Nyungwe Forest National Parkrevealsafaris2024-11-29T09:17:05+00:00

Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

One of Rwanda’s oldest protected places is Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is situated in the southwest of the nation. About 1,019 km² in size, it was designated as a national park in 2004 and is located close to Lake Kivu, Cyangugu, and the borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi. With more than 1,068 plant species and 310 bird species, including some endemics that are exclusive to the Albertine Rift, it is well known for its abundant biodiversity.

With 13 different kinds of primates, including chimpanzees and black-and-white colobus monkeys, the park is especially well-known for its primate populations. Over 500 chimpanzees and 350 black-and-white colobus monkeys, which are native to the Albertine Rift, may be found at Nyungwe. Their ingenious antics and aerial gymnastics keep tourists staring into the canopies.

Nyungwe’s varied ecosystems, which include bamboo thickets, swamps, and montane rainforests, make it an essential biological zone that is home to a broad assortment of wildlife. Hiking routes abound in the park, and visitors may take advantage of the unique Canopy Walk, which provides breathtaking aerial views of the forest.

With evidence of human habitation for roughly 50,000 years, Nyungwe’s history spans thousands of years. The region was first designated as a forest reserve by colonial powers in 1903, but during the middle of the 20th century, poaching and deforestation posed serious challenges. Since then, nevertheless, conservation initiatives have restored the park’s ecological and tourism potential.

Nyungwe is becoming a popular destination for ecotourism in Rwanda and a significant conservation area. Its distinctive species and breathtaking scenery attract tourists. Through tourism, the park boosts Rwanda’s economy and is essential to protecting the area’s natural heritage. The gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park, which is 267 km north of Nyungwe, are an ideal complement to Nyungwe experiences.

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park

Biodiversity

Nyungwe National Park is notable for its remarkable biodiversity in addition to its breathtaking scenery. Because of its diverse range of flora and fauna, it is an important location for conservation and a popular ecotourism destination in Rwanda.

Plant Biodiversity

Nyungwe is home to over 1,068 plant species, including:

Tree Species: Approximately 200 tree species, such as Mahogany and Miliantus holstii, thrive in the park.

Orchids: The park boasts around 248 orchid species, contributing to its floral diversity.

Vegetation Zones: Montane forests, bamboo thickets, and sub-alpine vegetation are among the many flora types present in the park; some species may be found at elevations higher than 2,950 meters above sea level.

Nyungwe is one of the most botanically rich locations in the Albertine Rift region because of the varied heights that produce distinctive microhabitats that sustain a wide variety of vegetation. Interestingly, 21 of the 24 indigenous plant species unique to this area are found there.

Animal Biodiversity

Mammals

Nyungwe is home to about 85 mammal species, including:

Primates: The park is particularly famous for its 13 primate species, including:

Common chimpanzees (approximately 500 individuals)
Black-and-white colobus monkeys (notably large troops)
Golden monkeys
L’Hoest’s monkeys
Grey-cheeked mangabeys
Red-tailed monkey
Owl-faced monkey
Crowned monkey
Dent’s mona monkey
Velvet monkey
Olive baboon,
Angolan Colobus monkeys

Other mammals include duikers, golden cats, bushbucks, and elephants. Several of these primate species are classified as threatened by the IUCN.

Birds

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 300 bird species, including:

Endemics: About 29 species endemic to the Albertine Rift, such as the Rwenzori turaco and the Albertine owlet.

Conservation Status: Several bird species are classified as near-threatened or vulnerable.

Other Wildlife

Nyungwe also supports a variety of other wildlife, including:

Reptiles and Amphibians: Approximately 30 reptile species and 12 amphibian species inhabit the park.

Invertebrates: Over 120 butterfly species have been documented.

Because it serves as a watershed for important rivers like the Nile and Congo, Nyungwe National Park is essential to the ecosystem. About 70% of Rwanda’s freshwater comes from it, underscoring its significance for human communities and biodiversity.

Nyungwe Forest National Park Attractions.

