Located in Southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park covers an area of 1,019 square kilometers. It is bordered by Kibira national park in the South, Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the West. Nyungwe forest national park is considered one of the oldest national parks in Africa with abundant wildlife. Most of the park’s land is covered with swamps, bogs, grassland, rainforest and bamboo.
This national park was established in 2004 and in September 2023 was added to UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The park boasts of more than 300 bird species of which 30 are Albertine endemics, 13 primate species, 85 mammal species, over 1,068 plant species, 38 reptile species and 32 amphibians.
Things to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Tracking
Nyungwe forest national park is known as home to 13 primate species, and this is the best park in Rwanda to see primates in large numbers. This activity always begins with a briefing in the morning and later set out to the forest in search of these primates. It is a delightful moment seeing these animals jump from one tree to another, nursing and grooming young ones as well as looking for food. Acrobatic chimpanzees are most likely to be seen
Bird Watching
The national park boasts of over 300 bird species hence making it a hub for bird lovers. With the help of an experienced guide, you set off to the forest and be expectant to see notable birds like Dusky Crimsonwing, Regal Sunbird, Kungwe apalis, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Albertine Owlet, Stripe-breasted tit, Yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Red faced woodland warbler and Handsome spurfowl among others. Tourists interested in this activity are therefore advised to carry with them good binoculars and cameras for taking the best photographs.
Canopy walks
This one of the major tourist activities you should not miss on your visit to Nyungwe forest national park. It is conducted on a suspended bridge of 70 meters high in the forest on a 160 meters guided walk which take about 2 hours. This canopy walk is carried out on different times of the day that is 8am, 10am, 1pm and 3pm and always starts from Uwinka Reception where the headquarters of the park are located. During this walk, tourists are provided with opportunities of seeing different primates for example monkeys that swing from one tree to another, birds, reptiles and other insects. It is also a better way of taking clear photographs of this rain forest
Colobus Monkey Tracking
There are groups of colobus monkeys that have been trained for tracking and can be accessed by tourists. Before entering the forest to track these primates, you get briefing from the ranger guides on the rules and regulations. Later set off to the forest and once you come face to face with them, you will be allowed only one hour with them as you get to see how they live day by day. A hike to one of the 13 hiking trails leads you to one of these groups
Hiking
Nyungwe forest national park has 13 hiking trails and any of the trails taken leads you to the park’s attractions. The 1-8 hours hike leads you to different primates, birds and plant species. Primates such as L’hoest monkey, Blue monkey, Golden monkey, Vervet monkey, Grey cheeked mangabey, Olive baboon, Red tailed monkey and Mona monkey among others can be seen during the hike. Create memories with us by booking with us your tour to Nyungwe forest national park. Adventure awaits.