Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the primate-rich destinations in Africa, housing up to 13 distinct primate species. Its rich biodiversity and remarkable beauty is an amazing reason why it is one of the most treasured destinations by primate lovers on Rwanda safari.
Location, size & facts
Nyungwe Forest National Park (NFNP) is located in the Southern Province of Rwanda, featuring 2 main chimpanzee trekking sectors –Cyamudongo Forest and Uwinka. The park spans on the land area of 1019 sq.km along the Western Great Rift Valley, extending from Lake Albert to the Lake Tanganyika. Nyungwe lies nearby the Burundi border, South Lake Kivu and West of D.R. Congo.
Nyungwe Forest NP was founded as a Rwanda National Park in 2004 making it one of the recently created protected areas in Africa. Its creation was to offer shelter to its diverse wildlife comprising of over 85 mammal species, 2000 tree species, 1068 species of plants and 310 bird species.
At Nyungwe Forest National Park, it is possible to enjoy the spectacular views of the scenic Lake Kivu and part of the Virunga region. The park’s forest cover features well-kept network of incredible walking and hiking trails, waterfalls and several viewing points. The park has plenty of exciting experiences for nature lovers to enjoy ranging from chimpanzee tracking, hiking/nature walk, canopy walk, colobus monkey tracking to birding.
Wildlife in the Park
Over 85 mammal species survive within Nyungwe Forest National Park and include 13 primate species, 400 colobus monkeys and other faunal species. The 13 species of primates include golden monkeys, chimpanzees, l’hoest monkeys, silver monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, owl-faced monkeys, Angolan colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, and olive baboons.
Bird species
Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda alone is host to more than 310 bird species. The park’s birds comprise of 27 Albertine rift endemic species, 121 forest bird species, 16 endemic species and more. The bird record in Nyungwe Forest NP include the white tailed blue flycatchers, purple-breasted sunbird, chestnut owlet, stripe breasted tit, great blue and Ruwenzori turacos, regal sunbird, Neumann’s short-tailed warblers, francolin mountain masked, white-bellied robin chat, white-headed wood hoopoe, red collared babblers, barred long-tailed cuckoos, archer’s robin chat and more.
Tourist activities to do in Nyungwe
Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee trekking/tracking is the major reason why Nyungwe is a treasured primate destination in Rwanda. The park has 2 incredible chimpanzee communities to be visited each with habituated chimpanzees open to visitors to track. They include Cyamudongo and Uwinka Areas.
A total of 500 chimpanzees reside within the lush Nyungwe Forest and trekking can be done in the morning and afternoon. As you walk through the park, there is a chance to come across other primates like colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and others. Nyungwe chimp permits cost USD 100 per person per trek and your reliable tour operator can assist you to secure one and also plan the entire memorable trip.
Birding
If you are an enthusiastic birder, Nyungwe Forest NP is one remarkable birding spot you shouldn’t miss visiting. The park holds variety of Albertine rift endemic species and other forest species. On a birding tour, some of the finest birds to identify in Nyungwe Forest National Park include Rwenzori turacos, Kivu ground thrush, white-tailed crested flycatchers, handsome francolins, red throated alethe, dwarf honey guide, and montane double collared sun bird, etc.
Colobus monkey tracking
More than 400 colobus monkeys thrive within the Nyungwe Forest National Park, and they can be explored on a guided colobus monkey tracking. Treks to explore park’s colobus monkeys begin early with briefing at the park offices and visitors are accompanied by park ranger guides.
Canopy walk
Nyungwe Forest National Park is the only park in East Africa that offers a guided canopy walking tours. This is done along the Igishigishigi trail, taking you through the suspended walkway 60 meters from the ground. As you walk through, you will be viewing the treetops with a chance of spotting diversity of primates.
Nature walks/hiking
Nyungwe Forest NP is one park with a good network of hiking trails making it a preferred hiking/nature walking destination. The existing trails in the park include the 227km long Congo-Nile divide trail, Umoyove, Karamba, Igishigishigi, Irebero, Bigugu, Umugote, Uwinka, Imbaraga, Rukuzi, Ngabwe, Muzimu, Isumo and Kamiranzovu trails.
Cultural/community walk
Besides exploring the park’s primates, there is also a chance to visit the local communities to enjoy authentic Rwandan cultures and traditions. During the cultural tour, you can in position to learn more about importance of community-based tourism and it is playing a great role in wildlife conservation.
When is the best time to travel to Nyungwe?
Nyungwe Forest National Park is an all year-round primate park, but the most ideal time to travel to enjoy primate treks such as chimpanzee tracking is during the dry season. The two phases of dry season run from June to September and December to February. The rest of the other months are also open for tourists to explore Nyungwe NP although they are wet or rainy months of the year and often makes it challenging to trek through the forest and muddy ground.
Where to stay
On Rwanda safaris to Nyungwe, you can book budget, midrange and luxury lodges for overnight stay. The top lodges in and around the park include Nyungwe top view lodge, one and only Nyungwe house, Emeraude Kivu Resort, Gisakura Guesthouse and more.
How to reach the Park
Located in the Southern Province of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is accessible about 6 hours’ drive from Kigali. Fly in tours can also be arranged by the tour operator through Akagera Aviation and you set off from Kigali to the Southern Province to visit Nyungwe National Park.