Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park The largest Afro-montane forest in Rwanda is situated south of Lake Kivu, west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in the southwest of the country, close to the Burundian border.
With 1,050 plant species, 200 orchids, 120 butterfly species, 85 mammals, including 13 primates like chimpanzees and monkeys, 310 bird species, and 29 Albertine rift endemics, Nyungwe Forest National Park is renowned for its abundant biodiversity. Interesting things to do at Nyungwe Forest National Park include
Chimpanzee trekking
One of the main activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park is chimpanzee trekking, which is walking through the forest to find the habituated chimps in their natural habitat. Chimpanzee trekking begins at the park headquarters early in the morning with a training on the norms and regulations of trekking.
Following this, you will begin trekking in the jungle with an experienced park guide, which can take anywhere from thirty minutes to four hours, depending on the location. You will be able to see other primate species, various bird species, and plant species while trekking.
After you locate the chimpanzees, you will be able to spend an hour with them in their natural habitat, where you can observe their feeding, nursing, fighting, mating, playing, hunting, resting, taking pictures, and documenting the amazing moments.
Nyungwe Forest National Park canopy hike
One of the fascinating and daring things you shouldn’t miss on your safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the canopy walk. The 90-meter-long, 60-meter-high canopy walk begins at the Uwinka Visitors Center and takes roughly two hours to complete.
The canopy walk offers guests the chance to take in breathtaking views of the forest, a variety of bird species, plant and tree species, and primate species such as black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
Trekking with Colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Another fascinating and daring activity in Nyungwe Forest National Park is trekking with Colobus monkeys. Over 300 colobus monkeys can be seen in the national park, and trekking begins with a briefing at the park’s headquarters.
A park guide will assist you in identifying various monkey species, such as black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, silver monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, golden monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Angolan colobus monkeys, and Dents Mona monkeys, among others, as you begin your trek through the forest following the briefing. Colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be seen, among other things, feeding, playing, relaxing, and leaping up on tree branches.
Nyungwe Forest National Park bird watching
More than 310 bird species can be found in Nyungwe Forest National Park, including migratory, forest, and 29 indigenous species of the Albertine Rift. Gisakura, Bigungu, Karamba, and Kamiranzovu are some of the well-built birding routes in the park that provide the best birding experiences.
Numerous bird species can be seen while bird watching, including the mountain masked apalis, Kivu ground thrush, regal sunbird, short-tailed warbler, 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, and Neumann’s warbler, among others.
Nyungwe Forest National Park nature walk/hike
The best nature walk experience is provided by Nyungwe Forest National Park, where guests can stroll through the park accompanied by an armed park ranger and a knowledgeable park guide who is familiar with the jungle’s routes.
The 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, and other nature walk/hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park start at the Uwinka reception.
In addition to enjoying breathtaking views of the waterfall and breathtaking surroundings, the nature walk will allow you to unwind and create memories that will last a lifetime. You will also have the opportunity to see a variety of bird species, primates, colorful butterflies, and many plant and tree species.
While on safari at Nyungwe Forest National Park, you can stay at a variety of lodging establishments. Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse, Wilderness campsites, Nyungwe Nziza eco lodge-Kitabi, One and Only Nyungwe house, and Gisakura family hostel are just a few of the affordable, mid-range, and upscale lodging options available.
Although it is possible to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park at any time of year, the ideal time to go is in the dry season, which runs from June to February. Because there is less rainfall in the park during the dry season, there will be less foliage, making it easier to see various wildlife species. Additionally, the hiking and trekking trails will be passable, unlike during the wet season when they are muddy and treacherous.
The ideal time to see colorful migratory birds is during the wet season, which runs from March to May and November. This is another time when visitors can visit Nyungwe Forest National Park.
In order to reach Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is situated in the southwest of Rwanda, travelers must drive from Kigali via Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyanza, and Butare. It takes roughly five to six hours to get to the park headquarters in a four-wheel drive safari vehicle.
Another way to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park is by air. To get there, visitors can schedule charter flights with Rwanda Air to Kamembe Airport in Rusizi or with Akagera Aviation to One and Only Nyungwe House. From there, they can connect to the park headquarters, which takes approximately an hour. For tourists who dislike long-distance travel, air travel is the ideal option. You can schedule flights through your tour operator.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with All In Africa Safaris for more details on safari reservations and the distinctive activities available in Nyugwe Forest National Park.
At East Africa Gorilla Safaris, under All In Africa Safaris, we specialize in unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences and diverse wildlife safaris.
Our expertly guided tours provide intimate encounters with gorillas and rich African wildlife, ensuring an unparalleled adventure in the heart of East Africa.
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