With its remarkable animal richness, old rainforest, and substantial conservation efforts, Nyungwe National Park is a singular ecological gem. Its natural beauty and adventurous activities make it a must-visit location for travellers who want to see one of Africa’s most unspoiled landscapes.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park.

In Nyungwe National Park, chimpanzee trekking is one of the best wildlife experiences in Rwanda. A rare chance for visitors to witness chimpanzee troops in the wild is provided. For those who enjoy the outdoors, tracking chimpanzees is an exciting experience that allows them to get up close and personal with one of our closest animal relatives.

chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National park

Only two groups of chimps—the Cyamudongo and Uwinka groups—are used to tracking. It may take two to six hours to follow the chimps, depending on their movements and where they are in the park.

What To Expect

Timing: Treks usually begin early; visitors must arrive at one of the ranger stations (Uwinka, Gisakura, or Kitabi) by 4:30 AM for a briefing before entering the forest at 5:00 AM.

Physical Demands: Because chimpanzees are extremely active and frequently wander into dense forest areas, the exercise is physically exhausting. It is important for visitors to be ready for difficult terrain.

Guided Experience: The tracking is led by knowledgeable park personnel, who frequently use trackers to find the chimps before the group leaves, improving the likelihood of seeing them.

Behavior Observation: Once located, tourists can watch the chimps for almost an hour, taking in their social activities like feeding, playing, and grooming. Their actions frequently reflect social dynamics in humans.

Costs and Regulations

Permit Fees: The Rwanda Development Board or authorised tour companies such as Africa Reveal Safaris can provide chimpanzee trekking permits, which cost $100 per person per hike.

Age Requirement: The minimum age for participants is 15 years.

Best Time for Tracking

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is possible all year round, although it’s best done in the rainy season when there are plenty of food supplies and the chimps are closer to the routes. They might, however, go farther into the forest to get food during dry seasons.

Nyungwe Forest National Park Canopy Walkway.

The first canopy walkway in East Africa is located in Nyungwe Forest National Park; it is 70 meters above the ground and 1 kilometre long. This walkway is a well-liked tourist destination that offers breathtaking views of the forest canopy.

The canopy walkway is one of the longest and highest in Africa, measuring about 160 meters in length and hanging 60 to 70 meters above the forest floor. It is divided into multiple pieces, the longest of which is about 90 meters long.

Experience

Access: The Igishigishigi route, which is roughly 2.1 kilometres long, leads to the boardwalk. Before setting out on the trek, tourists are given a briefing at the Uwinka Visitor Centre, where the hike to the canopy starts. Every canopy walk experience has a guide, which improves the visit’s educational value and guarantees safety. Tours without a guide are not allowed.

Duration: The entire experience, including the hike to the walkway and time spent on it, typically lasts about 2 hours.

Wildlife Viewing: Visitors can see a variety of wildlife species that live in the treetops while strolling on the canopy, including colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys, as well as a wide variety of birds.

Cost

Foreign residents pay about $20, while visitors from other countries pay about $40. Both park entrance and guide service are included in this cost.
Children and local residents may be subject to additional expenses.

The minimum age for participation is 6 years, and an adult must accompany children.

Book Your Nyungwe & Gorilla Safari Adventure Today!

Allow us to take you on a remarkable adventure through the most breathtaking areas of Rwanda’s wilderness. Our personalised safari tours provide flexibility for both experienced tourists and those who are unfamiliar with Africa’s natural attractions. To start organising your safari to Nyungwe Forest National Park, which offers the ideal fusion of gorilla encounters, chimpanzee trekking, and Rwanda’s other fascinating attractions, get in touch with Africa Reveal Safaris right now.

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Choose any kind of activity at Nyungwe National Park and have the greatest kind of an ancient African tropical rainforest.

