Things to See in Nyungwe Forest National Park – Attractions
Nyungwe National Park has many attractions that you can see on your Rwanda safari tour. Some of the most notable attractions include;
Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park - Chimps in Nyungwe Forest Park
Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park are the stars of the show in Nyungwe Park, and you can see them when you engage in chimpanzees trekking. This rainforest has about 400 chimpanzees that you can track on your visit. They live in communities other than yours; you require a Chimp permit if you want to meet them in their natural habitat.
Other Primates in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Primates are one of the top attractions in Nyungwe Forest Park. It is home to 13 recorded primate species, and you can see most of them during Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda or during colobus monkey tracking. Some of these primates to see when you visit Rwanda in this destination include:
1.Golden Monkeys
2.Grey Cheeked Mangebey
3.Red-Tailed Monkey
4.Black and White colobus monkeys
5.Ruwenzori colobus monkeys
6.Olive baboons
7.Vervet Monkey
8.Silver Monkeys
9.Owl-faced monkeys.
10.L’Hoest’s Monkeys
11.Blue Monkeys
12.Angolan Colobus Monkeys
13.Mona Monkey
Birds in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest Park is home to 300 bird species with 16 endemic species, 27 Albertine Rift endemics, and 121 forest types. You can observe these bird types during a nature walk on the various trails, particularly the canopy walks, or during a chimpanzee trek.
Some of the species in this park include the white-tailed crested flycatcher, Chestnut Owlet, Olive and Elliot’s Woodpeckers, Great Blue and Ruwenzori Turacos, Collared Apalis, Rwenzori Batis, etc.
Plants in Nyungwe - Flora in Nyungwe Forest Park
Nyungwe National Park is home to over 1068 species of Rwanda plants that act as food for birds and animals. This montane forest has Talenna rwandesis, orchids, Miliantus holistica, and mahogany, offering a beautiful view fused with the amazing skyline.
Additionally, this montane forest boasts 200 types of trees, including flowering plants such as fern trees, orchids, and giant loberia, as well as vegetation zones such as sub-alpine vegetation, which bamboo and shrubs control.
Wildlife in Nyungwe National Park - Animals in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest Park is home to 75 different mammal species, including Leopards, Giant Forest hogs, Golden cats, Duikers, Serval cats, side-striped jackals, Civets, etc.
Travel information about Nyungwe Forest National Park
Things to Do in Nyungwe Forest National Park – Activities
Nyungwe Park is renowned for offering amazing Rwanda safari activities when on your safari in Rwanda or East Africa. Do not expect any game drives as there is no road network and you can only explore the park on foot.
The most common activities are chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk, which offer amazing sightings of wildlife.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is one of the most popular activities in Nyungwe Forest Park, as tourists get the opportunity of meeting the apes in the jungle. One of the Chimp groups is in the Cyamudongo section and the other is around the Uwinka area of the rainforest.
Chimp tracking in Nyungwe starts at three reception centers, namely Uninka, Gisakura, and Kitabi, with briefing in the morning. During Chimp trekking, only 8 people are allowed to track a community, and you can enjoy seeing them breastfeeding, mating, and caring for each other.
You only be with apes for one full hour and this time is of a lifetime as you can also see other primates like red-tailed monkeys. When engaging in Chimp Tracking, it's important to maintain a high level of fitness, as the trails can often be steep and occasionally slippery.
However, you require a Chimp tracking permit to track the Chimps and you can get it from the Rwanda Development Board.
Birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe Park is a birder's paradise, boasting amazing bird species, including endemic ones. Bird watching in Nyungwe Forest is best done in the morning with trained guides who help you explain about the different bird species.
Mostly found in trees, shrubs, ferns, or on the edges of the rain forest next to the tea plantations, the birds inhabit various vegetation zones. The frequently sighted types during bird watching are the Rwenzori Nightjar, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, the Handsome Francolin, Dwarf Honeyguide, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, etc.
Colobus Monkey Tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest is home to 13 primate species, including Golden Monkeys, but it also boasts large populations of Colobus monkeys. You can track the playful Colobus monkeys with excitement while also getting a glimpse of other monkey types.
Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk
The Nyungwe forest canopy walk is the first tree-top forest canopy walk in the whole of East Africa. After tracking chimpanzees or trekking mountain gorillas, you can enjoy the canopy walk for an unforgettable experience.
During the canopy walk, you can enjoy amazing sightings of many bird species, primate species, and of the Virunga Mountains. The suspended canopy walkway is about 90 m long and raised 50 meters above the ground and it shouldn’t be missed by nature lovers.
