Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park; Nyungwe forest national park is the largest Afro-montane forest located in the south western part of Rwanda towards the border with Burundi, west of the Democratic republic of Congo and south of Lake Kivu. Nyungwe forest national park is known for its rich biodiversity which is comprised of 1,050 plant species, 200 orchids, 120 butterfly species, 85 mammals including 13 primates such as chimpanzees, monkeys and 310 bird species with 29 Albertine rift endemics. Nyungwe forest national park offers interesting activities including,

Activities in Nyungwe forest national park

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest national park

Chimpanzee trekking is one of the major activities in Nyungwe forest national park which involves moving on foot into the forest in search of the habituated chimpanzees in their natural environment. Chimpanzee trekking starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations of trekking at the park headquarters where after you will start trekking in the jungle with an experienced park guide which takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on where. During trekking you will be able to spot other primate species, different bird species, plant species among others and once the chimpanzees are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn about their habits, behaviors, watch the chimpanzees feed, breastfeed, fight, mate, play, hunt, rest, take photos and record the incredible moments.

Canopy walk in Nyungwe forest national park

The canopy walk is one of the interesting and adventurous activities that shouldn’t be missed during your safari in Nyungwe forest national park. The canopy walk which starts at Uwinka visitors centre and takes about 2 hours is 90 meters long and 60 meters above the ground. During the canopy walk visitors get an opportunity to enjoy great views of the forest, primate species like black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys, variety of bird species, plant and tree species among others.

Colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe forest national park

Colobus monkey trekking is another interesting and adventurous activity in Nyungwe forest national park. The national park is a home of over 300 colobus monkeys and trekking starts with a briefing at the park headquarters. After the briefing you will start trekking in the forest with a park guide who will help you to spot different monkey species including black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys, silver monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, golden monkeys, owl faced monkey, Vervet monkeys, Angolan colobus monkeys, Dents Mona monkeys among others. Colobus monkeys in Nyungwe forest national park will be viewed jumping up in tree branches, feeding, playing, fighting, resting among others.

Bird watching in Nyungwe forest national park

Nyungwe forest national park harbors more that 310 bird species including 29 Albertine rift endemic species, forest birds and migratory bird species. There are well constructed birding trails in the park which offer the best birding experience including Gisakura trail, Bigungu trail, Karamba trail and Kamiranzovu trail. During bird watching you will be able to spot different bird species such as yellow eyed black flycatcher, short tailed warbler, regal sunbird, Kivu ground thrush, mountain masked apalis, Red collared mountain warbler, Grauers swamp warbler, Grey crested Kakamega, Ruwenzori turaco, Great blue turaco, Dusky Crimsonwing, Dwarf honey guide, Rockefellers’ sunbird, handsome francolin, purple breasted sunbird, archers robin chat, strange weaver, Red throated Alethe, Neumann’s warbler among others.

Nature walk/hiking in Nyungwe forest national park

Nyungwe forest national park offers the best nature walk experience where visitors get a chance to explore the park on foot with the company of an armed park ranger and an experienced park guide who is well conversant with trails in the jungle. There are different nature walk/ hiking trails in Nyungwe forest national park which begin at Uwinka reception including Congo Nile Divide trail, Ngabwe trail, Bigungu trail, Rukuzi trail, Muzimu trail, Buhoro trail, Igishigishi trail, Irebero trail, Imbaraga trail, Umuyove trail, Umugote trail, Isumo waterfall trail, Uwinka trail, Karamba trail among others. During the nature walk you will have great views of different bird species, primates, colorful butterflies, different plant and tree species, enjoy stunning views of the waterfall, beautiful scenery, relax your mind among others which gives you unforgettable memories.

Where to stay during your safari in Nyungwe forest national park

There are a number of accommodation facilities where you can stay while on a safari in Nyungwe forest national park. The accommodations range from budget, mid-range and luxury including Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Nyungwe Top view hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse, Wilderness campsites, Nyungwe Nziza eco lodge-Kitabi, One and Only Nyungwe house, Gisakura family hostel among others.

Best time to visit Nyungwe forest national park

Nyungwe forest national park can be visited all year round though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season the park receives little rainfall therefore vegetation will be thin which helps you to clearly view different wildlife species, hiking and trekking trails will be passable compared to the wet season when the hiking trails are muddy and slippery.

Nyungwe forest national park can also be visited during the wet season in the months of march to may and November because that’s the best time for bird watching where bird lovers will get a chance to view colorful migratory birds.

How to get to Nyungwe forest national park

Nyungwe forest national park is located in south western part of Rwanda and can be accessed by road transport means whereby visitors will drive from Kigali via Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyanza, Butare and then to the park headquarters which takes about 5 to 6 hours drive in a 4 WD safari vehicle.

Nyungwe forest national park can also be accessed by air transport means where by visitors will book charter flights with Akagera Aviation to One and Only Nyungwe house or book charter flights with Rwanda air to Kamembe airport in Rusizi and then connect to the park headquarters which takes about one hour. Air transport is the best means of transport for visitors who don’t like traveling long-distance journeys and flights can be booked through your tour operator.

For more information about the unique activities in Nyugwe forest national park and safari bookings, do not hesitate to contact Achieve Global Safaris.