Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park covers an area of 1,019 square kilometers. It is bordered by Kibira National Park in the south and Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Nyungwe Forest National Park is considered one of the oldest national parks in Africa with abundant wildlife. Most of the park’s land is covered with swamps, bogs, grassland, rain forest, and bamboo. This national park was established in 2004 and in September 2023 was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The park boasts of more than 300 bird species, of which 30 are Albertine endemics; 13 primate species; 85 mammal species; over 1,068 plant species; 38 reptile species; and 32 amphibians.
Things to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Tracking
Nyungwe Forest National Park is known as home to 13 primate species, and this is the best park in Rwanda to see primates in large numbers. This activity always begins with a briefing in the morning, and later they set out to the forest in search of these primates. It is a delightful moment seeing these animals jump from one tree to another, nursing and grooming young ones as well as looking for food. Acrobatic chimpanzees are most likely to be seen.
Bird Watching
The national park boasts of over 300 bird species, hence making it a hub for bird lovers. With the help of an experienced guide, you set off to the forest and are expectant to see notable birds like the Dusky Crimsonwing, Regal Sunbird, Kungwe Apalis, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Albertine Owlet, Stripe-breasted Tit, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, and Handsome Spurfowl, among others. Tourists interested in this activity are therefore advised to carry with them good binoculars and cameras for taking the best photographs.
Canopy walk
This is one of the major tourist activities you should not miss on your visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is conducted on a suspended bridge 70 meters high in the forest on a 160-meter guided walk, which takes about 2 hours. This canopy walk is carried out at different times of the day, that is, 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm, and always starts from Uwinka Reception, where the headquarters of the park are located. During this walk, tourists are provided with opportunities to see different primates, for example, monkeys that swing from one tree to another, birds, reptiles, and other insects. It is also a better way of taking clear photographs of this rain forest.
Colobus Monkey Tracking
There are groups of colobus monkeys that have been trained for tracking and can be accessed by tourists. Before entering the forest to track these primates, you get a briefing from the ranger guides on the rules and regulations. Later set off to the forest, and once you come face to face with them, you will be allowed only one hour with them as you get to see how they live day by day. A hike to one of the 13 hiking trails leads you to one of these groups.
Hiking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park has 13 hiking trails, and any of the trails taken leads you to the park’s attractions. The 1-8 hour hike leads you to different primates, birds, and plant species. Primates such as the L’Hoest monkey, blue monkey, golden monkey, vervet monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboon, red-tailed monkey, and Mona monkey, among others, can be seen during the hike. Create memories with us by booking with us your tour to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Adventure awaits.