the baby gorillas born in Volcanoes National Park are given names. The ceremony takes place near Kinigi, with music, dance and conservation talks, and it is a wonderful time to visit if you can book permits early.
2. Akagera National Park: Rwanda's Big Five Safari
Akagera National Park is the only savannah park among the Rwanda national parks, and it is where you go for a classic game drive. It covers about 1,122 square kilometres of rolling hills, acacia woodland, papyrus swamps and a chain of lakes along the Tanzanian border.
The park is one of Africa's great conservation comebacks. Since African Parks began managing it with RDB in 2010, lions have returned in 2015, eastern black rhinos in 2017, and southern white rhinos from 2021. Akagera is now home to all of the Big Five.
Akagera has the widest variety of big game of all the Rwanda national parks. Expect elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and many antelope species, along with more than 480 bird species, including the shoebill. Akagera is about 2.5 hours from Kigali, so it works well at the start or end of a trip.
Things to Do in Akagera National Park
- Game drives: half-day or full-day drives, in your safari vehicle or with a park guide.
- Boat trips on Lake Ihema: morning, daytime and sunset cruises past hippos, crocodiles and water birds.
- Night game drives: a chance to see leopards, hyenas, genets and bush babies.
- Behind the scenes tour: a look at the park's conservation and anti-poaching work.
- Walk the Line and fishing: a guided walk along the park fence, and catch-and-release fishing on Lake Shakani.
3. Nyungwe National Park: Chimpanzees and Rainforest
Nyungwe National Park protects about 1,020 square kilometres of montane rainforest in south-western Rwanda, one of the oldest and largest forests of its kind in Africa. In 2023, UNESCO added Nyungwe to its World Heritage List.
The forest is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, L'Hoest's monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and large troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys. Birders come for more than 300 species, including many Albertine Rift endemics found in only a small part of Africa.
Nyungwe is the furthest of the Rwanda national parks from Kigali, at about 5 to 6 hours by road. You can also take a short domestic flight to Kamembe and drive about an hour to the park.
Things to Do in Nyungwe National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking: early morning treks to find habituated chimpanzees, in the main forest or in the smaller Cyamudongo forest.
- Canopy walkway: a suspended walkway high above a forest valley, the only one of its kind in East Africa.
- Zipline: a fast, thrilling ride over the forest. Our 8-day Uganda and Rwanda safari with the Nyungwe zipline includes it.
- Colobus monkey tracking: an easier walk to large colobus troops.
- Hiking trails: marked trails such as the Isumo waterfall trail and the Bigugu summit trail.
- Birding and tea estates: guided birding walks and visits to the Gisakura tea plantation on the forest edge.
4. Gishwati-Mukura National Park: Rwanda's Newest Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the youngest of the Rwanda national parks. It was created in 2015 from two separate forests, Gishwati and Mukura, which sit about 50 kilometres apart in the west of the country.
Both forests were badly damaged by farming and mining before restoration work began. Today they are recovering well, and in 2020 UNESCO named the wider Gishwati-Mukura landscape a Biosphere Reserve.
Gishwati is home to a small community of chimpanzees, as well as golden monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys and blue monkeys. It is also a rewarding birding site. The park lies about 3.5 to 4 hours from Kigali and fits naturally between Volcanoes National Park and Lake Kivu.
Things to Do in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in the Gishwati forest
- Golden monkey and other primate walks
- Guided birding, with several Albertine Rift endemics
- Forest and waterfall hikes, plus community visits
Gishwati-Mukura receives very few visitors, so it suits travellers who want a quiet, uncrowded forest experience. Ask us for the current permit rate when you plan your trip, as it is not as widely published as the other parks.
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Rwanda National Parks Fees and Activity Prices
Fees in the Rwanda national parks are charged per activity, and Akagera and Nyungwe also charge a park entry fee. The prices below are the published rates for foreign non-resident visitors in US dollars. Rates for residents and East African citizens are lower.
Fees can change at short notice, so we always confirm the latest rate with RDB or the park before we book your permits.
