It’s one of the top primate destinations in Rwanda and Africa. Nyungwe forest is the oldest rain forest in Africa and is famous for hosting a total of 13 primate species which include chimpanzees, Vervet monkeys, Blue Monkeys, L’hoest Monkeys, Owl- faced Monkeys, Golden Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Red-tailed Monkeys, Crowned Monkey, Dent’s Mona Monkeys, Grey- checked Mangabeys, Angolan colobus Monkeys and Ruwenzori Colobus.
Nyungwe is located in the southwestern region of Rwanda bordering Lake Kivu, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park started in 2004 to promote tourism in Rwanda. Nyungwe Forest is the largest expanse of forest in Rwanda, covering 1,019 km2 of dense Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered, swamps, and bogs.
Nyungwe National Park is a place to experience chimpanzee trekking to view one of its semi-habituated troops. It is also a place of active adventure, with hiking and cycling trails, an exciting Canopy Walkway, and the enchanting Ndambarare and Kamiranozu waterfalls. Nyungwe is also a birder’s paradise with around 300 recorded species, 30 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift region.
Nyngwe National Park hosts about 75 mammal species, 120 butterflies, 12 amphibian species, 1068 plant species, 140 orchids, and so on. Nyungwe Forest acts as a water catchment area in Rwanda.
Things to do in Nyungwe National Park
Chimpanzee trekking
it’s one of the major tourist activities in Nyungwe Forest. Visit one of the semi-habituated chimpanzee troops and the activity starts as early as 6 am.
Bird watching
Over 300 species of birds are found here. In other words, Nyungwe is one of the Important Birding Areas in Rwanda. Guided birding starts in the morning and expect to view many birds like dusky crimson, Handsome francolin, Grauer’s warbler, Rwenzori apalis, Rwenzori batis, black and white cosqued hornbill among others.
Canopy walk tour
It’s a 50-meter-high bridge that was built on the tree tops and is the largest in East Africa. The canopy walk gives visitors the chance to explore Nyunge Forest and close views of birds, tree species canopies, and primates among others.
Nature walks/ hike
Nyungwe Forest National Park offers different hiking trails, including Isumo Waterfalls, Bigugu, Karamba, and so on. Each hiking trail offers a different experience and chances of viewing different tourist attractions. I, therefore, encourage tourists to give time to the hiking tours or stay move days for these amazing experiences.
Gisakura tea plantation tour
Offers chances to tour the Gisakura tea estate which is located at the edge of Nyungwe National Park. Learn how tea is processed, harvested, and so on.
Best time to visit Nyungwe National Park
Like other National Parks in Rwanda, visiting is done throughout the year but the dry season is the best. The dry season occurs from June to September and from December to February. For budget reasons, you can visit the park in the low season from September to November and from late March to May. During the low season, accommodation charges less, and the competition for primate permits/ trekking is low due to low turnovers.
How to reach Nyungwe National Park
You can reach the park by road or Air transport. You can fly from Kigali Airport to Kamembe Airport and then you drive to Nyungwe National Park.
By road, you can hire a car from tour operators for self-drive or hire a car with a driver (Customized trip) or you can use public transport from Nyabugogo bus station to Uwinka center and then hire a private car to the park.
Where to stay while in Nyungwe National Park
The visitor’s budget determines where to stay and the type of accommodation. High-end / Luxury accommodation offers luxurious services but is the most expensive, Mid-range/ deluxe offers mediocre services and is relatively cheaper while budget accommodation is the cheapest but offers budget services and some of them provide shared facilities like toilets, bathrooms, and some without self-contained rooms.
Some of the popular safari Lodges include Emeraude Kivu Resort, Nyungwe Hilltop View Hotel, Gisakura Guest House, Nyungwe Forest Lodge
