Nyungwe Forest National Park is set in Southwestern Rwanda-6 hours’ drive from Kigali capital city and remarkably, one of the best destinations worth exploring on Rwanda safari. It was gazetted in 2005 to conserve its iconic treasures and occupies an area of about 1000sq.kms. This park is largely comprised of magnificent montane rain-forest which ranges between elevation 1600 and 2950 meters and overviews the stunning Lake Kivu plus the Virunga Mountain ranges. It consists of extensive network of well-kept walking and hiking trails to numerous scenic waterfalls.

This park is bordered by Burundi in the south, Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the west. Its significant rainforest serves as a major rain catchment area in Rwanda and each year, the park receives rainfall amount of about 2000.

Wildlife species in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park prides itself for its diverse ecosystem comprising of a dense tropical rain-forest a few of which still exist in Africa. Over 13 primate species exist in this park and they include the Angola colobus monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, red tailed monkeys, 500 chimpanzees, silver monkeys, golden monkeys, bush babies, vervet monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, L’Hoest monkeys. These make up part of the 75 mammal species in this protected area. It is also blessed with about 310 bird species and numerous butterflies.

Bird species in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park ranks among the top birding safari destinations in Rwanda. Over 310 distinct bird species call this pristine rain-forest protected area their home, 27 of which are Albertine rift endemics and they include among others the grey chested kakamega, Grauer’s rush warbler.

Other bird species to identify while on Rwanda birding tour in Nyungwe National Park include the Rwenzori Turaco, the large blue turaco, the purple breasted sunbird, blue headed sunbirds, Neumann’s short tailed warbler, chestnut throated, Chapin’s flycatcher, regal sunbird, Doherty’s bush shrike and many more. Most of the bird species in Nyungwe Forest National Park range in the trees, shrubs and others can be spotted on the ground.

Other attractions in Nyungwe Forest national Park
This park also features magical Kamiranzovu waterfalls which you can explore while on a hike/nature walk along Kamiranzovu trail. There are also over 1000 distinct plant species with about 200 tree species as well as over 32 amphibians, 38 species of reptiles to mention but a few.

Activities to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee tracking
Nyungwe Forest National Park is comprised of two chimpanzee communities which have been habituated and set for visitors on Rwanda chimpanzee trekking safari. one group thrives within the Cyamudongo section and the other is found in Uwinka side of Nyungwe Forest. Approximately 500 chimpanzees are confined within this rainforest protected area making it an ideal place for chimpanzee trekking. Trekking to view chimpanzees involves exploring in depth about their unique behaviors and body gestures. Chimpanzees share about 98 percent of their DNA with humans making them our closest relatives in the wild and also very susceptible to human infectious diseases.

Birding
While on Rwanda safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park birding is that one exciting experience you shouldn’t miss out. This park inhabits about 310 bird species which makes it a perfect birding safari destination in Rwanda. The birds to look out while on Rwanda birding tour in Nyungwe National Park include dusky crimson wing, Shelley’s crimson wing, the purple breasted sunbird, blue headed sunbirds, Neumann’s short tailed warbler, chestnut throated, Chapin’s flycatcher, regal sunbird, black and white casqued horn bill, yellow eyed black flycatchers. To get the best of your birding experience in this protected area don’t forget to come with a camera and binoculars.

Monkey tracking
A visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park isn’t only identifying birds but also for you to explore other different primates that make up a total of 13 primate species. On monkey tracking, you will come across the red-tailed colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, Ruwenzori colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, owl faced monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys.

Canopy walk
The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest is the first of its kind in East Africa and third in Africa and embarking on it, rewards travel endeavors with lifetime experiences. The walkway hangs 60 meters above the ground and you will spend about two hours but it gets you the best sights at different species of primates, birds, plants and canopy of Nyungwe Forest.

Hiking/Nature walks
Nature lovers are never left out when it comes to Rwanda safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This park is comprised of 13 hiking trails, each of which rewards hikers with unique experiences. They include the Congo-Nile divide trail which covers about 227kms, Karamba trail, Umugote trail, Igishigishigi trail, Umoyove trail, Isumo trail, Imbaraga trail, Bigugu trail, Irebero trail, Ngabwe trail, Rukuzi trail, Muzimu trail, Uwinka trail, Kamiranzovu trail and others. While on nature walks or hiking tour in Nyungwe Forest, you will come across various primates, colorful butterflies, birds, trees, plants and many more.

Cultural experiences
Make your holiday in Nyungwe Forest National Park absolute by embarking on a cultural tour in the nearby community for you to explore the rich Rwandan culture. You will have the best of thrilling music performances, dances and many more.

Where to stay in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Visitors on Rwanda safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park can choose from luxury or budget accommodation options especially;

  • Nyungwe Forest Lodge (Luxury)
  • Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Mid-range)
  • Gisakura Guesthouse (Budget)

Best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park
The dry season is considerably the best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park while on Rwanda safari, especially for chimpanzee tracking. It begins from June, July, August, September and December, January, February. In case you are interested in bird watching then the wet or rainy season is the best for you. It is experienced starting from March, April, May and October, November.

How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in Southwestern Rwanda about 6 hours’ drive from Kigali. Uwinka is its main entrance along the Cyangugu-Butare route. You can choose to fly using Akagera Aviation services to Kamembe International Airport.