Volcanoes National Park Fees
| Activity | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Gorilla trekking permit | US$1,500 |
| Golden monkey trekking | US$100 |
| Dian Fossey tomb hike | US$75 |
| Bisoke volcano hike | US$75 |
| Gahinga volcano hike | US$75 |
| Muhabura volcano hike | US$100 |
| Karisimbi two-day climb | US$400 |
| Guided nature walk | US$55 |
| Musanze caves | US$50 |
| Buhanga eco-park | US$40 |
Akagera National Park Fees
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Park entry (adult) | US$100 for 1 night, US$150 for 2 nights, US$200 for 3 nights |
| Park entry (child 6 to 12) | US$50, US$75 or US$100 |
| Foreign-registered vehicle | US$40 per vehicle |
| Park guide for your own vehicle | US$25 half day, US$40 full day |
| Park-run game drive (up to 7 guests) | US$180 half day, US$280 full day, per vehicle |
| Night game drive | US$40 per adult |
| Lake Ihema boat trip | US$35 daytime, US$45 sunset, US$180 private boat |
| Behind the scenes tour | US$25 per adult (minimum 4) |
| Walk the Line | US$30 per adult |
| Fishing (own equipment) | US$25 per day |
| Camping | US$25 per adult per night |
Akagera entry covers up to three nights, and nights four to seven are free. Children aged five and under enter free.
Nyungwe National Park Fees
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Park entry (adult) | US$100 for 1 night, US$150 for 2 nights, US$200 for 3 nights |
| Chimpanzee trekking | US$150 per person |
| Chimpanzee habituation experience | US$200 per person |
| Canopy walkway | US$40 per person |
| Birding, colobus and other primate walks, night walks | US$40 per person |
| Community freelance guide | US$15 half day, US$25 full day |
| Porter | US$5 half day, US$10 full day |
| Camping | US$15 per adult per night, tent hire US$20 |
Like several Rwanda national parks activities, most Nyungwe activities need at least two people, so a solo traveller may have to pay for two places. We can often pair you with another small group to avoid this.
How to Save on Rwanda National Parks Fees
Rwanda is a premium destination, mainly because of the US$1,500 gorilla permit. There are still good ways to keep the total cost of your safari under control.
- Book a package: a safari package bundles transport, permits and lodges, and saves you the work of booking each part separately.
- Stay longer in Akagera and Nyungwe: entry covers up to three nights, so a longer stay lowers your cost per day.
- Trek gorillas in Uganda: a Uganda gorilla permit costs US$800, and Bwindi is only a few hours from Kigali. Our gorilla permit prices comparison explains the difference.
- Travel in the shoulder months: lodges often lower their rates in March to May and in November.
Where to Stay Near the Rwanda National Parks
Each of the Rwanda national parks has lodges for different budgets, and we choose them to suit your style and the activities you have planned. These are some of the places our guests stay:
- Volcanoes National Park: luxury lodges such as Bisate Lodge and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, comfortable mid-range lodges such as Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and good-value hotels in Musanze town.
- Akagera National Park: Magashi Camp in the north, Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Akagera Game Lodge in the south, and Karenge Bush Camp, which offers rhino tracking.
- Nyungwe National Park: One&Only Nyungwe House set in a tea estate, and Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel for a more affordable stay.
- Gishwati-Mukura and Lake Kivu: lakeside hotels in Rubavu (Gisenyi) and Karongi (Kibuye).
Compare more options in our guide to lodges in Rwanda.
Rwanda Safari Itineraries Covering the National Parks
Rwanda is small enough to see several Rwanda national parks in a short time. These are the routes we plan most often for our guests.
- 3 days: Kigali and Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, with golden monkeys on the second day. See our 3 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkeys Tour in Rwanda.
- 4 days: gorillas, golden monkeys and the Kigali Genocide Memorial on our 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla and Genocide Memorial Tour.
- 5 days: gorillas and golden monkeys plus the twin lakes, the Musanze caves and Lake Kivu on our 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari.
- 6 days: chimpanzees in Nyungwe, Lake Kivu and gorillas in Volcanoes on our 6 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Chimp Trekking Tour.
- 7 days: Akagera, Nyungwe, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes on our 7 Days Rwanda Big Five, Chimps and Gorillas Safari.
- 10 days or more: all four Rwanda national parks, travelling from Akagera to Volcanoes, then Gishwati-Mukura, Lake Kivu and Nyungwe.
Browse every route in our Rwanda safari packages.