PLAN A TRIP TO NYUNGWE FOREST

Top Tour Packages in Nyungwe Forest National Park

3 Days Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

3 Days Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Safari brings you the magical experience of trekking Chimpanzees in their home the Nyungwe Forest. Have a magical canopy walk or the Isumo waterfall walk. Drive through the city of Rwanda – Kigali and feel its magical nature. Learn More

14 Days Rwanda Safari Tour

14 Days Rwanda Safari Tour specifically includes the most important and well-known national parks of Rwanda: Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Lake Kivu. Learn More

14 Days Rwanda Wildlife safari

14 Days Rwanda Wildlife safari, explore the beauty of Rwanda in nature, Gorillas, chimpanzees, and wildlife adventure. Experience the beauty of hanging out with rare earthly creatures and amazing people of historical Rwanda. After the dark days of the Rwanda Genocide in 1994, a lot of things changed back to normal. All national parks were renowned and it’s amongst the beautiful places one wouldn’t miss to consider for a vacation. Learn More

8 Days Rwanda Primates Safari

This 8 Days Rwanda Primates Safari Tour specifically includes the most important and well known Forested national parks of Rwanda: Nyungwe Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Learn More

Hiking Trails in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe provides hiking routes in Rwanda that range in length from small strolls to full-day excursions, including more than 130 kilometres of pathways. Trails travel through a variety of environments, such as vistas and waterfalls. Based on where they start, they are divided into three major groups: those that start at Gisakura, those that start between Kitabi and Uwinka, and those that start from Uwinka. Among Nyungwe’s notable nature hiking routes are:

Igishigishigi Trail (2.1 km, 1.5 hours, Easy): With views of huge tree ferns, monkeys, and a variety of plants, this well-traveled trail leads to the canopy deck. It is appropriate for first-time hikers.

Bigugu Trail (13.2 km, 6 hours, Difficult): The highest point in Nyungwe, Bigugu Peak, is reached by this strenuous trek. The rewards for hikers include expansive vistas of the surrounding terrain.

Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail (6 km, 3–4 hours, Moderate to Difficult): This trail traverses a caldera depression, offering sightings of water birds and unique swamp vegetation. It is challenging and not recommended for beginners.

Congo-Nile Divide Trail (42 km-multi-day hike, 3–4 days, Difficult): This long trail runs along the divide between the Nile and Congo river basins, providing stunning views and opportunities for camping.

Rukuzi Trail (9 km-one way, 5 hours, Difficult): Known for chimpanzee sightings, this trail offers breathtaking views of Lake Kivu and is often used for chimp trekking.

Ngabwe Trail (4.7 km, 3 hours, Moderate): This scenic trail leads to Mount Ngabwe and is excellent for birdwatching, with chances to see various primate species along the way.

Umuyove Trail (5.5 km, 2–3 hours, Easy to Moderate): A shorter hike that features waterfalls and diverse plant life, making it suitable for families.

Fees

Permits and Fees: Depending on the trail, hiking permits typically cost $50 to $60 per person.

Guided Tours: All hikes must be conducted with a park guide for safety and educational purposes.

Best Times to Hike

January, February, June, July, August, September, and December are often the ideal months to hike in Nyungwe Forest because the trails are less muddy during these months. Trails may get slick during the rainy season (March–April and October–November), although birdwatching is at its best at this time.

African paradise flycatcher

Nyungwe Forest National Park Birdwatching

Given that Nyungwe National Park is one of Rwanda’s most significant birding hotspots, birdwatching there is a top activity for lovers. Both first-time and experienced birders will have an amazing time on its well-established trails and distinctive biodiversity.

Nyungwe National Park has a rich environment for avian life, with over 322 bird species known to exist there. Among these, 29 species—including birds that are unique to the Albertine Rift—are endemic.

Some prominent birds birders can spot include:

Great Blue Turaco: A striking bird known for its vibrant colors.

Rwenzori Turaco: Another colorful resident, often seen gliding through the trees.

Albertine Owlet: A rare sight, endemic to the region.

Red-throated Alethe and Handsome Francolin: Both are favorites among birdwatchers.

Other notable species include the Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Batis, and Dusky Crimsonwing.

