Rwanda has been ranked among the world’s five most desirable destinations for travellers seeking spectacular natural scenery and wildlife experiences.
The country secured fifth place in the ‘Most Desirable Destination for Nature & Wildlife’ category at the 2026 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, which recognises destinations known for their natural attractions and rich biodiversity.
The awards are organised by UK-based travel magazine Wanderlust and are based on votes from its readers, who have an interest in travel and tourism. In 2026, a total of 251,461 readers cast more than 8.2 million votes across the different award categories.
Rwanda’s recognition reflects its rich natural heritage, which includes forests, volcanoes, lakes and a wide variety of wildlife. These attractions have helped strengthen the country’s reputation as an international tourism destination.
Among the country’s leading attractions is Volcanoes National Park in Musanze District in the Northern Province. The park attracts large numbers of visitors interested in mountain gorilla trekking. Mountain gorillas are classified as an endangered species.
The park is also home to golden monkeys and several volcanic mountains.
In the Eastern Province, Akagera National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes. These animals make up the famous Big Five, among the main attractions for tourists on wildlife safaris.
The park also features lakes and wetlands inhabited by hippos, crocodiles and various bird species.
Nyungwe National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda, is another major nature tourism destination. The forest is home to a wide range of wildlife, particularly primates, including chimpanzees.
Visitors can also experience the Canopy Walkway, which offers views of the forest from above the treetops.
Rwanda is also home to Gishwati-Mukura National Park, which supports diverse wildlife. Other natural attractions include Lake Kivu, a popular destination for visitors seeking lakeside relaxation and recreational activities.
In this year’s ranking, South Africa took first place in the nature and wildlife category, followed by Brazil in second and Australia in third. Kenya ranked fourth, while Rwanda came fifth. Colombia, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Canada and Indonesia completed the top 10.
The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards were held for the 25th time this year. They recognise countries, cities, regions and tourism organisations that are popular among travellers worldwide.
In addition to nature and wildlife, the awards cover several other categories, including sustainable tourism, culture and heritage, adventure travel and food tourism.
