Nyungwe forest national park found in republic of Rwanda is the biggest remaining montane forest located in the watershed between the basin of River Nile to the East and Congo to the west covering 970 sq Km. It was established in 2004 and lies with in the western arm of the East African rift valley stretching from Lake Albert to Lake Tanganyika. Nyungwe Forest is considered to be the best preserved montane forest in central Africa. Found in the republic of Congo, it lies in the border with Burundi, west of DRC and South of Lake Kivu.
Nyungwe national park is a home to over 1000 mammal species and bird species in total. It has over 85 mammals, 13 primate species and 29 of them are endemic making Nyungwe national park a birding paradise and Containing 200 endemic species of trees. It’s also known as the key chimpanzee trekking destination in Rwanda with at least 2 habituated chimp groups that facilitate the chimp trekking activity and also rare Canopy walk.
Nyungwe forest covers was established in 2004 and covers over 970 sq. km of Bamboo, rain forest, grassland and swamps. Nyungwe forest harbors over 85 mammal species, 13 primate species, several reptile and Amphibian species and 275 bird species. Nyungwe national park has rich diversity composed of endemic fauna and flora, montain vegetation grassland, rain forests, bamboo and swamps. Nyungwe national park is highly elevated rising up to over 6000 ft.
WHAT TO DO AT NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Chimpanzee tracking;
Nyungwe forest national park is considered the best place to do chimp trekking in Rwanda. Chimpanzees share close to 98% of human DNA whose behavior is pretty much like humans except a few elements of being wild that are not habituated fully. It has at least 2 habituated groups and the biggest group has over 60 members and the small one with at least 30 members and can be tracked in close range without any interference. The activity takes between 2 to 4 hours and once you encounter with the chimps, you will be allowed to spend at least an hour with them while taking photos in close range. While on your chimp trekking, you will have a chance to see other primate species including; Rwenzori colobus monkeys, Silver Monkey, Golden Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Vervet Monkey, Grey-Checked Mangabey, Olive Baboon, Dent’s mona Monkey, and Hamlyn’s Monkey.
Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Nyungwe forest is one of the biggest well reserved montane rain forest in the central Africa and this facilitates the Canopy walk which is a unique activity that is offered in Nyugwe national park in the whole of East Africa. It’s a 2-hour activity that lies 50 m above the forest giving the best spectacular views of the forest and the surrounding communities. For safety reason, children below 6 years are not allowed to participate in this experience. This walk is managed in 3 reception centers including Kitabi, Uwinka and Gisakura. The birds, monkeys and chimps are sometimes seen jumping over the trees as you stand above the forest.
Hiking at the forest;
Nyungwe national park offers you opportunity to hike on different 13 hiking trails which will take you between 1 to 8 hours depending on the distance of the trail. The longest is Bigugu trail which takes you about 8 hours. While on the hike, you will explore the forest diversity of fauna and flora, and its beautiful scenery, and each hike offers a different exception experience. You will also hike to the water falls which begins at Gisakura guesthouse and may take you 3-6 hours depending on the speed and the stopovers you have. The hike will take you through different interesting water streams through rough terrain towards the small waterfall giving you a unique experience of the wild.
Bird Watching;
Nyungwe forest has a total of over 300 bird species recorded and 29 of them are endemic making Nyungwe a key birding destination in Rwanda. The major species include; Rwenzori Turaco, the blue-headed sunbird, blue Turaco, regal sunbird, white bellied Robin Chat, Red Collared Babbler, Handsome Francolin, Crowned Hornbill, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, and Chapin’s Flycatcher among others. The guide will take you on this birding experience which lasts for about 3 hours
Accessing Nyugwe national park;
Nyugwe national park can be accessed by road from Kigali city which is about 230km approximately 5 hours’ drive. While on your way to Nyugwe from Kigali city, you will have an opportunity to see a lot of tourist attractions on the way which may include; National museum, Arboretum, Gikongoro genocide memorial center, Bisesero memorial center, Nyanza Kings palace and a lot of souvenir shops. You can as well organize charter flights with Rwanda air and fly into the park to shorten the road distance.
Where to stay in Nyungwe national park;
There are several accommodation establishments to stay in including; Nyungwe guest house, Nyungwe forest lodge, Nyungwe top view hotel, Gisakura family Hostel among others.
