Attractions in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Attractions in Nyungwe Forest National Park: Nyungwe Forest National Park is a wonderful option for visitors wanting to see some of Rwanda’s spectacular endemics. In this beautiful green forest, rushing streams, sun-starved valleys, tree-filled mountains, dappled savannahs and extensive swamps create a home for numerous species.
Nyungwe National Park is one of the few national parks in Rwanda with which African Parks has partnered. In 2020, building on a successful partnership with the Rwanda Development Board in Akagera National Park, African Parks was invited by the government to sign a 20-year agreement to partner in managing Nyungwe National Park.
Together, African Parks is working to restore and conserve the park’s biodiversity, support local communities and establish sustainable tourism to secure its long-term future. Today, Nyungwe National Park is becoming both an ecologically healthy and financially self-sustaining national park while fostering a strong sense of conservation ownership among neighboring communities.
Nyungwe National Forest National Park has incredibly high wildlife diversity and endemism, making it a priority for conservation. A quarter of all of Africa’s primates, 13 species, can be found here, including the Eastern chimpanzee and two Albertine Rift endemics, L’Hoest’s monkey (Cercopithecus l’hoesti) and Hamlyn’s monkey (Cercopithecus hamlyni).
The Rwenzori colobus has been observed in a single group of more than 400 individuals, the largest ever recorded of any primate on the continent. Nearly 1,100 species of plants have been recorded, of which 240 are trees and about 200 are orchids. This unique landscape allows for high levels of endemism among plants as well as animals, with more endemic species recorded here than any other forest in the region.
It is also a place of active adventure, with hiking and cycling trails; the exciting Canopy Walkway, one of Africa’s longest ziplines; 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.
Sadly, over the years, unsustainable levels of illegal resource use and hunting along with historical regional instability have resulted in the probable loss of several key species.
Other challenges facing the forest are diverse, from illegal extraction of minerals, fauna, and flora for commercial purposes to the invasion of exotic plants. The high density of people on the periphery of the park increases the risks of incidents of human-wildlife conflict and agricultural encroachment into the park.
While historically, Nyungwe’s rich fauna and flora were exposed to poaching, illegal mining and agricultural encroachment, today, the park is building ownership of conservation among the local communities and developing an ecologically healthy and financially self-sufficient asset.
Conservation management methods, from data collection, research and monitoring to camera trapping surveys, are all helping to deepen understanding of the park.
Wildlife in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest is home to about 75 different species of mammals, with most of these being small and/or nocturnal, making it difficult to see them.
Chimpanzees are the main attraction in Nyungwe Forest, with chimpanzee trekking happening daily early in the morning. The forest is home to troops of 300 colobus monkeys or more roaming in the trees, giving visitors to the forest another engaging activity.
These are Nyungwe Forest National Park’s 13 recorded primate species
- Chimpanzees,
- Silver monkey,
- Golden monkey,
- Owl-faced monkey/Hamlyn’s monkey
- Grey-cheeked mangabey,
- Red-tailed monkey,
- L’Hoest’s monkey,
- Vervet monkey,
- Olive baboon,
- Dent’s Mona Monkey
- Blue Monkey
- Rwenzori Colobus Monkeys
- Crowned Monkey
Birds in Nyungwe forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to about 300 species of birds with 16 endemics, 27 Albertine rift endemics, and 121 forest species. The bird species include the Chestnut Owlet, Olive and Elliot’s Woodpeckers, Great Blue and Ruwenzori Turacos, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, , Stripe-breasted Tit, the remarkable Red-collared Babbler, Archer’s Robin Chat, White-bellied Robin Chat, Doherty’s Bush-Shrike, Handsome Francolin Mountain Masked, Black-faced, Chapin’s Flycatchers, Purple-breasted and Regal Sun-birds, Chestnut-throated and Collared Apalis, Rwenzori Batis, Neumann’s Short-tailed Warbler, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, etc.
Activities In Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest is home to two wild chimp communities that are habituated for chimpanzee tourism. One of the groups is in the Cyamudongo section of Nyungwe forest and the other is around the Uwinka area of the forest. The forest is home to about 400 chimpanzees. While viewing chimpanzees is not guaranteed, you will enjoy learning about these creatures and their natural habitats from your guides.
