Nyungwe Forest National Park happens to be located in the southwestern parts of Rwanda, bordering Burundi’s Kibira National Park to the south and Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Nyungwe rainforest is the best-preserved montane rainforest in East and Central Africa, receiving an annual 2000mm of rain due to its surrounding watersheds that are between the basin of the river Congo in the west and the basin of the river Nile in the east, hence being partially the source of the Nile River. It sits on over 970 sq. km of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, and swamps with an elevation of 1600-3000m above sea level. Nyungwe rainforest protects more than 1068 plant species, at least 120 butterfly species, 275 bird species, 13 primate species, 32 amphibian species, and 38 reptile species.
Attractions in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe rainforest has a wide diversity of wildlife species, making it a priority for conservation in Africa. This park is well known for hosting habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Of these, you will also meet the black and white colobus monkeys. The forest also happens to be a birder’s haven with over 275 bird species, including 16 endemics. Then the forest also harbors up to 85 mammal species plus many other attractions, as mentioned in the introduction above.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest has a remarkable number of primate species in the whole of East Africa, as it shares the 13 species in number with Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park, but the most conducted trail is a chimpanzee trek. Following the trails of these amazing primates in the rainforest is quite an awesome activity to do and makes the experience amazing. Once you get to reach these primates, there is no time limit in viewing chimpanzees as long as you are able to keep up with their pace as they move from one place to another, feeding and playing around with young ones.
The rainforest harbors over 400 chimps, hence making it a popular activity in Nyungwe. The chimp trek is always under the guidance of informative guides that often lead you through the chimp trails within the park, or else you would end up in Burundi’s Kibira National Park since it’s a continuous rainforest. Most successful treks are always either in the morning or evening since these primates will have either not yet picked up their fast feeding pace or are already satisfied and less active late in the evening.
Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to over 275 bird species. These include forest birds and Albertine Rift endemics, especially the Chapin’s flycatcher and Rockefeller’s sunbird. Nyungwe happens to be Rwanda’s best birding haven, with 11 out of 23 Guinea Congo forest biome species and 71 out of 74 of the Afro-tropical highlands. Birdwatching safaris are best done starting from Butare up to the Cyangugu route; all these offer exceptional sights. This forest also happens to be the most vital forest for the conservation of montane birds in the region. Nyungwe Forest consists of well-kept walking trails through the forest to different waterfalls and viewing areas; this allows you to spot lots of amazing bird species like the great blue turaco, the rare Grauer’s rush warbler, and the red-collared mountain babbler.
Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe National Park
This happens to be East Africa’s breathtaking tourist activity done in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park. The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest is an amazing encounter while at Nyungwe Forest National Park. The walk starts from the Uwinka Visitor Center, which takes about 2 hours, passing through thick, oddly large, and ancient trees found in the Afro-Montane forest in the eastern parts of Africa. The Canopy Walkway hangs 60 meters above the forest floor, attached to remarkably giant trees and towers.
This happens to be the only canopy walk activity done in East Africa and provides a stunning view of the park and its neighboring border attractions like Lake Kivu and Burundi’s Kibira National Park. While at Nyungwe Forest National Park, you can also visit the Gisakura tea plantation, conduct nature walks within the rainforest, and visit the Isumo waterfall trail that is located five kilometers from Nyungwe House, the newest luxury lodge in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Lodging & Accommodations
Nyungwe Forest National Park has lots of amazing accommodation facilities ranging from budget options to luxury options, depending on an individual’s travel budget. These include Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guest House, and many more.
Getting there
Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda, about 225km, a 4-5 hour drive from Kigali. You can as well access the park by air, that is, through domestic flights flying direct from Kigali-Kamembe, then shortly drive to the park headquarters.
When to Visit
Chimpanzee trekking is basically best done during the wet season, as these primates have lots of pasture to feed on, so they never move too deep down the forest and hence can easily be seen. Therefore, tourists interested in primate tracking are advised to visit Nyungwe Forest during such times, and those interested in canopy walks and nature walks should visit the national park during the dry season.