Amazing things to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Things to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park: Nyungwe Forest National Park is among the oldest national parks in Africa, situated in the southwestern region of Rwanda, adjacent to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The national park encompasses an area of 1,019 square kilometers and hosts a diverse array of wildlife, including more than 1,068 plant species, 85 mammalian species, 13 primate species such as chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, and silver monkeys, as well as over 300 documented bird species. Nyungwe Forest National Park provides a variety of engaging activities for guests throughout their safari, including
Perfect things to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is a highly sought-after activity in Nyungwe Forest National Park, commencing early in the morning at approximately 5:00 AM with a briefing on the rules and regulations governing the journey. Following a briefing, you will be assigned a habituated chimpanzee family to track, with the trip into the jungle lasting from 2 to 6 hours, contingent upon the chimps’ location, as they frequently relocate in pursuit of food. While hiking, you will observe several primates such as grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys, in addition to diverse bird species and plant life. Upon locating the chimpanzees, you will be enabled to spend one hour in their habitat, providing you opportunity to observe their habits, witness their daily routines, and capture photographs and movies to share with others upon your return.
Canopy walk
The canopy walk at Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the stunning vistas of the forest. The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, commencing at Uwinka Visitors Centre with a briefing on rules, regulations, and expectations. Following this, participants will hike various trails, such as the Igishigishi Trail, where they can observe diverse wildlife species, primates, birds, rolling hills, and an aerial view of the forest canopy.
Tropical waterfalls and forest adventures
The tropical waterfall hike is an ambitious endeavor in Nyungwe Forest National Park, conducted either in the morning or afternoon, preceded by a training session at Gisakura Guesthouse regarding the norms and regulations for trekking. Following the briefing, you will commence a hike through tea plantations, where you will hear the river’s noises, the melodious songs of birds in the trees, relish the cold wind, and observe primates, animals, and vibrant butterflies, among other sights.
Bird Watching
Nyungwe Forest National Park hosts approximately 300 documented bird species, including woodland birds, Albertine Rift endemics, and migratory species, establishing it as one of Rwanda’s premier birding locales. While observing birds in Nyungwe Forest National Park, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable bird guide who will assist you in identifying various avian species, including the Great Blue Turaco, White-Tailed Flycatcher, Neumann’s Warbler, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, Red-Collared Mountain Babbler, Rwenzori Batis, Yellow-Eyed Black Flycatcher, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Archer’s Ground Robin, Kivu Ground Thrush, Handsome Francolin, Grauer’s Warbler, Strange Weaver, and Blue-Headed Sunbird, among others.
Trekking Colobus monkeys
Colobus monkey trekking is an engaging pastime that draws tourists to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Trekking for Colobus monkeys lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours and commences with a briefing on the rules and regulations to adhere to during the journey. Following the briefing, you will commence walking into the jungle, via tea plantations. Upon locating the colobus monkeys, you will observe them feeding, climbing, and leaping among the trees, among other activities. While trekking for colobus monkeys, you may observe blue monkeys, mona monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys, among others.
What's the best time to visit Nyungwe forest National park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is accessible year-round, although the optimal visiting period is during the dry season, specifically from June to September and December to February. During these months, precipitation is minimal, rendering nature walks and chimpanzee trekking trails dry and navigable, thereby facilitating easier trekking.
Hotels in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Numerous lodging options are available in Nyungwe Forest National Park for your safari stay. The lodgings include cheap, midrange, and luxury options such as Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge, Gisakura Guest House, Kitabi Eco Center, One and Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Nyungwe Eco Village, Chimpanzee Lodge, and Gisakura Family Hostel, among others.
Directions to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Rwanda and may be reached via road transit, with passengers driving from Kigali through Muhanga, Huye, the King’s Palace in Nyanza, Butare, and subsequently to the park headquarters. Nyungwe Forest National Park can be visited via air transport, where guests may reserve charter helicopter flights with Akagera Aviation from Kigali Airport to Nyungwe House, then connecting to the park headquarters. For further details regarding the premier activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park, please reach out to Gorilla trekking in Africa