Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda
Chimpanzee Trekking, Canopy walk tour, Nature Walks, Birding, Community Experience, Tea tour, Holidays in Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda
Nyungwe forest national park in Rwanda is where the largest montane forest East and Central Africa is found. The heart of Nyungwe Forest is like a scene from a fairy tale. Tall old mahoganies, ebonies and giant tree ferns tower above you, whilst orchids and another epiphytes cling to every branch. Brightly colored birds flit around; butterflies are everywhere, including a variety of primates for which Nyungwe National Park is renowned.
Nyungwe forest national park is one of the few remaining tropical mountainous rain forests in Africa located in south western part of Rwanda. The Nyungwe forest is a home to about 13 primate species which include habituated Chimpanzees, Rare Angolan colobus monkey, l’hoest monkey, owl faced, baboons, red tailed monkeys among others which are always visited on foot. Some of them being rare this range.
Besides primates the forest is rich in terms of bird life with excellent opportunities to see variety of fascinating bird species some of them being endemic to the Albertine rift region hosting around 310 bird species. Besides these visitors are open to nature walks to see waterfalls, Forest canopy walk, as well as enjoying culture of people who stay adjacent to this forest
Nyungwe Forest National Park is found in the South Western part of Rwanda. It is bordered by the Rwanda-Burundi border in the South. Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of Congo lie on the west side of the park.
It covers an area about 1020 sq.km and has an elevation of 1600-2950m above sea level. This vast unspoilt rain forest receives an annual 2000mm of rain.
Wildlife in Nyungwe Forest
Wildlife is the main reason most people make trips to national parks and Nyungwe definitely satisfies that qualification. The park is home to about 85 mammals, 13 primate species, over 280 bird species, some of them endemic to the region, over 1060 plant species, 32 amphibians, 38 reptiles and various species of butterflies. This nature hub is quite rich with all things natural and colorful.
The most sought after primate in the park is the chimpanzee, but there are several monkeys including the rare and elusive golden monkey. Other primates include the olive baboon, red-tailed monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, L’hoest’s monkey, owl faced monkey, the Angola Colobus and a few more. Other animals in he park include; golden cats, the fronted duiker, golden cats and others.
Birds and Birding in Nyungwe Forest national park
Nyungwe forest has quite the variety of bird life. With more than 280 different bird species, 27 of these birds are endemic to the Albertine Rift valley. It is a worthwhile place to visit for any bird watcher.
Bird life International declared the the park “the most important site for biodiversity conservation in Rwanda”. Some of the birds you might catch sight of in Nyungwe include: Giant horn bills, great blue turacos and red-breasted sparrow hawks. The blue Turaco is the birding highlight here. chimpanzees, monkeys, butterflies, exotic plants and trees, an exciting canopy walk high up in the air, breathtaking scenery.
What’s not to like? Nyungwe Forest National Park is found on Rwanda’s border with Tanzania at a somewhat lower altitude although it is more hilly compared to the majority of national parks in countries neighboring Rwanda. This park is innovatively carved with a maze of swamps which flow into River Nyungwe Forest.
The park is found 4-5 hours from Kigali in the western Rwanda province. Most of the road is paved until you drive to the park gate. Nyungwe National Park was in fact named after the beautiful river Nyungwe which flows down the eastern boundary of the park. Nyungwe Forest Park is Rwanda’s most prominent reserve.
Tour Activities to Do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Trekkking
Nyungwe has a large population of chimpanzees. And many tourists who visit the park often go on a chimpanzee trekking adventure. There is no one season for chimpanzee tracking. It can be done all year round.
The chimpanzees are not habituated like the gorillas so there is no guarantee of a sighting at particular places. But more often than not you will find the chimpanzees because they are quite common in the forest. The chimps are not as settled and orderly as the habituated gorillas are, which makes for an exciting tracking experience. With well trained and experienced guides, you will of course find the chimpanzees.
Monkey Trekking/ Primate walk
Monkey trekking might not be talked about as much as gorilla tracking and chimpanzee trekking usually are, but it is a fun and exciting activity as well. In Nyungwe forest there is quite the variety of monkey species. Including the rare and elusive golden monkey.
Primate trekking trails in the park include:
- The Waterfall Trail: this trail runs from Gisakura guest house to the Tea Estate where the colobus monkeys live.
- The Bigugu Trail: as its name suggests, it leads up to Mt Bigugu. The trail runs up to the highest peak of the 2950m high mountain.
- The Kamiranzovu Trail: this is a complete nature walk. It leads you to explore an entirely separate eco-system full of marshes and orchids.
- The Unwika Campsite Trails: these are two trails. The Grey Trail which is 1 km long and the Red Trail which is 10 km long. They both lead to habituated group of about 400 Colobus monkeys.
Birding
Nyungwe forest national park boasts of over 285 bird species.27 of these species are endemic to the Albertine Rift valley. Lots of colourful and interesting birds to see, the most notable being the Blue turaco. Ruwenzori Nightjar Caprimulgus ruwenzorii, Kungwe Apalis Apalis argentea, Ruwenzori Apalis Apalis ruwenzorii, Stripe-breasted Tit Parus fasciiventer, Archer’s Robin-chat Cossypha archeri, Dusky Crimson Wing Cryptospiza jacksoni, Ruwenzori Batis Batis diops, Shelley’s Crimsonwing Cryptospiza shelleyi , Handsome Francolin Francolinus nobilis and Neumann’s Warbler Hemitesia neumanni are some of the birds that you might see in the park.
Canopy walk
Canopy walk begins at Uwinka RDB park offices. The canopy walk above Nyungwe forest is the only one of its kind in Africa. Built at an impressive 50m above the forest the Nyungwe canopy walk is not for the faint hearted. If you are afraid of heights you might want to get rid of the phobia before you travel because such a splendid sight should be seen by everyone.
The Canopy walkway consists of three bridges and three towers and is a total length of the walkway is 160m. The walkway is embedded in a guided tour along Igishigishigi trail. Taking this tour, a specialized Park Guide will not only show you the forest canopy but also explain why it is an integral part of the tropical rainforest ecosystem. You will learn what the major characteristics of a rainforest and its canopy are and the importance Nyungwe Forest has for Rwanda. It is a total of 3 hours altogether to the Canopy walk way and back to the RDB offices.
Hiking and Biking
One of the best ways to explore and enjoy the beauty of Nyungwe forest is by taking a hike through the forest. There are numerous trails in the forest. More than 130km of hiking trails for you to enjoy, as you walk through nature, view beautiful scenery and keep fit as and healthy as well. After all safaris are supposed to be good for your health. The Igishigishigi Trail and the bigugu trail are two of the most popular trail. One leads to the canopy walk, and the other leads to mount Bigugu.
Mount Bigugu
Mount Bigugu found inside the park, and rising to a height of about 2950km above seas level is an attraction by itself as well. Here you can enjoy some mountain climbing, and beautiful views of the surrounding areas.
Community visit and culture
Just like most African communities, the Rwandan people in the Nyungwe have very rich and interesting culture. Discover Rwandan food, be entertained by cultural performers in song and dance, learn more about the history of the area and the country, and enjoy interaction with the locals.
There are centers such as the Banda Community Village, Kitabi cultural village, and entertainment groups such as the friends of Nyungwe and the Cyamundongo cultural troupe, that bring the culture of the Rwandese people to life in different ways.
There is much much more to see and enjoy in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Let us help you plan your safari to Nyungwe Forest.
