Nyungwe Forest National Park is found in western Rwanda and is
one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine rainforests. It is dominated by
a series of mountains and offers scenic views. The forest has an extensive
network of well-maintained walking and hiking trails to various waterfalls and
viewing points. The prime activities in Nyungwe forest are chimp trekking, bird
watching, colobus monkey trekking, and the canopy walk.
Wildlife in Nyungwe
Forest National Park
Nyungwe forest is home to 75 different species of mammals with
most of these being small and or nocturnal making it difficult for sighting.
Chimpanzees are the main attraction in Nyungwe forest with chimp trekking
happening daily early morning. The forest is home to troops of 300 colobus monkeys
or more roaming in the trees, giving visitors to the forest another engaging
activity.
Nyungwe forest's 13
recorded primate species
Chimpanzees, Silver
monkeys, Golden monkeys, Owl-faced monkeys/ Hamlyn's monkey
Grey-cheeked mangabey,
Red-tailed monkey, L'Hoest's monkey, Vervet monkey, Olive baboon,
Dent's Mona Monkey,
Blue Monkey, Angolan Colobus Monkeys
Birds in Nyungwe Forest
National Park
Nyungwe forest is home to about 300 species of birds with 16
endemics, 27 Albertine rift endemics, and 121 forest species. The bird species
include; Chestnut Owlet, Olive and Elliot's Woodpeckers, Great Blue and
Ruwenzori Turacos, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo,
Stripe-breasted Tit, the remarkable Red-collared Babbler, Archer's Robin-Chat,
White-bellied Robin-Chat, Doherty's Bush-Shrike, Handsome Francolin Mountain
Masked, Black-faced, Chapin's Flycatcher, Purple-breasted and Regal Sun-birds,
Chestnut-throated, Collared Apalis, Rwenzori Batis, Neumann's Short-tailed
Warbler, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, etc.
Activities in Nyungwe
Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking in
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe forest is home
to two wild chimp communities that are habituated for chimpanzee tourism. One
of the groups is in the Cyamudongo section of the Nyungwe forest and the other
is around the Uwinka area of the forest. The forest is home to about 400
chimpanzees. While viewing chimpanzees is not guaranteed, you will enjoy
learning about these creatures and their natural habitats from your guides. You
are expected to be at the briefing area as early as 5.00 am in the morning.
This is because chimps are mostly likely to be seen early in the morning and
they tend to move about which requires one to be active as you follow after
them. However whether you view the
chimps or not, the experience in the forest is rich as you watch other
primates, butterflies, several trees, and above all the freshness of the air.
Birdwatching in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a high-altitude mountain
forest ranging between 1600 and 2950
meters. The birds in the Nyungwe forest are mostly found in the trees, shrubs,
or the ground at the edges of the forest next to the tea plantations. Some
birds are shy and therefore more easily heard than seen like many forest birds.
Among the frequently sighted species are the Rwenzori Nightjar, White-tailed
Crested Flycatcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, Handsome Francolin, Dwarf Honeyguide,
Greatblue and Rwenzori Turaco, montane Double Collared Sun, and the Red-
Throated Alethe. There are well-maintained trails that you will take while
birding as well as trained bird guides that are based in the Nyungwe forest.
Nature and hiking walks in the Nyungwe forest
Nyungwe forest has a steep landscape and an extensive network
of hiking trails making it a perfect destination for hikers. The trails are
different in length, ease of hiking, and features; you are therefore advised to
ask the ranger guides for advice on which trail to take according to the
attractions you are seeking. The trails are through a diverse landscape and
represent the most scenic way of exploring the forest. Below are some of the
trails you can choose to take on while hiking in the forest
The Congo Nile divide
trail is a 227 km trek for experienced hikers that lasts several days to hike
through. However one can choose an option for a one-day hike of part of the
section. The main attraction on this trail is the varied landscapes and communities
along the route. There are campsites where you will overnight but you do have
to bring your camping equipment. As for basic supplies, there are shops along
the trail where you can purchase these.
The Igishigishigi trail
covers a distance of 2km with remarkable views of the Nyungwe forest canopy,
beautiful wildflowers, occasional monkeys, and several birds. The total time on
this trial is between one and two hours depending on one's interests. All
participants must be at least six years of age and adults must accompany
children.
Karamba trail is a good birding spot in Nyungwe, which is
flanked by numerous fern trees located on the former gold mine site, market,
and army camp.
Umugote trail is great for primate viewing and bird watching
in Nyungwe forest with views of ridges, flowers, and butterflies. On a clear
day, you can see Kibira National Park in Burundi.
Umoyove Trail also known as Mahogany Trail takes you to the
waterfall for a relaxed time as you stroll by the park's tallest trees.
Uwinka trail is a difficult hike but a beautiful place for
bird watching.
Irebero Trail This trail provides views of Lake Kivu and two
of the highest peaks in Nyungwe National Park.
Imbaraga trail is 10km and geared towards experienced hikers.
Hikers will have views of waterfalls, a refreshing sight after a long hike.
Bigugu Trail provides views of the DR Congo and Lake Kivu as
well as the Islands. It takes you to the highest peak in Nyungwe Forest Park.
Isumo Trail will get you to experience the beautiful tea
fields. You can even plan to get involved in picking tea and follow through the
entire process until it gets to your cup. You will also enjoy the view of the
biggest waterfall in Nyungwe National Park.
Kamiranzovu Trail brings you close to most of the waterfalls,
wetlands, and swamps.
Muzimu Trail takes you through eucalyptus and pine forests.
Ngabwe Trail leads to a lovely picnic and camping site
Rukuzi Trail takes you through chimpanzee-spotting locations
and village views
Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
The canopy walks in Nyungwe forest are along the Igishigishigi
trail. The walkway is accessible as part of a specialized guided tour along the
trail. The canopy walk hangs 60 meters above the forest floor between giant
trees and towers, which provides a stunning view of the park.
Cultural
tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park
To complete your experience of the Nyungwe forest, add to your
itinerary a visit to the community to engage in the rich Rwandan culture. The
communities along the boundaries of this forest have co-existed with it and
helped to some extent in its preservation after understanding its importance to
Rwanda's ecosystem. There have been efforts to launch community-based
experiences to preserve the culture of Rwanda and offer visitors a rich
experience. Once at the village, you can be part of activities such as a dance
ceremony, banana beer production, and bow-and-target shooting, traditional medicine making maize-grinding
etc.
How to
get to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Drive from Kigali to Nyanza to Huye and finally to Nyungwe
National Park. The drive takes approximately 5 hours depending on your
stopovers.
Alternatively, you can fly using the services of Akagera
Aviation.
Safari
lodges and camps near Nyungwe National Park
The accommodation around Nyungwe forest is limited to about 4 places. You can alternatively choose to
spend the night by Lake Kivu in Cyangugu where you might find several
alternatives to the otherwise 4 accommodations of
One & Only Nyungwe House
Nyungwe Top View Lodge
Gisakura guest house
KenBarham Guest house
What to
bring for the chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest
Sun hut
Insect repellent
Wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts
Sunscreen
Waterproof Jacket and hiking boots.