Dry season Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
What are the dry season activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a question that excites every nature lover planning a safari in the park. This blog will elaborate more on the dry season activities in Nyungwe that run from June to September and from December to February. This is the best time to explore the wonders of the forest, and it is the most loved season by travelers, characterised by little to no rainfall. The trails are less muddy and less slippery, making it easy to walk in the forest.
The park is situated in the southwestern region of Rwanda, renowned for its breathtaking views of the tropical rainforest and rich biodiversity. Nyungwe hosts over 120 butterfly species, 310 bird species, 13 primate species, 120 orchid species, and various tree and plant species that contribute to the various activities that the park offers. Whether it’s birdwatching, chimpanzee trekking, nature walk, colobus monkey tracking, or enjoying the only canopy walk experience in the park, which provides a unique perspective of the forest. All dry season activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park are rewarding and worth it!
Dry season Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Canopy Walk Experience.
A canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest is one of the best activities that the park offers; it gives an opportunity to observe the park from above on a suspended metallic bridge of 160m long and 70m above the ground. This is a guided activity led by an experienced park guide who gives more insights about the wildlife species that you may encounter. It provides breathtaking views of the tropical rainforest and its neighbours, Lake Kivu and the tea plantations above the tree canopies, creating a unique experience that can only be found in Nyungwe in the whole of East Africa. The minimum age for participating is 6 years. If you fear heights, we advise you to do other activities in the park.
Chimpanzee Trekking.
This is among the best dry season activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park, which attracts primate lovers to come up close to these playful chimpanzees. Nyungwe has over 500 chimpanzees with two habituated groups, Uwinka and Cyamudongo, fully accustomed to human presence, making it the best place to see chimpanzees in Rwanda. The trek is led by a well-informed park guide who gives more information about other wildlife species that you encounter while searching for chimps. Trekking takes about 2 to 6 hours, depending on the movements of the chimpanzees as they keep on moving from place to place looking for food. Once located, visitors spend one hour with them observing their behaviours and learning more about them, which is an amazing experience and a must-do activity on your safari to Nyungwe National Park.
Bird Watching.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a birder’s haven as the park hosts over 310 bird species, including 29 bird species which are Albertine Rift endemics, and can only be found in this beautiful park. Whether you are an experienced birder or a beginner, the park caters to all levels of birding. The park has well -constructed birding trails which cater to all levels of fitness, from easy to challenging, all providing a unique and unforgettable bird watching safari in Nyungwe. Bird species to spot on your bird watching safari include the rare Albertine Owlet, majestic great Blue Turaco, Neumann’s Warbler, Red-throated Alethe, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Golden-crowned Woodpecker, Ashy Flycatcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, Holub’s Golden Weaver, Black-necked Weaver, Stranger Weaver, Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Dusky Twinspot, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Grauer’s Broadbill, Mountain Masked Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Dwarf Honeyguide, Archer’s Robin Chat, Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Hill Babbler, the rare Ruwenzori Turaco, Bar-tailed Trogon, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Snowy-headed Robin-chat, Vieillot’s Black Weaver, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, and Sharpe’s Starling.
Colobus Monkey Tracking.
Colobus Monkey Tracking is among the dry season activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is the best place in Africa to see Primates. This gives monkey lovers a chance to come up close to these playful creatures. Colobus monkeys live in groups of up to 400 individuals, and they are more active and playful than chimpanzees. The trek takes between 2- 4 hours, depending on their movement as they keep moving from one place to another in search of food. The search involves hiking on steep slopes; participants should assess their level of fitness. Once monkeys are located, visitors are given one hour to observe and learn more about their behaviors. This is an exciting opportunity that monkey lovers shouldn’t miss on their safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nature Walk.
Nyungwe National Park offers nature walks, which are the best way to explore the park on foot and to embrace the beautiful scenery of the tropical rainforest. This is a guided activity led by an armed park guide who provides protection and gives important about the wildlife species that you might find on a walk. This allows visitors to connect with nature and rejuvenate their souls through the peaceful sounds of nature. If you are a nature enthusiast, a peaceful nature walk in the tropical rainforest must be added to your bucket list.
