Top activities in Nyungwe forest national park; Nyungwe forest national park is one of the largest national parks located in southwestern part of Rwanda, south of Lake Kivu, west of Democratic Republic of Congo and near the border with Burundi. Nyungwe forest national park is famously known for harboring the endangered chimpanzees, other primate species like black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, different mammals, different bird species, reptiles, butterflies among others. Nyungwe forest national park offers various top activities that visitors can engage in during the safari including,

Top activities in Nyungwe forest national park

Chimpanzee trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is the major activity in Nyungwe forest national park that attracts many tourists. The national park is a home of about 60 habituated chimpanzees which are open to tourists and trekking of chimpanzees starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking.

After the briefing, you will start trekking in the forest which takes about 2 hours to 6 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view other wildlife species and once the chimpanzees are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn about their behaviors, habits, watch them feed, breastfeed, hunt, play up in trees, groom young ones, take photos and record videos to show people back home.

Nature walks/ hiking

Nature walk is an interesting activity in Nyungwe forest national park where visitors get a chance to explore the park of foot with the company of an armed park ranger and an experienced park guide. During the guided nature walks in Nyungwe forest national park, you will follow different trails including the Buhoro trail which is about 2,5 kilometers, Igishigishi trail which is about 2,4 kilometers, Imbaraga trail which is about 10 kilometers long, Irebero trail which is about 4 kilometers long, Isumo waterfall trail which is about 10 kilometers, Kamiranzovu trail which is about 10 kilometers, Umugote trail among others. During the nature walk, you will be able to view different wildlife species including mammals, insects, birds, trees, listen to sweet sounds of bird species singing in trees, enjoy the cool breeze, relax your mind among others.

Canopy walk

Canopy walk is another adventurous activity in Nyungwe forest national park. The canopy walk starts from the park headquarters at Uwinka visitors Centre and its start with a briefing about the rules, regulations and expectations. After the briefing, you will be allocated an experienced park guide and start hiking following several trails in the forest for example the Igishigishi trail which is 2.1km long, Imbaraga or Umuyove trail. Canopy walkway in Nyungwe forest national park measures a total of 160 meters in length and is suspended 74 meters from the ground across a deep valley that is filled with thick forest. The canopy walk takes about 2 hours and during the walk, you will be able to view different wildlife species, colorful birds, butterflies, plants, enjoy great views of forest among others.

Bird watching

Nyungwe forest national park is a home of over 310 recorded bird species including 27 Albertine rift endemics, forest birds and migratory birds which makes it one of the best bird watching destinations. During bird watching in Nyungwe forest national park you will be accompanied by an experienced by an experienced bird guide and follow different trails in the forest where you will be able to spot different bird species including the Red-collared babbler, Handsome francolin, Rwenzori batis, Yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Regal sunbird, Rwenzori turaco, Dusky crimson wing, Grauers rush warbler, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Black and white casqued hornbill, Red-throated Alethe, Ruwenzori Apalis, Archers robin chat, Shelleys Crimsonwing, Stripe-breasted tit, Neumann’s warbler, Ruwenzori nightjar among others.

Colobus monkey trekking

Colobus monkey trekking is another amazing activities in Nyungwe forest national park. Colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe forest national park starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking just like chimpanzee trekking. After the briefing, you will start trekking in the forest in search of the colobus monkeys which live in groups of about 350 -500 individuals. Trekking of colobus monkeys takes about 2 o 3 hours and once the colobus monkeys are found, you will be able to view them feed, play, jump up in tree branches, take photos and record videos.

Best time to visit Nyungwe forest national park

Nyungwe forest national park can be visited anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February because during this period there is less rainfall in national park therefore chimpanzee trekking and nature walk trails will be dry and passable.

Where to stay in Nyungwe forest national park

There are a number of accommodation facilities in Nyungwe forest national park where you can stay during the safari. The accommodations range from budget, midrange and luxury including Nyungwe Nziza Eco-lodge, Kitabi Eco-center, One and Only Nyungwe house, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Gisakura Family Hostel, Gisakura Guest House, Emeraude Kivu Resort, Keza Lodge, Uwinka Campsite, La Petite Colline Guest house, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay among others.

How to get to Nyungwe forest national park

Nyungwe forest national park is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda and can be accessed by road transport means where you will drive from Kigali via Muhanga, Kings Palace in Nyanza, Butare and then to the park headquarters which takes about 6 hours’ drive.

Nyungwe forest national park can also be accessed by air transport means where visitors will book charter helicopter transfer with Akagera Aviation from Kigali international airport to One and Only Nyungwe house. Visitors can also book flights through Rwanda air from Kigali airport to Kamembe airport in Rusizi and then connect to the park headquaters by road which takes about one hour drive.

For more information about the top activities in Nyungwe forest national park, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various safari packages.