Best Hikes & Trails
Nyungwe Forest Park is a paradise for nature lovers with 13 hiking trails covering over 130 kilometers of the rain forest floor, though don’t forget to carry sturdy hiking boots. The most common is the canopy walkway or the suspension bridge. Below are some of the trails you can use on your hikes:
The Igishigishigi Trail is about 1.3 miles. The park's most popular trail, Igishigishigi, is easy but picturesque with wildflowers. The Karamba Trail is under 4 miles fringed with fern trees and it is a top choice for those who want to enjoy the birdlife. The Karamba Trail also appeals to historians due to its historical significance as the site of an old gold mining site and an army camp, both of which are located in a remote area. Umuyove Trail is a 3.5-mile trail renowned for its tall trees and a spectacular waterfall. It also serves as a starting point for several of the park's most rewarding routes for chimpanzee tracking. Imbaraga Trail is about 6 miles in the heart of Nyungwe. Along the Imbaraga trail, you have the opportunity to stop for a swim at one of the four spectacular waterfalls. The Bigugu Trail is almost 8 miles and visitors can take hikes to the highest peak in the park to get views of Lake Kivu and the Virungas of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Umugote Trail is great for primate viewing and bird watching; also, you can see several ridges, flowers, and butterflies along the Umugote Trail. The Ngabwe Trail takes you to the lovely picnic and camping site, though don’t forget to carry your camping equipment. The Izumo Trail will get you to experience the amazing tea plantations. Along the Isumo trail, you also get sightings of the biggest waterfall in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The Irebero Trail offers amazing views of Lake Kivu. Umuyove Trail is also known as the Mahogany Trail. When on the Umuyoye trail, you get sightings of the tallest trees in the montane forest. The Congo Nile Trail is about 227 km long, and the main attractions on this trail are the varied landscapes and communities. The Congo Nile trail also offers views of the Virungas and many bird species. Gisakura Tea Plantation Tour
This amazing tour takes you to visit the Gisakura tea plantation that is just on the verge of Nyungwe Forest Park. You can combine your adventure to the Gisakura tea estate with other activities, allowing you to enjoy it in the morning or evening.
Best Time to Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park
You can explore Nyungwe Forest Park in the southern part of Rwanda at any time of the year, but the dry season remains the best time. Keep in mind that this is also the peak season, and the months are January, February, June, July, August, September, and December.
It is the best time for chimpanzee tracking in the park and trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. However, you can also enjoy chimpanzee trekking during the rainy season, as most hotels offer discounted rates.
Additionally, you can find nearby primates during the rainy season, eliminating the need for lengthy treks during your tour. However, you should bring appropriate hiking boots and walking sticks if necessary.
Migratory birds are in the area from November to April, making it a favorable time for bird watchers on the canopy walkway or suspension bridge.
Accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe offers luxury lodges, midrange, and budget Rwanda safari lodges. The facilities have spacious rooms with comfortable beds, charging sockets, showers, Wi-Fi in public areas, amazing seats, and some have swimming pools for relaxation after Chimpanzee tracking.
If you choose to camp, you must bring your own camping equipment. Some of the accommodation facilities include Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Gisakura Guest House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, One & Only Nyungwe House, and several camping sites.
How do I get to Nyungwe Forest National Park?
Tourists can reach Nyungwe National Park either by road transport or air transport. Road Transport: You can either use the company vehicle or hire a private car to travel from the Kigali International Airport to Nyungwe Forest Park.
You can also utilize public transportation by taking a bus from the Nabugogo bus station to the Uwinka reception center. From there, you can hire a private car to reach the park headquarters, which is approximately an hour's drive away.
Air Transport: You can book a domestic flight or scheduled flight from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport, where you can connect to Nyungwe National Park.
Commonly Asked Questions About Nyungwe Forest National Park
1. What is unique about Nyungwe National Park?
Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests on the African continent, rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. This montane rainforest offers enticing chimpanzee tracking and an amazing canopy walk.
2. How long is Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park?
The suspended canopy walkway in Nyungwe Forest lasts a maximum of 2 hours from the starting point.
3. What is the Main Attraction in Nyungwe National Park?
Chimpanzees are the main attraction in this park, as tourists can enjoy Chimpanzee trekking to meet them in their natural habitat.
4. Which animals can you find in Nyungwe National Park?
You can find animal species ranging from primate types to herbivores and a few carnivores. While in this area, you can see Chimpanzees, Silver Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Owl-Faced Monkeys, Ruwenzori Colobus Monkeys, Red-Tailed Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Elephants, Forest Hogs, Serval cats, Side-Stripe Jackals, Bush Buffalos, etc.
5. What is the importance of Nyungwe Forest?
The park is a place of spectacular natural beauty and has the potential to be a tourist destination of global significance. It also feeds two of the world's largest rivers, the Congo and the Nile, and provides 70% of Rwanda's freshwater.
It hosts a variety of plant species, primates, mammals, and species of birds, and you can see all these on a nature walk.
6. What is the Largest Forest in Rwanda?
Nyungwe Forest is the largest forest in Rwanda, covering an area of 971 km2 and it is one of the best tourist facilities in the country.
7. How to Visit Nyungwe National Park?
You can visit Nyungwe either by road or by air transport. By road, you can use the services of a tour operator who provides you with a vehicle and a guide. From Kigali International Airport, it is only a 3 to 4 hour’s drive. For air, Akagera Aviation offers helicopter flights to Nyungwe.
8. What Does Nyungwe Mean?
Various botanical sources relate Nyungwe, a Bantu language, to plants, particularly Acacia polyacantha.
9. Which is better, Nyungwe or Kibale?
Both Nyungwe and Kibale are amazing destinations and offer an amazing Chimpanzee trekking experience. However, because Kibale has more habituated chimpanzee communities than Nyungwe, it offers the best chimpanzee tracking experience. Nyungwe offers a canopy walk with aerial views of the wildlife and bird species.
10. Where is Nyungwe Found?
Nyungwe is located in south-western Rwanda on the border with Burundi, where it is contiguous with Kibira National Park to the south and Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.
It is located in the watershed between the basin of the river Congo to the west and the basin of the river Nile to the east.
In conclusion, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a must-visit tourist destination on your Rwanda safari, and it offers amazing activities like Chimpanzee trekking, canopy walking trips, nature walks, and many others, hence giving you exciting and amazing experiences.
You can combine a visit to Nyungwe with a tour to Volcanoes National Park and Akagera for an incredible tour experience!
