Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe forest national park is the largest montane forest located in the south western part of Rwanda at the border with Burundi, Lake Kivu to the south and Democratic republic of Congo to the west. The park covers a total area of 970 square kilo meters which is comprised of rainforest, grassland, bamboo, shrubs among others which act as habitats for over 310 bird species, 75 mammals including 13 primates, 1050 plant species, 200 orchids, 120 butterfly species

Attractions in Nyungwe forest national park

Wildlife, Nyungwe forest national park is a home of about 13 primate species including chimpanzees, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, silver monkeys, Dents Mona monkeys, red tailed monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, Angola colobus among others.

Birds, the national park is a home of more than 310 bird species including 29 Albertine rift endemic birds which makes it one of the best birding areas in Rwanda. bird species in Nyungwe forest national park include Rwenzori turaco, purple breasted sunbird, Shelley’s crimson wing, regal sunbird, Ruwenzori nightjar, black and white casqued hornbill among others.

Top things to do in Nyungwe forest national park

Chimpanzee trekking

Nyungwe forest national park is the only destination in Rwanda which offers chimpanzee trekking activity an adventurous activity that involves moving into the forest in search of the habituated chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Trekking of chimpanzees in the park starts with a briefing at the park headquarters where after you will be allocated a chimpanzee family to trek and a park guide who will lead you during trekking in the jungle. During trekking which takes about 30 minutes to 3 hours you will be able to view other primates like l’hoest monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, different bird species, plant and tree species among others. Once the chimpanzees are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural environment which gives you a chance to watch them feed, hunt, fight, breastfeed, mate, play, rest, learn about their habits, take photos and record the moments with a flash less camera.

Canopy walk in Nyungwe forest national park

Canoy walk is one of the main activities in Nyungwe forest national park after chimpanzee trekking. The canopy walk starts at Uwinka visitor’s centre which is also the parks headquarters and goes through a hanging platform which is about 45 meters above the ground. The hike is done in two sessions that is the morning session which starts from 8:00am to 10:00am and the evening session which starts at around 3:00pm. During the canopy walk which takes about 2 hours hike you will be able to enjoy great views of primates such as blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, different bird species, trees among others.

Bird watching

Nyungwe forest national park is a home of 310 recorded bird species including 29 Albertine endemic birds, near endemic birds and migratory birds. Nyungwe forest national park has well constructed birding trails including Karamba trail, Bigugu trail, Gisakura trail and Kamiranzovu trails which offer the best birding experience. During bird watching you will be able to spot different bird species such as black flycatcher, red collared mountain warbler, regal sunbird, short tailed warbler, Kivu ground thrush, Masked apalis, Grey crested kakamega, Grauers swamp, long crested eagle, Eastern mountain greenbul, crowned hornbill, Rocketfellers sunbird, Ruwenzori nightjar, stripe breasted tit, Newman’s warbler, Handsome francolin, Dwarf honey guide, Archers robin chat, Ruwenzori turaco, red collared babbler, Red throated alethe, Albertine owlet, red faced woodland warbler among others.

Monkey trekking

Nyungwe forest is a home of over 300 monkey species which makes it the best destination in Africa for monkey trekking. The golden monkey trekking activity starts with a briefing in the morning where after you will be allocated a park guide and start trekking in the jungle passing through orchids and marshes in search of different monkey species such as black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, silver monkeys, vervet monkeys, Dents Mona monkeys, Angola colobus monkeys among others.

Nature walks

Nyungwe forest offers short nature walks through the forest thicket with an armed park ranger and an experienced park guide who is well conversant with trails in the forest. During the nature walk you will follow different trails such as Ngabwe trail walk which takes about 3 hours, Igishigishi which offers great views of Nyungwe forest, Bigugu trail which takes about 6 hours, Umuyove trails which takes about 2 to 4 hours , Imbaraga trail which takes about 6 hours, Isumo waterfall trail which takes about 4 hours to be complete, Kamiranzovu marsh trail which takes about 3 hours to be complete, Irebero trail which takes about 3 hours, Umugote trail which takes about 3 hours, Muzimu trail which takes about 3 and a half hours, Uwinka trail which takes about 8 hours and Congo Nile Divide trail which is the longest trail that takes about 3 to 4 days to be complete. During the nature walk you will get an opportunity to enjoy beautiful scenery, view different primate species, colorful butterflies, birds, tree species, rocks, listen to sweet sounds of birds singing in trees, enjoy the cool breeze among others.

When to visit Nyungwe forest national park

Nyungwe forest can be visited anytime throughout the year though the best time is in the dry season also known as the peak season during the months of June to September and December to February. During the dry season there is less rainfall in the national park therefore access roads and trekking trails will be passable compared to the dry season when the trails are wet, muddy and slippery.

Where to stay during your safari in Nyungwe forest national park

Nyungwe forest has a number of accommodation facilities ranging from luxury, mid-range and budget where visitors can stay during the safari. The accommodations include Nyungwe Forest lodge, Nyungwe Top view hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse, One and Only Nyungwe house, Wilderness campsites, Gisakura family hostel, Emerald Kivu resort, Hotel du Lac among others.

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 you will drive from Kigali via Muhanga, 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 whereby you will book charter flights with Akagera aviation from Kigali airport to Nyungwe at one and only Nyungwe house or book a flight with Rwanda air from Kigali to Kamembe national park where after you will connect to the park by a car.