Top Activities in Nyungwe forest national park.
Highlights of Nyungwe Forest National Park One of the biggest national parks in Rwanda’s southwest, Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated close to the Burundian border, west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and south of Lake Kivu. Famously, Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to endangered chimpanzees, as well as other primate species like l’hoest and black and white colobus monkeys, as well as many mammals, bird species, reptiles, butterflies, and more. During the safari, guests can partake in a number of excellent activities offered by Nyungwe Forest National Park, such as
Nyungwe Forest National Park’s top attractions
Trekking chimpanzees
The main tourist attraction in Nyungwe Forest National Park is chimpanzee trekking. About 60 habituated chimpanzees live in the national park, which is accessible to tourists. Chimpanzee trekking begins very early in the morning with a training on the guidelines to be followed.
Tracking Chimpanzees
Because chimpanzees tend to roam about in search of food, you will begin walking in the forest after the briefing, which could take anywhere from two to six hours, depending on where the animals are. You will be able to see other wildlife while trekking, and after the chimpanzees are located, you will be able to spend an hour with them in their natural environment. This will allow you to observe their habits and behaviors, watch them feed and nurse, hunt, play in trees, groom their young, take pictures, and record videos to show back home.
Hiking and nature walks
An engaging activity at Nyungwe Forest National Park is the nature walk, which allows guests to explore the park on foot while being accompanied by a knowledgeable park guide and an armed park ranger. You will follow a variety of trails during the guided nature walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park, such as the 2.5-kilometer Buhoro trail, the 2.4-kilometer Igishigishi trail, the 10-kilometer Imbaraga trail, the 4-kilometer Irebero trail, the 10-kilometer Isumo waterfall trail, the 10-kilometer Kamiranzovu trail, the Umugote trail, and others. Many wildlife species, such as mammals, insects, birds, and trees, may be seen during the nature walk. You can also enjoy the cool breeze, unwind, and listen to the lovely sounds of birds singing in trees.
The canopy walk
Another daring activity in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the canopy walk. The canopy walk begins with a training regarding the expectations, rules, and regulations at the park headquarters at the Uwinka Visitors Center. Following the briefing, you will be paired with a knowledgeable park guide and begin trekking along a number of forest paths, such as the 2.1-kilometer Igishigishi track, the Imbaraga trail, or the Umuyove trail. The canopy walkway in Nyungwe Forest National Park spans a deep valley covered in dense forest and is 160 meters long overall. It is suspended 74 meters above the ground. During the two-hour canopy walk, you can see a variety of wildlife, vibrant birds, butterflies, flora, and breathtaking vistas of the forest, among other things.
Observing birds
One of the greatest places to go bird watching is Nyungwe woodland National Park, which is home to approximately 310 known bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics, woodland birds, and migratory birds. A knowledgeable bird guide will accompany you as you follow various trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park, where you can see a variety of bird species, such as the Red-collared babbler, Handsome francolin, Rwenzori batis, Yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Regal sunbird, Rwenzori turaco, Dusky crimson wing, Grauers rush warbler, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Black and white casqued hornbill, Red-throated Alethe, Ruwenzori Apalis, Archers robin chat, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Stripe-breasted tit, Neumann’s warbler, and Ruwenzori nightjar, among others.
Trekking with Colobus monkeys
Another fantastic activity in Nyungwe Forest National Park is trekking with Colobus monkeys. Similar to chimpanzee trekking, colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park begins early in the morning with a training on the guidelines to be followed. Following the briefing, you will begin hiking into the forest to find the colobus monkeys, who are found in groups of 350 to 500. Colobus monkey trekking takes two to three hours, and once you locate the monkeys, you may watch them eat, play, climb tree branches, take pictures, and record films.
When to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park is ideal.
The best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park is during the dry season, which is June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. This is because the park receives less rainfall during this time, making the trails for chimpanzee trekking and nature walks dry and accessible.
Accommodations available in Nyungwe Forest National Park
During the safari, you can stay at any of the several lodging options in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Nyungwe Nziza Eco-lodge, Kitabi Eco-center, One and Only Nyungwe house, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Gisakura Family Hostel, Gisakura Guest House, Emeraude Kivu Resort, Keza Lodge, Uwinka Campsite, La Petite Colline Guest house, and Mantis Kivu Marina Bay are just a few of the affordable, midrange, and upscale lodging options available.
The Nyungwe Forest National Park travel route
Situated in the southwest region of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is reachable by road. It takes roughly six hours to go from Kigali to the park headquarters, passing through Muhanga, Kings Palace in Nyanza, and Butare.
Visitors can also travel by air to reach Nyungwe Forest National Park. To do so, they must reserve a charter helicopter transfer from Kigali International Airport to One and Only Nyungwe House with Akagera Aviation. Additionally, visitors can schedule flights with Rwanda Air from Kigali airport to Kamembe airport in Rusizi, where they can then take a one-hour drive to the park headquarters.
