Tahiti Tourisme/Gregoire Le Bacon
Nestled within the heart of Equatorial Africa, Rwanda is a small but mighty country bordered by vast neighbors and situated along the eastern fringes of the Albertine Rift. Rwanda connects the sweeping currents of Africa's mighty rivers: the Nile and the Congo. Home to a tapestry of forested mountains and diverse ecosystems, Rwanda has long been a haven for adventure seekers.
Here are two Rwanda National Park highlights our team loved: A treetop canopy walkway in Nyungwe National Park combined with a stunning visit to Akagera National Park.
The Canopy Walk, Nyungwe National Park
Suspended above a ravine in the lush montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, the canopy walkway provides an exhilarating perspective on the ancient treetops and wildlife of East Africa’s largest and oldest Afro-montane forest, and also offers a chance to see at eye-level wildlife, such as monkeys and birds, that live in the forest canopies but are not easily seen from the ground.
The 500-foot long and 230-foot high suspension bridge is accessible as part of a guided tour along the Igishigishigi trail which operates throughout the day, or to those hiking the Imbaraga or Umuyove trails. Unguided tours are not permitted.
Along the hour’s walk to the canopy walkway from the Uwinka Reception Centre, visitors will see countless butterflies, orchids and colorful birds, including many endemic to the region.
Thirteen species of primate live in Nyungwe; some lucky visitors will see them on their walk or from the walkway. The minimum age for the canopy walk is 6 years and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn More: The Canopy Walk
Akagera National Park
Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, comprising 433 square miles along the international border with Tanzania, is a gem of a Big Five game park. Akagera is rich in both wildlife and scenery; and just 2 hours drive from Kigali. 
The Park is characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains and savannah. The largely open expanse is ideal for game viewing, and the Big Five roam the park in ever-increasing numbers. The varied terrain shelters wildlife including zebra, giraffe, rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and hundreds of bird species, such as the rare shoebill stork. Visitors can also encounter buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys, an incredible 490 bird species, plus much more. The relatively warm and low-lying plains of Akagera comprise a dozen lakes. Vast Lake Ihema is home to hippos and crocodiles.
Akagera is at the forefront of conservation and vital wildlife repopulation. In July 2015, seven lions from South Africa - 5 females and two males - were released in the park. This effort was described by African Parks as a ground-breaking conservation effort for both the park and the country. Akagera’s current population is now in excess of 60 lion. Most recently, 18 eastern black rhinos arrived in Akagera, settled in well, and have been breeding successfully.
Learn More: Akagera National Park
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