Best Birdwatching Trails

Birdwatching is conducted along several well-maintained trails within Nyungwe Forest National Park, including:

Karambi Trail
Bigugu Trail
Gisakura Trail
Kamiranzovu Trail

These trails provide access to various habitats, increasing the likelihood of spotting diverse species.

Planning Your Birding Trip

Best Seasons: Although Nyungwe offers great birdwatching all year round, the wet seasons (March to May and September to November) are the greatest times to go. Food becomes more readily available throughout these months, drawing a range of migrating species and improving visibility.

Morning and Evening: Because birds are more active in the early morning and late afternoon, these are usually the best times to go birdwatching.

Expert Guides: Typically, knowledgeable guides who can assist with species identification and offer insights into their behaviours lead birdwatching tours. This is especially helpful in places with dense forests where it can be difficult to see birds.

Costs: Birding tours generally cost around $50 for foreign non-residents, with discounts available for longer stays

How To Get There

By Road From Kigali

Rwanda’s main city of Kigali is around 226 kilometres (140 miles) away from Nyungwe National Park. Depending on traffic and road conditions, the travel usually takes five to seven hours.

Travelling southwest, the route passes through picturesque cities like Huye and Nyanza as well as undulating hills. It’s enjoyable to drive on the well-kept, largely tarmac roads.

From Nyungwe to Volcanoes

It is roughly 200 kilometres (124 miles) from Nyungwe National Park to Volcanoes National Park. By car, the trip usually takes five to six hours.

The most popular route is via the cities of Nyanza and Huye, which provide picturesque views of tea plantations and undulating hills. Travel the RN6 road to Ruhengeri, travelling through picturesque scenery and perhaps making a stop at sites like:

Nyanza King’s Palace: A historical landmark showcasing Rwandan culture.

National Museum of Rwanda in Butare: Offers insights into Rwandan history and culture.

By Air

Helicopter Flights: Helicopter trips from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park are an expedient choice. The flight provides breathtaking aerial views of the area and lasts approximately forty-five minutes. These services are offered by Akagera Aviation, which may land right at the park lodges.

Domestic Flights: Another option is to fly to Kamembe International Airport, which is roughly 40 kilometres from Nyungwe. RwandaAir offers several weekly flights between Kamembe and Kigali. You can make arrangements for transportation to the park from the airport.

Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda Accommodation

The top five lodging choices in and near Nyungwe National Park, which range from luxurious to budget-friendly stays, are as follows:

Only Nyungwe House: This luxurious all-inclusive resort offers dining options, guided treks, an outdoor pool, and woodsy-chic accommodations. It provides breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and is situated on a tea plantation.

Kitabi Eco-Center: Being near nature, this eco-friendly lodging offers a more rustic atmosphere. It provides cosy accommodations and is the best choice for individuals on a tight budget.

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel: The hotel offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including verdant tea plantations and the thick forest canopy, from its hilltop location in the Nyungwe district.

Gisakura Guesthouse: This lodging facility, which is only two km from the park entrance, is perfect for low-budget tourists seeking simple conveniences among natural attractions like canopy treks and monkey tracking.

Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge: This eco-friendly ecolodge, which is close to the park entrance, provides cosy lodgings with an emphasis on ecotourism.

Explore Nyungwe With Africa Reveal Safaris!

Africa Reveal Safaris has years of experience creating distinctive African safari experiences and is committed to making your trip to Rwanda smooth, rewarding, and remarkable. Our knowledgeable local guides are enthusiastic about imparting their knowledge, offering insights that help unravel the secrets of the forest. Our staff makes sure you enjoy every moment with comfort and peace of mind, whether you’re tracking chimpanzees through Nyungwe’s deep canopy or getting up close and personal with a mountain gorilla.

PLAN A TRIP TO NYUNGWE FOREST

Top Tour Packages in Nyungwe Forest National Park

3 Days Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

14 Days Rwanda Safari Tour

14 Days Rwanda Wildlife safari

8 Days Rwanda Primates Safari