Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in western Rwanda and is one of the most magnificent and pristine rain forests on the planet. It is dominated by a chain of mountains that runs south from northern Uganda and Congo, via the Rwenzori highlands, western Rwanda, and Burundi, to the beaches of Lake Tanganyika. On a clear day, Nyungwe Forest National Park provides spectacular views of Lake Kivu and, in certain cases, the Virunga mountains.
The forest includes a large network of well-kept walking and hiking paths that lead to numerous waterfalls and viewing sites. Chimp trekking, bird viewing, colobus monkey trekking, and the canopy walk are the most popular activities in Nyungwe forest.
Top attractions
Wildlife in Nyungwe Forest National park
The forest is home to 75 different animal species, most of which are tiny and/or nocturnal, making sightings difficult. Chimpanzees are the major draw of Nyungwe Forest. Chimpanzee trekking takes place every day in the early morning. The forest is home to battalions of 300 or more colobus monkeys who traverse the treetops, providing tourists with yet another exciting safari experience.
The 13 primate species found in the Nyungwe forest
- Chimpanzees
- Golden monkey
- Silver monkey,
- Blue Monkey,
- Red-tailed monkey
- L’Hoest’s monkey,
- Owl-faced monkey
- Vervet monkey
- Grey-cheeked mangabeys
- Olive baboon
- Dent’s Mona Monkey,
Birds in Nyungwe Forest National Park
The Nyungwe forest is home to over 300 bird species, including 16 endemics, 27 Albertine rift endemics, and 121 woodland species. Chestnut Owlet, Olive and Elliot’s Woodpeckers, Great Blue, and Ruwenzori Turacos are among the bird species. White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Rwenzori Batis, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Chapin’s Flycatcher, White-bellied Robin Chat, Striped Tit, Red-collared Babbler, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Doherty’s Bush-Shrike, Handsome Francolin, Purple-breasted and Regal Sun-birds, Collared Apalis, Neumann’s Short-tailed Warbler, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, and many more.
Activities in Nyungwe Forest national park
Chimpanzee Trekking
The Nyungwe forest is home to two chimp populations that have habituated for chimp trekking. One group is in the Nyungwe forest’s Cyamudongo sector, while the other is in the forest’s Uwinka portion. Around 400 chimps live in the Nyungwe forest. While seeing chimps is not certain, your guides will teach you about these animals and their natural surroundings.
You are required to be at the briefing location as early as 6.00 a.m. This is due to the fact that chimps are most likely to be observed early in the morning, and they prefer to wander around, requiring you to stay active as you follow them. Whether you see the chimps or not, the experience in the forest is rewarding as you observe other primates, butterflies, various plants, and, most importantly, the freshness of the air.
Bird watching
Nyungwe Forest National Park is an elevated altitude mountain forest with elevations ranging from 1600 to 2950 meters. The birds in Nyungwe forest are primarily found in the trees, bushes, or on the ground near the tea plantations. Some birds, such as many woodland species, are timid and hence more easily heard than seen.
The Rwenzori Nightjar, Kivu Ground Thrush, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Handsome Francolin, Great blue and Rwenzori Turaco, Dwarf Honeyguide, alpine Double Collared Sun, and Red-Throated Alethe are among the often seen species. There are well-maintained routes to follow while birding, as well as qualified bird guides headquartered in Nyungwe Forest.
Nature and hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe forest is ideal for hikers due to its high terrain and vast network of trekking routes. The paths vary in length, ease of trekking, and characteristics; thus, it is recommended that you contact the ranger guides for recommendations on which route to follow according to the attractions and your physical fitness. The trails wind across a varied environment and provide the most picturesque route to explore the forest. The routes listed here are some of the options for hiking in the forest.
The Congo-Nile Divide Trail is a 227 km walk for expert hikers that takes several days to complete. However, a one-day trek of a portion of the stretch is an option. The different scenery and villages along the path are the major draws of this trail. There are campgrounds where you may stay, but you must provide your own camping equipment. There are businesses along the path where you may purchase basic necessities.
The Igishigishigi walk is 2 kilometers long and offers spectacular views of the Nyungwe forest canopy, gorgeous wildflowers, occasional monkeys, and a variety of birds. This path takes between one and two hours to complete, depending on one’s interests. All hikers must be at least six years old, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Karamba route, which is surrounded by several fern trees located on the former gold mine site, market, and army camp, is a good birding area in Nyungwe. The Umugote track in Nyungwe forest is ideal for monkey and bird watching, with views of ridges, flowers, and butterflies. Kibira National Park in Burundi may be seen on a clear day. Umoyove route, also known as Mahogany trail, leads to the waterfall for a relaxing stroll among the park’s biggest trees. The Uwinka route is a demanding trek but a lovely area to see birds.
The Irebero trail offers views of Lake Kivu and two of Nyungwe National Park’s tallest peaks. The Imbaraga path is a 10-kilometer walk for skilled hikers. Hikers will see waterfalls, which will be a welcome sight after a hard climb. The Bigugu Trail offers views of DR Congo, Lake Kivu, and the Islands. It leads to the highest point of Nyungwe Forest Park.
The Isumo Trail will take you through the lovely tea fields; you can even get involved in picking tea and observe the entire process until it reaches your cup. You will also be able to see Nyungwe National Park’s largest waterfall.
Cultural Tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park
To round up your Nyungwe forest experience, include a visit to the neighborhood to immerse yourself in Rwandan culture. Following an understanding of the forest’s value to Rwanda’s eco system, the villages along its boundaries have coexisted with it and contributed to some extent in its preservation.
There have been initiatives to establish community-based events in order to conserve Rwandan culture and provide tourists with a rich experience. When you arrive at the village, you may participate in activities like as a dance ceremony, banana beer manufacture, bow-and-target shooting, traditional medicine making, and corn grinding, among others.
Canopy Walk in the Nyungwe Forest
The Igishigishigi route leads to the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest. The walkway may be reached as part of a customized guided tour of the path. The canopy walk, which hangs 60 meters above the forest floor between massive trees and towers, offers a breathtaking perspective of the park.
The best way to travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Drive from Kigali through Nyanza, then Huye to Nyungwe National Park. Depending on your stopovers, the journey takes about 5 hours. Alternatively, you might use Akagera Aviation’s services.
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