Wildlife Experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park – Rwanda
Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda is one of the most remarkable places for wildlife lovers. This park is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda, close to Lake Kivu and the Burundi border. Nyungwe is a protected area covering over 1,000 square kilometers. Nyungwe Forest is unique because it is one of the few remaining montane rainforests in Africa. It has been around for millions of years, which explains its rich ecosystem. The park is home to over 1,000 plant species, 85 mammals, 322 bird species, and 13 types of primates. One of the park’s highlights is its primates, especially chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Bird enthusiasts also love visiting Nyungwe because it has many rare and colorful birds.
Primate Tracking in Nyungwe
Nyungwe Forest is best known for its primates. There are 13 primate species in the park, making it a top destination for primate lovers. One of the most popular activities is chimpanzee trekking. Chimpanzees are fascinating animals that share about 98% of their DNA with humans.
During chimpanzee trekking, you will walk through the forest with a guide to find a group of chimpanzees. You will hear them before you see them, as they are very noisy and love to call out to each other. When you find them, you can watch them for an hour as they play, eat, and move through the trees.
Another exciting activity is tracking the Colobus monkeys. Nyungwe has one of the largest groups of Colobus monkeys in Africa, with some groups having over 300 individuals. These black-and-white monkeys are beautiful and easy to spot in the forest.
Other primates you might see include L’Hoest’s monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and the grey-cheeked mangabey.
Birdwatching in Nyungwe
Nyungwe Forest is also a paradise for birdwatchers. The park has over 300 bird species, and 27 of them are found only in the Albertine Rift region. Birdwatchers come to Nyungwe from all over the world to see unique and rare birds.
Some of the birds you can see in Nyungwe include:
- The Great Blue Turaco – a large, colorful bird that is easy to spot.
- Red-collared Mountain Babbler – an Albertine Rift endemic species.
- Rwenzori Turaco – another striking bird with bright colors.
Guided birdwatching tours are available, and the guides can help you identify the birds by their calls or appearances. Birdwatching in Nyungwe is an amazing experience, whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Other Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Canopy Walk in Nyungwe
One of the highlights of visiting Nyungwe Forest is the canopy walk. This is a suspension bridge 70 meters above the forest floor. The canopy walk is 160 meters long and gives you a bird’s-eye view of the forest.
Walking on the canopy bridge is exciting and offers stunning views of the trees, hills, and valleys. It is also a great way to see wildlife, such as birds, monkeys, and butterflies, from above.
Hiking Trails in Nyungwe
Nyungwe Forest has over 15 hiking trails, covering more than 130 kilometers. These trails allow visitors to explore the forest at their own pace. Each trail has something unique to offer.
Some popular trails include:
- Igishigishigi Trail – This is the trail that leads to the canopy walk. It is a short and easy hike that takes about 1.5 hours.
- Bigugu Trail – This trail leads to the highest point in the park, Bigugu Peak, at 2,950 meters above sea level. It offers great views and is perfect for adventurous hikers.
- Kamiranzovu Trail – This trail takes you to the Kamiranzovu Swamp, a beautiful wetland rich in wildlife. It is great for spotting birds and butterflies.
- Umuyove Trail – Also known as the Mahogany Trail, it is a peaceful walk through tall trees and streams.
Each trail offers a chance to see the forest’s beauty and its unique wildlife. The trails are well-maintained, and guides are available to make the hikes more enjoyable and informative.
Cultural Experiences Near Nyungwe
In addition to the wildlife, Nyungwe offers cultural experiences that allow you to learn about the local communities. The people living near the park have a strong connection to the forest and its resources.
You can visit nearby villages to see traditional dances, crafts, and farming practices. The locals are friendly and happy to share their culture and stories. These cultural experiences add more value to your trip and give you a deeper understanding of life in Rwanda.
When to Visit Nyungwe
Nyungwe Forest National Park can be visited at any time of the year, but the best time is during the dry seasons. These are from June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are less muddy, making it easier to hike and spot wildlife.
The rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November, are also good for nature lovers. The forest is greener, and the waterfalls are more beautiful. However, trekking can be more challenging during this time.
Accommodation in Nyungwe
There are several places to stay near Nyungwe Forest National Park. These range from luxury lodges to budget-friendly options. Some popular choices include:
- One&Only Nyungwe House – A luxury lodge offering excellent service and beautiful views of the tea plantations.
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel – A mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms and great views of the park.
- Gisakura Guest House – A budget-friendly option located near the park entrance.
All these accommodations provide easy access to the park’s activities.
How to Get to Nyungwe
Nyungwe Forest National Park is about a 5-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. The roads are good, and the journey offers scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills. You can hire a car, join a guided tour, or take public transport to the park.
For those coming from Burundi or the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nyungwe is also accessible by road.
