Best Rwanda Road Trip Destinations- Self Drive Rwanda

If you’re planning to visit Rwanda, make sure to check out some amazing spots in the country. A few highlights include volcanoes national park, Akagera national park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu and Kigali city.

Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, this landlocked country boasts breathtaking landscapes, intriguing national parks, a rich and unique culture, and wildlife wonders that range from gorilla trekking to witnessing golden monkey trekking at play.

Recommended 10 National Parks for solo Travelers on Self Drive.

Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity Volcanoes National Park, but there are plenty of other fun things to do while you’re there. You can hike volcanoes, with the Diane Fossey Tomb Hike being a favorite among many. Bird watching is another great way to spend your time.

Discover the Musanze Caves and embark on captivating golden monkey trekking. For a taste of local life, visit the Gorilla Guardian’s Village and connect with the community. Don’t miss a relaxing boat ride on Lake Kivu at sunset, where you can enjoy stunning views of the hills and clear African sky.

Video Credit to Edward & Ssali ( Product Developer) in Rwenzori Mountains National Park on Self Drive Trip.

Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is also one of Rwanda’s top destinations to visit while on a Rwanda safari. Lake Kivu is located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Specially, it is situated in the western arm of the east African albert rift valley. Lake Kivu is part of a string of large freshwater lake that lies along the Africa’s great rift valley. This impressive watershed supports the towns of Gisenyi and Kibuye which surround Lake Kivu. Rest, relaxation, and tranquil surroundings are the order of the day around here.

Visitors can take part in fun activities, like Canoe trips and kayaking or simply enjoy a swim in the cool waters. For those who’d rather stay on land, there are plenty of hiking options including the stunning Congo Nile Trail, comprising rugged paths through vibrant forests and single dirt tracks. If you’re looking for something more laid-back, consider having a picnic or strolling through a coffee or tea plantation nearby.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park, established in 1934, features a mix of savannah, montane and swamp habitats.  It’s the only place in Rwanda where you can see the “Big 5” animals – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos, all in one place. Just 2.5-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, it’s easily accessible for a day trip or longer visit.

The park is also rich with other wildlife, including 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, making it the best wildlife viewing destination in Rwanda. Visitors can take part in fun activities at Akagera, such as thrilling game drives to find the Big 5, bird watching, and boat cruises on Lake Ihema, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and diverse water birds. You can also enjoy nature walks and meet local communities during your visit.

Buhanga Eco Park

Just a short drive from Volcanoes National Park lies the hidden gem of Buhanga Eco Park, a place rich in natural beauty and cultural history. This park is home to ancient sacred sites that were used for the coronation rituals of Rwandan Kings, featuring fascinating attractions related to their legacy.

When exploring Buhanga Eco Park, make sure to see Abiru, a significant figure who had a garden of flowers in a small ditch now bordered by lava stone. The king would cleanse himself in a blend of spring herbs and water in this serene area surrounded by large rocks and a cozy cave. Tour can still find a grand stone podium that symbolizes the king’s authority and might.

To make the most of your visit, take a stroll along the walking paths lined with lava stones, where you can enjoy the company of towering trees, colorful plants, and lively birds and insects.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda largest rainforest area, covering around 970 square kilometers. It became a protected area in 2004 and is located in the Southern Province. This incredible park is home to over 13 kinds of primates including 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.

The activities to do in Nyungwe forest national park include chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk, colobus monkey tracking, birdwatching, hiking in the forest and butterfly watching.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is an amazing place, known for its rare mountain gorillas and diverse wildlife, making, making it a top spot to check out while planning a safari to visit Rwanda. The park is situated in the northwestern part of the country, this park was created 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.  Spanning about 160 square kilometers, it’s part of the Virunga Conservation Area and features five extinct volcanoes: Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Sabyinyo, Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Karisimbi and Mountain Bisoke. Besides being home to mountain gorillas, the park also protects golden monkeys and many other attractions.

The Park was made famous through the works and connection to the late Diane Fossey, an American primatologist. The Karisoke Research Center was founded by MS. Fossey who conducted numerous gorilla studies here. She is laid to rest near the center in the still space between Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi.

Aberdare National Park

Aberdare National Game Park, located in Nyandarua County, is known for its dense forests, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity, including the endangered black rhino. This park offers a unique experience with its moorland ecosystems and diverse wildlife. Activities include game drives, hiking, and bird watching from tree lodges.

Aberdare is about 150 km from Nairobi, it is easily accessible, with various accommodations available, including lodges and campsites. The best time to visit is from June to September, when wildlife is more active. Aberdare’s stunning landscapes and unique ecosystems make it a vital part of any African safari itinerary.

Tsavo National  Park

Tsavo National game park, located in Taita-Taveta County, is one of the largest national game park s in the world, known for its diverse landscapes, including savannahs, volcanic hills, and rivers. This vast wilderness teems with wildlife, offering opportunities for game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching, making it a versatile destination for nature lovers.

Tsavo National Game Park is located about 240 km from Nairobi, Tsavo is accessible by road or air. Accommodations range from luxury lodges to budget-friendly camps. The best time to visit is from June to October, providing optimal wildlife visibility. Tsavo’s unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity make it a key highlight for those on African safari tours in Kenya.

Jinja White Water Rafting Uganda

Jinja is a town in southern Uganda, on the shore of Lake Victoria. The source of the Nile, at Coronation Park, is marked by a garden and a monument honoring British explorer John Hanning Speke. Owen Falls Dam and Bujagali Dam both span the Nile.

The best excitement moments to relax in jinja after long self drive road trip within east Africa is to go on White water rafting and Kayaking on River Nile, Jinja, Uganda. Never miss to conclude the lake Victoria drive within East Africa with a stop over at Jinja Town.