Tourism in National parks of Rwanda
by Keriya Jacky
Rwanda boasts 4 national parks, each offering unique wildlife experiences and stunning landscapes.
Volcanoes National Park
This park is famous for its mountain gorilla population and is part of the volcanoes National Park Conservation Area. Visitors can embark on guided gorilla trekking expeditions to observe these majestic primates in their natural habitat. The park is also home to other primates like golden monkeys and a variety of bird species.
Akagera National Park
This one is situated in eastern Rwanda, and it is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat safaris on Lake Ihema, and bird watching excursions.
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe is a haven for primates and birds. It is one of the largest mountain rainforests in East Africa and is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. The park also offers canopy walks, hiking trail and bird watching.
Gishwati Mukura National Park
Rwanda’s fourth national park, Gishwati Mukura is made up of two separate forests – the larger Gishwati and small Mukura, forming a total of 34 square kilometres plus a buffer zone.
The forests sit on the ridge which divides the Congo and Nile water catchment areas, along the incredibly biodiverse Albertine Rift in the west of the country. It is made up of 60 species of tree, including indigenous hardwoods and bamboo.
Gishwati is home to a group of 20 chimpanzees which live alongside golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s and Blue Monkeys. Birds are well represented too, 232 species have been seen at Gishwati and 163 at Mukura, among them Albertine Rift Endemic species and forest specialists.
Activities in the park started in 2019 and include a guided nature hike, guided chimp and monkey tracking, bird watching and a visit to the waterfalls.
Revenues Sharing
Tourism generates revenue and creates job opportunities for local communities living near national parks. These jobs can range from tour guides and park rangers to hospitality staff and artisans selling souvenirs. The income generated from tourism can contribute to the local economy’s growth, improve infrastructure, and provide funding for conservation efforts
Many national parks are located in areas with rich cultural heritage. Tourism provides a platform for preserving and showcasing indigenous cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. This can include traditional performances, crafts, and cultural exchanges between visitors and local communities. By preserving cultural heritage, tourism helps communities maintain their identity and traditions.
Tourism offers opportunities for environmental education and awareness-raising. Visitors to national parks learn about the importance of conservation, sustainable living, and biodiversity protection. This awareness can lead to changes in behavior and attitudes towards nature conservation, both among locals and tourists.
The infrastructure developed to support tourism, such as roads, accommodations, and recreational facilities, can benefit local communities beyond the tourism sector. Improved infrastructure enhances access to remote areas, facilitates trade and transportation, and stimulates overall economic development.
Tourism and national parks can significantly improve the well-being of people by fostering economic development, preserving cultural heritage, conserving biodiversity, raising awareness, and promoting community empowerment. However, it’s essential to manage tourism responsibly to minimize negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
