Nyungwe National Park, located in the southwestern part of Rwanda at the border of Burundi and Lake Kivu, boosts magical wildlife species. Nyungwe National Park is a popular and large safari destination in Rwanda, from chimpanzees to multiple bird species.
The park is famous for offering safari activities like chimpanzee tracking (chimpanzee trekking), birding, and canopy walking. Adding Nyungwe National Park to your travel list would be a moment turned into a memory and is an opportunity for you to create a signature of memories.
Nyungwe National Park was established in 2004 and is one of Africa’s largest rainforest national parks. The park covers an area of approximately 1000 square kilometres, with the rainforests covering the biggest part. From lush montane rainforests to mist-covered valleys, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic vistas, Nyungwe captivates visitors with its natural beauty and offers a range of unique experiences.
The park comprises rainforests, swamps, bamboo, and grasslands. It is also a reliable birding destination in Rwanda as it is home to some of Africa’s elusive species and the Rift Valley endemics. Looking for the best places to go chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is the best place to be.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to over 75 mammal species, 13 primate species, 12 amphibian species, 120 butterfly species, and 15 reptile species. Some of the primates of Nyungwe National Park include; chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, Red-tailed monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Olive baboons, Dent’s Mona Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Angolan Colobus Monkeys.
Major tourist attractions in Nyungwe National Park
Over the past decades, Nyungwe National Park has been attracting thousands of tourists from different parts of the world. Below are some of the major attractions that you need to see during your Nyungwe National Park safari or Rwanda primate trip.
Primates
Nyungwe National Park is home to 13 primate species and hence a reliable primate safari destination in Rwanda and Africa. Some of the primate species found in Nyungwe include; chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, Red-tailed monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Olive baboons, Dent’s Mona Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and Angolan Colobus Monkeys.
When you take on a chimpanzee tracking tour in the park, you will see almost all of these species. You will be blessed with sounds and the art of monkeys jumping from one tree to another. A great primate encounter waits in Nyungwe National Park.
Birds in Nyungwe National Park
Birds in Nyungwe National Park are more than just a tourist attraction but a species of discovery. The park is home to over 300 bird species some of which are migratory birds while others are restricted to the area. Birding safaris in Nyungwe National Park will bring you up close with these magical species of Africa. You will enjoy them singing as well as watching them build their nests.
With the help of an expert bird guide in Rwanda, tourists discover some of the elusive bird species in Nyungwe National Park. Some of the birds found in Nyungwe National Park include among others but are not limited to the following; Regal Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Great Blue Turaco, Barred-tailed cuckoo, White-tailed Flycatcher, Kungwe Apalis, Red-collared Babbler, and Red-collared Babbler.
Mammals
Other than the primates and birds, Nyungwe is home to about 75 mammal species. During your tour in Nyungwe, you will meet several mammal species such as leopards, giant forest hogs, golden cats, and duikers. Some of these mammals can also be found in Rwanda’s savannah park – Akagera National Park which can easily be added to your Rwanda Safari.
Canopy walk
The thick rainforests of Nyungwe National Park form a beautiful umbrella-like canopy. Rwanda Development Board established a suspended bridge in the park.
This bridge allows travellers to explore the forest right from the top. A canopy walk tour in Rwanda is one of its kind. It introduces travellers to several primate and bird species found in the park.
At the bridge, travellers get to see several tree species. Some of these trees have related stories and mysteries and they have much significance to African traditions. You will learn about some plants used as herbal medicine in African communities.
Communities and tea plantations
Nyungwe Forest National Park is neighbours with amazing local communities that are a true reflection of African ancestry. By visiting these communities on your Rwanda safari, you will learn about the mysteries and appreciate the hospitality of Africans – Rwandese to be specific. You will take part in their daily chores and learn some of their ways of life.
Tea plantations in Gisakura are yet another major tourist attraction in Nyungwe National Park. Here, travellers take part in the process of coffee growing, harvesting, and making coffee. They get to taste the locally made African coffee. Only your taste buds will be surprised by the great encounter.
Activities in Nyungwe National Park.
With the above-mentioned tourist attraction in Nyungwe National Park, several activities can be done in the park during a Rwanda safari. Below are some of the activities done in Nyungwe National Park.
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe
With 2 habituated chimpanzee families, Nyungwe National Park offers one of the best chimp-tracking adventures in Africa. The experience can only be compared to chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park in Uganda. Travelers enter the forests on foot in search of these human-like apes. Upon encountering the chimpanzee family, they are given one hour to spend in their presence. It is at this point that tourists, learn about the behaviors and history of chimps in Nyungwe National Park. For those seeking an extended time with the chimpanzees, taking on a chimpanzee habituation safari in Nyungwe is a better deal.
Note: Chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation permits in Nyungwe National Park are restricted to a specific number of people per day. It is therefore important to book in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences. You can book your chimp permits through a reputable tour operator in Rwanda.
Birding
Nyungwe National Park is a bird hub and is a perfect birding destination in Rwanda. With over 300 bird species, the park offers great and engaging birding tours in the region. Are you a bird lover or a researcher looking for a place to spot some of the winged elusive species? Nyungwe National Park is the perfect destination. The park has experienced bird guides that will help you locate particular bird species in the shortest time possible. It is important to note that some of the bird species in Nyungwe National Park are migratory and hence can be seen during particular seasons. Talk to your tour operator about birding information for a greater experience.
Canopy walking and guided nature walks
Have you dreamt of walking on top of the forest before? Nyungwe National Park can make your dream come true. Taking on an afternoon canopy walk in Rwanda comes with scenic views of the park and the surrounding areas. It is here that you will take a picture of your dream on a Rwanda safari. Guided nature walks in Rwanda bring you up close to the birds and animals of the park. You will also enjoy the breeze of the forest while listening to birds singing.
What is the best time to visit Nyungwe National Park?
The dry months of June to September and December to February are usually considered the best time to visit the park. This is the time when vegetation is not much thick and animal sightings are guaranteed. Rain seasons come with their advantages as well. For instance, the park is crowd-free and accommodation prices tend to go low as it is considered a low season for tourism in Rwanda.
How to access Nyungwe National Park?
Nyungwe National Park can be accessed from Kigali by both air and road transport means. By Road, travelers may opt to hire a safari company vehicle and drive for 3 to 4 hours to the park. Public transport by bus is also available for road users. By air, travelers can fly from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport and then connect to the park.
Where to stay on your safari to Nyungwe National Park
There are various accommodation facilities inside and near Nyungwe National Park. The lodges are strategically located to provide scenic views of the park and the surrounding areas right from the comfort of your bed. The lodges are also eco-friendly and they offer a real African jungle experience. You can book directly through the lodge websites or a reputable tour operator in Rwanda.
