Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe forest national park is one of the reserved montane rainforest national parks located in south western part of Rwanda covering an area of 1020 square kilometers, the area has more than 1,050 plant species, 250 Albertine Rift Endemics and 200 orchids, along with at least 120 butterfly species. The vertebrate fauna includes 32 amphibians, 38 reptiles, 85 mammals and 310 bird species of which about 15% are Albertine Rift Endemics. The area has a population of 13 primate species including the commonly trekked chimpanzee in the forest ranging between 500-1000.

Activities and attractions in Nyungwe forest national park

There are plenty of exploration in Nyungwe forest national park ranging from the preserved 13 nature trails which offers you fascinating and scenery views of the forest, enjoy Nyungwe canopy walk which is 50 meters above the ground and 90 meters long with beautiful views of forest monkeys, birds and butterflies, this walk is one of kind and thus most visitors on gorilla trekking to volcanoes national park would be the best optional activity to be included on the itinerary,

Hiking trails in Nyungwe forest

There plenty of trails which are estimated to be 140km with in the forest which can be explored through guidance from an experienced ranger guide and some of these common trails include Irebero Trail, Umugote Trail, The Rukuzi Trail, Umuyove Trail and the Congo Nile Divide Trail, Ngabwe Trail, Bigugu Trail, Igishigishigi Trail, Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail, Isumo waterfall Trail, Karamba Birding Trail, Muzimu Trail, Imbaraga Trail. These trails require you to be physically fit to undergo the experience however if you are not able short trails can be arranged for you and be able to explore many primates like Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Owl Faced Monkeys, Blue-Monkeys, tree species among others.

Chimpanzee trekking is the main attraction in Nyungwe forest with a population of 25% remaining primates in Africa second to kibale forest national park in Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking will thrill you with rewarding sight after the hike comprising of acrobatic chimpanzees swinging on tree branches, mother chimps cuddling baby chimps and several other monkeys can be readily seen; including the L’Hoest’s monkey and acrobatic Ruwenzori colobus. Its however notable to have the right trekking gear to undertake the experience as the hike through the forest tends to be slippery and the trails not being clear requiring you to be extra protective.

The Nyungwe Forest Bird watching experience.
Nyungwe Forest is among the Top birding destinations in Rwanda with over 310 bird species. From the Albertine Rift endemics to the Forest endemics, with the help of our experienced and knowledgeable birding guides you can get to spot several birds with a brief description of their characteristics like; purple breasted and the blue headed sunbird, the Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Green Pigeons, Ross’s Turaco, Red-Breasted Sparrow Hawk, White Headed Wood Hoopoe, Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-Faced Woodland Warbler, Collared Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Ruwenzori Batis, Stripe-Breasted Tit among others which can be spotted across the trails set in the forest.

Nyungwe Forest canopy walk.

This marvelous experience which is about 200 meters walk starts and ends at the park headquarters in Uwinka Information center however participants for the activity are regulated by age whereby children bellow 6 years are not allowed and those above should possess a valid permit for the experience. The experience is rewarding where Travelers walk on the built trail, which hang 60 meters above the forest rewarding them with an aerial view of the national park, wildlife, adjacent communities, Virunga volcanoes and attractions in the neighboring countries.

How to access to access the park.

Nyungwe National Park is 217km from Kigali which is approximately 3-4 hour drive, buy using our safari vehicles you will be able to view several scenic observations along the way in the land of a thousand hills, make a stopover at the National Museum to see locally made arts and craft, and cultural entertainment if you have time and the park can as well be accessed by air though booking domestic flights from Kigali to Kamembe International airport. Kamembe is 49km to the park which is equivalent to 1 hour drive to Nyungwe forest.

Nyungwe forest like any other gazetted national park offers you a relaxing moment upon your holiday and thus don’t be hesitant to include it on your travel itinerary for there is much uncovered potential attractions which you will live to recall once the experience is done, book with us now as we help you on how to arrange for the best safari in Uganda and Rwanda with affordable packages.