You are expected to be at the briefing area as early as 5.00 am in the morning. This is because chimps are most likely to be seen early in the morning and they tend to move about, which requires one to be active as you follow after them. However, whether you view the chimps or not, the experience in the forest is rich as you watch other primates, butterflies, several trees and above all, the freshness of the air.
Birdwatching in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a high-altitude mountain forest ranging between 1600 and 2950 meters. The birds in Nyungwe Forest are mostly found in the trees, shrubs or the ground at the edges of the forest next to the tea plantations.
Some birds are shy and therefore more easily heard than seen, like many forest birds. Among the frequently sighted species are the Rwenzori Nightjar, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, the Handsome Francolin, Dwarf Honeyguide, Great Blue and Rwenzori Turaco, montane Double Collared Sun and the Red-throated Alethe. There are well-maintained trails that you will take while birding as well as trained bird guides that are based at the Nyungwe Forest.
Nature And Hiking Trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park has a steep landscape and extensive network of hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for hikers. The trails are different in length, ease of hiking and features; you are therefore advised to ask the ranger guides for advice on which trail to take according to the attractions you are seeking. The trails are through a diverse landscape and represent the most scenic way of exploring the forest. Below are some of the trails you can choose to take while hiking in the forest
The Congo–Nile divide trail is a 227 km trek for experienced hikers, which lasts several days to hike through. However, one can choose an option for a one-day hike of part of the section. The main attraction on this trail is the varied landscapes and communities along the route.
There are campsites where you will stay overnight but you do have to bring your own camping equipment. As for basic supplies, there are shops along the trail where you can purchase these.
The Igishigishigi trail covers a distance of 2 km with remarkable views of the Nyungwe forest canopy, beautiful wildflowers, occasional monkeys and several birds. The total time on this trail is between one and two hours depending on one’s interests. All participants must be at least six years of age and adults must accompany children.
The Karamba trail is a good birding spot in Nyungwe, which is flanked by numerous fern trees located on the former gold mine site, market and army camp.
The Umugote trail is great for primate viewing and bird watching in Nyungwe Forest with views of ridges, flowers, and butterflies. On a clear day you can see Kibira National Park in Burundi.
The Umoyove trail, also known as the Mahogany trail, takes you to the waterfall for a relaxed time as you stroll by the park’s tallest trees.
The Uwinka trail is a difficult hike but a beautiful place for bird watching.
Irebero Trail: This trail provides views of Lake Kivu and two of the highest peaks in Nyungwe National Park.
The Imbaraga trail is 10 km and geared towards experienced hikers. Hikers will have views of waterfalls, a refreshing sight after a long hike.
The Bigugu Trail provides views of the DR Congo and Lake Kivu as well as the islands. It takes you to the highest peak in Nyungwe Forest Park.
The Isumo Trail will get you to experience the beautiful tea fields—you can even plan to get involved in picking tea and follow through the entire process until it gets to your cup. You will also enjoy the view of the biggest waterfall in Nyungwe National Park.
The Kamiranzovu Trail brings you close to most of the waterfalls, wetland and swamps.
The Muzimu Trail takes you through eucalyptus and pine forests.
Ngabwe Trail leads to a lovely picnic and camping site
Rukuzi Trail takes you through chimpanzee spotting locations and village views
Canopy Walk in Nyungwe forest national park
The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest is along the Igishigishigi trail. The canopy walkway provides an exhilarating perspective on the ancient treetops and wildlife. The walkway is accessible as part of a specialized guided tour along the trail. The canopy walk hangs 70 meters above the forest floor between giant trees and towers and is about 160 meters long, which provides a stunning view of the park.
Cultural tours in Nyungwe forest national park
To complete your experience of Nyungwe Forest, add on your itinerary a visit to the community to engage in the rich Rwandan culture. The communities along the boundaries of this forest have co-existed with it and helped to some extent in its preservation after understanding its importance to Rwanda’s ecosystem. There have been efforts to launch community-based experiences to preserve the culture of Rwanda and offer the visitors a rich experience. Once at the village you can be part of activities such as a dance ceremony, banana beer production, bow-and-target shooting, traditional medicine making, maize grinding, etc.
How To Get to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Drive from Kigali City, the capital of Rwanda to Nyanza to Huye and finally to Nyungwe National Park. The drive takes approximately 6 hours depending on your stopovers. From Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe is about a 6–7-hour drive through Kibuye, while from Akagera National Park it is about a 7–8-hour drive through Kigali city.
Alternatively, you can fly using the services of Akagera Aviation.
