Rwanda's only big 5 savanna park (1,122 km²) in Eastern Province, border Tanzania. Managed by African Parks since 2010. Restored with lions and rhinos reintroduced. Game drives, boat safari on Lake Ihema, birding (500 species). Just 2 hours from Kigali.
The most famous park in Rwanda — part of Virunga Massif in Musanze, home to endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. 160km², 5 volcanoes (Karisimbi, Bisoke etc). Gorilla trekking permit $1500, one hour with gorillas. Also Dian Fossey tomb hike.
Largest montane rainforest in Africa (1,019 km²) in SW Rwanda bordering Burundi. Famous for Canopy Walk — 160m suspension bridge 70m above forest — chimpanzee tracking, 13 primate species, 300+ birds, waterfalls. Best biodiversity in Rwanda.
Rwanda's 4th National Park (created 2015 when two forests were joined). UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Western Province. Home to chimpanzees, golden monkeys, 232 birds, and biodiversity corridor between Nyungwe and Volcanoes. Off-the-beaten-path, for primate tracking and conservation tourism.
Not a true mountain but Kigali's highest hill (1,853m) on the west side of town. A straight-forward hike from Nyamirambo up through local homes, galleries, Fazenda Sengha, bush sections and zipline spot at the summit. Best free sunrise/sunset viewpoint over the whole city.
Kigali's newest eco-park — 121 hectares of restored urban wetland in Gasabo/Kicukiro. Boardwalks, birding hides (70+ bird species), bike trails, medicinal garden, picnic lawns, restaurant. Perfect for running, family walks. One of the most rated parks in Rwanda.
Second best beach town on Lake Kivu, between Gisenyi and Cyangugu, 135km west of Kigali. Small sandy & pebble public beaches where locals swim, known as beach resort with sunset views, kayaks, and access to Napoleon Island and Nyungwe nearby.
Rwanda's most famous sandy beach on Lake Kivu's NW shore. Palm-shaded, swimming, kayaking, boat to Napoleon Island. One of Great African Lakes, safe to swim (no hippos/crocs in this part). Many resorts.