Combined Uganda and Rwanda Safari Itineraries
Rwanda and Uganda share the Virunga volcanoes, and many guests visiting the Rwanda national parks add Uganda on the same trip. Uganda adds cheaper gorilla permits, Kibale's chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions and the Nile, while Rwanda adds Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Kigali's culture.
The two countries are well connected. The Cyanika border links Musanze in Rwanda with Kisoro in Uganda, close to Mgahinga and southern Bwindi, and the Gatuna (Katuna) border links Kigali with Kabale. Southern Bwindi is about 4 to 5 hours by road from Kigali, so many travellers fly into Kigali to trek gorillas in Uganda.
| Itinerary | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 2-Day Uganda Gorilla Tour via Kigali | Fly into Kigali, trek gorillas in Bwindi, return to Kigali |
| 5-Day Rwanda and Uganda Safari | Gorilla trekking and wildlife in both countries |
| 6-Day Luxury Rwanda and Uganda Gorilla Tour | Kigali, then luxury lodges and gorilla trekking in Bwindi |
| 8-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari | Bwindi gorillas, the Cyanika border, Nyungwe zipline, canopy walk and chimpanzees |
| 10-Day Rwanda and Gorillas of Uganda Safari | Kigali, Musanze, Bwindi gorillas, Queen Elizabeth and Kibale chimpanzees |
| 10-Day Gorilla and Lion Safari | Bwindi gorillas and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha |
| 12-Day Uganda and Rwanda Safari | Uganda's primates and wildlife, ending with gorillas or golden monkeys in Volcanoes |
| 14-Day Uganda to Rwanda Safari | Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, Dian Fossey's grave and Kigali |
| 13-Day Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya Safari | Kigali, Bwindi gorillas, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara |
Compare the routes in our Uganda and Rwanda safari combo guide, or read gorilla safaris in Uganda vs Rwanda if you are deciding between the two. For more countries, see our combined East African safaris.
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Beyond the Rwanda National Parks: Culture and Experiences
A trip to the Rwanda national parks is richer when you spend time with the people and history of the country. Rwanda is known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills", and its culture, food and recovery story stay with many travellers as much as the gorillas do.
Kigali: Africa's Clean, Green Capital
Most trips to the Rwanda national parks begin in Kigali, one of the cleanest and safest cities in Africa. A Kigali city tour usually includes:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial: a moving museum and burial site that tells the story of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It is a quiet, important visit, and many travellers say it changed how they understood Rwanda.
- Kimironko Market: a busy local market for fruit, colourful kitenge fabric and baskets.
- Art galleries: the Inema Arts Center and other studios showing Rwanda's young artists.
- Nyamirambo: a lively, historic neighbourhood known for walking tours, cooking classes and street food.
- Car-free days: on some Sunday mornings, main roads close to traffic for city-wide exercise and free health checks.
History and Heritage Sites
In 2023, UNESCO added four genocide memorial sites to its World Heritage List: Kigali (Gisozi), Nyamata, Murambi and Bisesero. Further south, the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza shows a rebuilt royal palace and the long-horned Inyambo cattle, which are sung to by their keepers. The Ethnographic Museum in Huye is one of the best museums of traditional life in East Africa.
Traditional Culture Near Volcanoes National Park
Near Kinigi, community projects such as the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village) let you meet families who once depended on the forest. You can watch the energetic Intore warrior dance, try traditional medicine, grind sorghum and learn how the community now benefits from gorilla tourism.
Look out for Imigongo, a striking geometric art made with cow dung from eastern Rwanda, and for agaseke baskets, which make beautiful gifts.
Lake Kivu and the Congo Nile Trail
Lake Kivu is the perfect place to relax between the Rwanda national parks. Its towns of Rubavu, Karongi and Rusizi offer sandy beaches, boat trips to islands with fruit bat colonies, coffee washing stations and beautiful sunsets.
Active travellers can hike or cycle sections of the Congo Nile Trail, which follows the lake shore through villages and coffee and tea farms. Nearer Volcanoes, the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo offer canoe trips beneath the volcanoes.
Umuganda and Local Life
On the last Saturday morning of each month, Rwandans take part in Umuganda, a national community work day. Roads are quiet until about midday, so we plan travel around it. It is a good example of the community spirit visitors notice across the country.
