Unique destinations to explore in Rwanda in 2025 : When thinking about the unique destinations to explore in Rwanda in 2025, some of the best places includes volcanoes national park, Akagera national park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu and Kigali city. Rwanda is known for its stunning scenery, filled with beautiful hills and rich culture. Scenery is the most dramatic along the Northern, western and eastern borders. The western Rift valley runs from north to the south along the Rwanda-Congo border. Rwanda’s highest point is the 4,507 meters (14,787 ft) at Mount Karisimbi a volcano found in the Virunga volcano chain in the northwest in Virunga National Park. If you’re considering a trip in 2025, makes sure Rwanda is on your list of must-see-places in Africa. Abundant opportunities await you on a visit to Rwanda, guaranteeing every enthusiastic traveler a holiday full of lasting memories.
Unique destinations to explore in Rwanda in 2025
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a remarkable destination, especially famous for its rare mountain gorillas and a variety of other wildlife, making it a must-visit spot in 2025. Located in the northwestern part of the country, this park was established in 1925 to protect the Mountain gorillas which were facing the threat of extinction as a result of poaching, primates and other wildlife that inhabit in the forest. It covers an area of about 160 square kilometer and is part of the Virunga Conservation Area including five extinct volcanoes namely; Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Karisimbi and Mountain Bisoke. Not only does it provide a home for the mountain gorillas, but it also shelters golden monkeys and numerous other attractions.
When it comes to birdwatching, Volcanoes National Park is a paradise with over 200 bird species os which 13 species and 16 sub species are restricted in range of the Virunga massif and the Rwenzori mountains. This region is known for its unique birds found only in the Albertine Rift area. Birdwatchers can look forward to spotting a variety of species such as the collared apalis, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco, strange weaver, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, red-faced woodland warbler, the francolins, Dusky turtle dove, Grauer’s rush warblers, Lagden’s bush-shrike, Kivu ground thrush, Palm-nut vultures and brown-brown honey bird among other.
Other interesting birds that make this park an excellent destination for birding include the African goshawk, Nirana trogon, Baglafetch, grey-headed bush shrike, and lesser honeyguide.
For nature lovers, a trip to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda offers a range of adventures such as mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, birdwatching, and hiking the volcanoes, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park was founded in 1934 and includes savannah, montane and swamp habitats. It’s the only safari park in the country where you can experience the thrill of seeing the Big 5 animals up close. Located just a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, it’s easily accessible for a day trip or longer visit.
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including leopards, rhinos, elephants, lions, buffaloes, topi, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, hyena, waterbuck, mongoose, eland, zebra, serval cats, duiker, impala, black masked civet, reedbuck, bush pigs, giraffe, side-stripped jackal, Klipspringer, Sitatunga Antelopes and roan antelope along with more than 500 types of birds. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at Akagera, such as exciting game drives to spot the Big 5, bird watching, Boat cruise on Lake Ihema on which you will be able to see its large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant water birds on the island in the middle of the lake, nature walks and visits to local communities.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda and covers an area of 34 square kilometers, making it the smallest national parks in Rwanda. This park combines Gishwati and Mukura Forest Reserves and is the newest national park in Rwanda. It is well-known for its wide variety of unique species found only in the Albertine Rift region.
The park is home to various primates, birds, reptiles and tree species including chimpanzees, baboons, l’hoest monkeys, golden monkeys, and a variety of bird species. Some notable birds you can find in Gishwati-Mukura National Park include the Black-billed turaco, Blue-headed sunbird, Great blue turaco. Occasional, Regal sunbird, White-necked raven among others.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is the largest area in Rwanda that is mostly covered by rainforest. It’s home to more than 13 different types of primates. Located in the Southern Province, the park was established as a protected area in 2004. It spans about 970 square kilometers of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs. The park is home to a variety of monkeys, such as chimpanzees, l’hoest monkeys, vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys, Rwenzori black and white colobus, Dent’s Mona monkeys, chimpanzees, red-cheeked mangabeys, Angola colobus monkeys, baboons and silver monkeys, among others. In addition to primates, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a haven for bird watchers, boasting over 310 different bird species. Some notable birds found here Lagden’s Bush Shrikes, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Pockefellers’s sun bird, Purple Throated Sunbird, Red collared mountain Babbler, Rwenzori Double Collared Warbler, Rwenzori Nightjar, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, White Bellied Robin chat, White Tailed Flycatcher and the Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher.
For those visiting Nyungwe, some of the top activities include tracking chimpanzees, walking along the canopy, enjoying nature walks, and hiking through the lush surroundings.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is set to be one of the top destinations in Rwanda for 2025. This beautiful lake is one of the African Great Lakes. It lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and is in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. this makes it a perfect spot to unwind and should definitely be on your travel list. You’ll find charming towns nearby, including Cyangugu, Gisenyi, and Kibuye.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Lake Kivu, such as boat cruise, sport fishing, hiking and biking, kayaking on Kivu Lake, swimming, coffee tour and exploring islands. If you join a birdwatching tour, you might spot various birds like great cormorant, Africa marsh harrier, double-toothed barbet, red-chested sunbird, blue-spotted wood-dove, ross’s turaco, lizard buzzard, gray heron, and hamerkop among others.
Kigali city
If you’re planning a safari in Rwanda, make sure to include a tour to Kigali city on your list of places to see. As the country’s capital, Kigali often serves as the starting or ending point for many safari adventures. A city tour in Kigali is a must and expect to explore iconic sites like the Kigali genocide memorial, Kigali Convention Centre, Inema Arts Centre, Kimironko market, and others. While on your city tour in Kigali-Rwanda, you’ll also have the chance to embark on other activities such as climbing Mount Kigali, take a motorcycle taxi, volunteering, go for sauna and massage, ride a horse and visit restaurants among others.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Unique destinations to explore in Rwanda in 2025 then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global safaris who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Rwanda.
