Nyungwe Forest National Park: Rwanda Safaris & Tours Guide

Nyungwe Forest National Park 

Nyungwe Forest National Park harbors the oldest rainforests in Africa – Nyungwe Forest. The park is famous for Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walking. Nyungwe Forest National Park is believed to be the heart of Rwanda’s wildlife.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is blessed with rich biodiversity. The park has over 300 bird species, over 1000 plant species, chimpanzees, Gorillas, 12 other primate species, and tropical waterfalls. Nyungwe Forest National Park also covers Cyamudongo as a fragmented forest home to a large group of Chimpanzees.

What is it known for? 

The Park feeds two of the World’s largest rivers: the Congo and the Nile. It also provides a significant portion of Rwanda’s fresh water and is known as Rwanda’s water tank. 

The highest wildlife population in the Nyungwe National Park is the primates. Among the notable primates in the park include; 

  • Chimpanzee
  • Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus
  • L’Hoest’s monkeys

Nyungwe Forest National Park Facts 

  • Location: It is located in the Southern west of Rwanda
  • Area: Nyungwe Forest National Park covers 1,019
  • Vegetation: Afronomate forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands
  • Plant Species: Over 1,100
  • Bird Species: 345
  • Mammals: 85 species, including 13 of Africa’s primates.

Nyungwe Forest National Park Safaris and Tours

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Nyungwe Forest National Park Attractions 

Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa and is the major attraction of Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is renowned for its high biodiversity, including numerous endemic species. The forest is a major attraction because of its dense vegetation and diverse ecosystems, which act as habitats for several wildlife species. Nyungwe forest is the primary destination for all the Nyungwe Forest National Park tours and safaris.

Waterfalls

Nyungwe Forest National Park has several picturesque waterfalls, popular attractions to visitors. Below are the waterfalls tourists can visit during Nyungwe Forest National Park Safaris.;

  • Igishigishigi Falls
  • Irebero Falls

Primates

Nyungwe Forest National Park is the home to 13 different primate species. The park is renowned for its Chimpanzee and large groups of Colobus Monkeys. Among the main activities done in the park is Colobus Monkey and Chimpanzees trekking. Among the primates tourists can spot during Nyungwe Forest National Park tours include;

  • Golden Monkey
  • Blue Monkey
  • Mona Monkey
  • L’Hoest’s Monkey
  • Owl-faced Monkey
  • Chimpanzee
  • Greater Bushbaby
  • Olive Baboons
  • Vervet Monkey
  • Red-tailed Monkey

Canopy Walk

A canopy walk is a thrilling experience in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is on a suspended bridge 70m high above the great Nyungwe forest. The Canopy walk at Nyungwe Forest National Park is a guided walk on a 160 m-long walkway that takes about 2 hours.

From the Canopy walk, tourists get great views of the East African Region, Lake Kivu, and the different sections of the forest. Tourists can also spot monkeys and birds on top of the trees.

Birdlife

Nyungwe National Park is one of Rwanda’s 7 major birding areas and has been considered an Important Birding Area by Birdlife International. It is home to 310 bird species, 29 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift. The Forest vegetation, waterfalls, and rivers significantly support birdlife. Nyungwe Forest is the only forest that stayed green during the ice age.

Nyungwe Forest National Park has four birding trails: the Bigugu Trail, the Karambaa Trail, the Gisakura Trail, and the Kamiranzovu Trail. Along these trails, tourists can spot the following bird species;

  • Yellow-eyed black flycatcher
  • Kivu ground thrush
  • Short-tailed Warbler
  • Mountain-masked Apalis
  • Yellow-eyed black flycatcher
  • Kivu ground thrush
  • Short-tailed Warbler
  • Mountain-masked Apalis
  • Rwenzori-Batis
  • Rwenzori-Turaco
  • Doherty-bush shrike

Wildlife

Besides the primates, Nyungwe Forest National Park also has the following wildlife. Therefore, tourists can embark on Nyungwe Forest National Park safaris and wildlife viewing. During hikes and trekking, tourists can spot the following animals;

  • Duikers
  • Golden cats
  • Klipspringer
  • Impalas
  • Bushbucks
  • Buffaloes
  • Elephants
  • Bushpigs
  • Gant forest hog
  • Blotched serval
  • Carnival genet
  • Congo clawless
  • Mongoose
  • Otter
  • Serval
  • Felis
  • Western tree hyrax

Best Time to Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park has similar climatic patterns to other wilderness parks in Rwanda. The reserve has two dry seasons and two wet seasons.

  • Dry seasons: June to September and Mid-December to Mid-February
  • Wet seasons: February to May and October to Mid-December

Nyungwe Forest National Park Activities

Nyungwe Forest National Park’s bio-diversity and accommodations of several primates offer tourists a diverse range of activities. Below are the activities you can take part in while on Nyungwe Forest National Park Tours;

  • Bird Watching and Photography
  • Guided Nature Trail Hiking
  • Canopy Walk
  • Tropical Waterfall Visit
  • Primates Trekking
  • Camping
Bird watching safaris

Nyungwe Forest National Park Accommodations

Nyungwe Forest National Park offers various accommodations within and around the park. Below are the accommodations available;

  • Nyungwe Nziza Lodge
  • Nyungwe ECO Village
  • Kitabi Eco-Center
  • One & Only Nyungwe House
  • Nyungwe Forest Lodge
luxury tented camp

Safety Guides and Tips 

  • Pack enough water and snacks, especially if you’re going for treks or hikes.
  • Wear sturdy, comfortable, and breathable light clothing suitable for hikes.
  • Nyungwe Forest National Park is a rainforest with sudden weather changes. Therefore, tourists are advised to wear warm clothes and raincoats.
  • Do not make sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the animals
  • It’s highly recommended to embark on the Nyungwe Forest National Park tour with a trusted tour operator. Nature’s Wonderland Safaris, for instance, saves you the hassle of researching and planning for your trip.

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