Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest N/Park is found near Rusizi and Lake Kivu, in proximity to Burundi and D.R. Congo. The park sits in Cyangugu town and it was established in 2004 making it one of the newly created Rwanda safari parks. It began as a Forest Reserve in 1903 before becoming a National Park in Rwanda.

Nyungwe National Park extends covering a surface area of 970sq.km. The park largely consists of montane forest, sub-alpine vegetation, bamboo, and over 1060 plant species plus trees. These range in their varying altitudes. Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park one of the untapped African safari destinations and a biodiverse paradise of its own.

Wildlife of Nyungwe Forest- Rwanda safari

Nyungwe Forest National Park boasts of its natural endowments. The park has 13 primate species -these are part of the estimated 75 mammal species that live here. The primates most likely to see on Rwanda safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park are: the chimpanzees (500 of them live here), 400 colobus monkeys, rare owl-faced monkeys;

Grey-cheeked mangabeys, silver monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, Rwenzori colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, pottos, bush babies, etc. Other mammals to see in Nyungwe Forest include tree hyrax, African civets, side-stripped jackals, duikers, genet cats, and others.

Birds -Nyungwe National Park

A total of 310 bird species makes Nyungwe National Park one of the best birding sites to visit on Rwanda safaris. The birds to expect to sight in this important birding area include olive, Elliot’s woodpeckers, Rwenzori turacos, white-headed wood hoopoe, Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori batis, ross’s turacos, red-throated alethe, white-tailed flycatcher, purple breasted sunbird, red collared mountain babblers, handsome francolins, etc.

Top Safari Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee tracking/trekking

Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the favorite chimpanzee trekking locations in Africa. Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Nyungwe are a lifetime opportunity to meet chimpanzees in their natural environment. The park has 2 habituated chimpanzee communities located in Uwinka and Cyangugu sectors.

Amazingly, tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe also allows you to encounter other important primates. Tourists can visit Nyungwe National Park and track chimpanzees in the morning or in the afternoon. This is possible with Premium Africa Safaris while on our signature 3 days Nyungwe Forest safari.

Colobus/monkey trekking

Abundant monkeys to encounter during colobus monkey trekking are countless. A total of 400 colobus monkeys live in Nyungwe Forest National Park alone and other monkey species. These include Dent’s Mona monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, etc.

There are 4 trails each leading tourists to where diverse primates live in Nyungwe National Park. They include Bigugu trail taking nature walkers up to Mt. Bigugu, the Kamiranzovu trail, Uwinka campsite trail and waterfall trail.

Hiking

Trekking opportunities in and around Nyungwe National Park are abundant. The trails to begin your hike include the Bigugu trail 7kms to an altitude of 2950m, Izumo waterfall 10.6kms, Karama trail, Ngabwe trail, Congo Nile divide trail, Igishigishigi trail, Rukuzi, Irebero, and others.

Canopy walks

The canopy walk is an iconic experience in Nyungwe National Park. It is a unique experience in the entire East Africa and visitors conquer the long-suspended bridge 60m from the floor. It is one of the best activities that allow you to enjoy the sight of the park’s forest birds, the plants/trees, and more.

Birding

Birding in Nyungwe is a great opportunity to look out for some of its 310 bird species inclusive of 27 Albertine rift endemic species and several forest species. Nyungwe is a significant birding site to identify birds such as the yellow-eyed black fly, Mountain sooty boubou, Doherty’s bush shrikes, Chapin’s flycatchers, Rwenzori turacos, yellow-eyed black flycatchers, white-tailed flycatchers, lagden’s bush shrike, etc.

Other exciting activities to do while on Rwanda safaris in Nyungwe include cultural visits, camping, and biking via the Congo Nile divide trail.

Best time to tour Nyungwe National Park

Visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park on a Rwanda safari is possible at any time of the year. However, the drier months are the best for chimpanzee tracking Nyungwe Forest or canopy walking. Nyungwe Forest records its dry spell around June to August/December to February.

Where to stay – Nyungwe National Park

A variety of accommodation choices exists in and around Nyungwe Forest National Park – budget, midrange, and luxury. The luxury choices to book include One & Only Nyungwe House and midrange include Nyungwe Nziza Eco-Lodge, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, and Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.

Getting to Nyungwe – Rwanda safari

Getting to Nyungwe National Park is very possible by road or air: By road, the park is just 6 hours drive away from the center of Kigali capital. Drive via the Muhanga-Huye-Nyamagabe route or fly up to Kamembe Airport and then transfer to your lodge in Nyungwe Forest National Park.