Between visits to the Rwanda national parks, try local dishes such as brochettes, isombe (cassava leaves), grilled tilapia from Lake Kivu and fresh Rwandan coffee and tea. Kinyarwanda is the main language, with English, French and Swahili also widely spoken. For more ideas, read our list of the best things to do in Rwanda.
Best Time to Visit Rwanda National Parks
You can visit the Rwanda national parks all year. The long dry season from June to September and the short dry season from December to February are the most popular times, because forest trails are firmer and game viewing in Akagera is easier.
The rainy months of March to May and October to November bring muddier treks, but also greener scenery, fewer visitors and lower lodge rates. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking go ahead in all seasons. Read more in our guide to the best time to visit Rwanda to see gorillas.
Getting to Rwanda and Entry Requirements
- Flights: most visitors to the Rwanda national parks fly into Kigali International Airport, served by RwandAir and several international airlines.
- Visas: visitors of every nationality can get a visa on arrival or apply online before travel. Many nationals pay no visa fee, including citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie countries.
- East Africa Tourist Visa: one visa covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, which is ideal for combined safaris.
- Health: a yellow fever certificate is needed if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk, including Uganda. Ask your doctor about malaria prevention.
- Money: the currency is the Rwandan franc. US dollars are accepted for Rwanda national parks fees, and cards work in Kigali and most lodges.
- Driving and time: Rwanda drives on the right and Uganda on the left, and Rwanda is one hour behind Uganda. Our drivers handle both.
Visa rules and fees change from time to time, so check the latest requirements before you travel. We confirm them with every booking.
Practical Tips for Visiting Rwanda National Parks
- Book gorilla permits early: gorilla permits are the most sought-after in the Rwanda national parks, and permits for the peak months often sell out several months ahead.
- Pack for the forest: three of the four Rwanda national parks are mountain forests, so bring waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, long trousers and garden gloves for gripping vines.
- Hire a porter: porters carry your bag, help on steep slopes and earn an important income for local families.
- Bring cash for tips: US dollars or Rwandan francs for guides, trackers and porters.
- Remember the plastic bag ban: Rwanda does not allow single-use plastic bags, so pack in reusable bags.
- Check safety advice: our guide Is Rwanda Safe to Visit? covers what to expect.
Rwanda National Parks: FAQs
How many national parks are in Rwanda?
Rwanda has four national parks: Volcanoes, Akagera, Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura.
Which Rwanda national park is best for gorillas?
Volcanoes National Park is the only place in Rwanda to see mountain gorillas. A gorilla permit costs US$1,500 per person.
Where can I see the Big Five in Rwanda?
Akagera National Park is home to all of the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos.
Where can I see chimpanzees in Rwanda?
Nyungwe National Park is the main place for chimpanzee trekking, and Gishwati-Mukura has a smaller chimpanzee community.
How much are Rwanda national parks fees?
Gorilla trekking costs US$1,500, golden monkey trekking US$100 and Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking US$150. Akagera and Nyungwe also charge park entry from US$100 per adult.
Can I visit all four Rwanda national parks in one trip?
Yes. Rwanda is small and its roads are good, so a trip of about 10 days can cover all four parks without long transfers.
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda on one safari?
Yes. Many travellers trek gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda and add Uganda's chimpanzees and wildlife. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers both countries.
What is the best time to visit the Rwanda national parks?
The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, are the most popular. You can trek gorillas and chimpanzees all year.
How old must you be to trek gorillas in Rwanda?
You must be at least 15 years old. Children can join golden monkey treks, game drives in Akagera and the Nyungwe canopy walk, subject to park rules.
Is Rwanda safe for tourists?
Yes. Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa for visitors, with clean, orderly cities and well-run national parks.
Plan Your Visit to the Rwanda National Parks with Tulambule
The four Rwanda national parks offer something you can find almost nowhere else: gorillas in the volcanoes, chimpanzees in an ancient rainforest and the Big Five on the savannah, all within a few hours of each other.
Tulambule Uganda Safaris is 100% Ugandan-owned, accredited by the Uganda Tourism Board and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and rated 4.9 stars on TripAdvisor. We have planned East African safaris since 2014, and we handle your permits, vehicle, guide and lodges in Rwanda and Uganda.
Browse our Rwanda safaris, or call or WhatsApp +256 782 915 447 or email info@tulambule.com for a free quote.
