Nyungwe forest national park

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is situated in the southwestern part of Rwanda covered with a natural rainforest which is habitat to a rich biodiversity. The park covers an area of 1000 sq km making it one of the most beautiful untouched mountain rainforests as well as one of the few that survived the Ice Age.

Wildlife in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe is popularly known as the home of over 10 primate species as well as the best place to track Chimpanzees in Rwanda and see several others including a habituated troop of 400 Ruwenzori Black and White Colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys as well as the owl-faced monkeys among others. There are over 70 mammal species living here and more than 300 bird species among which are 16 endemic species.

What to do in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee Tracking

Nyungwe is home to over 400 chimpanzees and it’s the best place to enjoy a Chimpanzee tracking safari during which you will have a chance meet these chimps commonly referred to as man’s closest living cousins. Chimpanzees share 98% of the DNA so getting a chance to meet them will be very extra-ordinary as you will see them imitate man in all aspects including feeding, moving and taking care of one another. The tracking begins early morning and its guided by the knowledgeable park guides and ranger.     

Other Primate Watching Safaris

With a record of more than 10 primate species, during our exciting Primate watching Safaris you will get a chance to see them including the habituated black and white Colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and the owl-faced monkeys among several others

 Bird Watching Trips

Nyungwe Park is home to over 305 bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemic species. Because of the thick tree cover, bird spotting is somewhat challenging, however one thing you won’t fail to notice will be the melodiously singing birds u in the tree canopy. Each of our bird tours is guided by our knowledgeable guides who will lead you across the forest trails and detail you of the rich birdlife living here.

 Canopy Walkway

This is the only place you will be able to enjoy a canopy walk across East Africa and it offers tourists to this park a unique perspective of the wildlife living here. It hangs sixty (60) meters above the floor of the forest between gigantic trees. This walk is part of a specialized guided tour during which you will have a chance to see the beautiful gifts of nature and wildlife found in Nyungwe. This all year round Canopy Walkway Tour costs $U.S 60 per person and can only be done by people over six (6) years of age.

Hiking Trails

There are a number of trails available within this forest both for novices and experienced hikers. During these hikes you will explore the rich biodiversity that this park prides including the different tree species, butterflies, moths, and birds.

Below are the various trials available within this park.

  1. The Congo-Nile Divide Trail

During this trail you will encounter rivers, explore yje rainforest, bamboo forest and bracken fields. This is the most famous and commonly explored trail.

  1. Igishigishigi Trail

This is very ideal for novice hikers as it covers only a 2.1 kilometer distance with commanding views of the much loved canopy trail as well as wild flowers.

  1. Karamba Trail

This offers a relatively easy hike and takes you to the former gold-mine, market as well as army camp.

Other trails include:

  1. Umugote Trail
  2. Umoyove Trail
  3. Uwinka Trail
  4. Irebero Trail
  5. Imbaraga Trail
  6. Bigugu Trail
  7. Isumo Trail
  8. Kamiranzovu Trail
  9. Muzimu Trail
  10. Ngabwe Trail
  11. Rukuzi Trail