Safari Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Are you planning a safari in Nyungwe and searching for activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park? Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Rwanda, attracting thousands of visitors from around the globe with its diverse tourist attractions. The park covers an area of approximately 1,019 square kilometers and is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It is home to over 120 species of butterflies, 1,067 plant species (including 120 species of orchids), 13 species of primates, 322 bird species (including Albertine Rift endemics), and 86 species of mammals.
This ancient tropical rainforest offers a variety of activities for visitors, including chimpanzee trekking, a canopy walk that is unique in East Africa and provides breathtaking views of the forest, monkey tracking, bird watching, butterfly safaris, and nature walks. These experiences make Nyungwe one of the top tourist destinations in Rwanda. If you want to connect with nature and enjoy the stunning vistas of a tropical rainforest, Nyungwe Forest National Park is the ideal place to visit in Rwanda, promising a memorable safari experience.
Safari Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Canopy Walk Experience.
The canopy walk is one of the most adventurous and exciting activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This walkway stretches 160 meters long and stands 70 meters above the forest floor, making it an exhilarating experience not suited for those with a fear of heights. If you are afraid of heights, we recommend trying other activities in the park.
The canopy walkway offers a panoramic view of the forest canopy, allowing visitors to explore Nyungwe National Park from above. From this vantage point, you can observe various wildlife, including bird species that inhabit the treetops, beautifully colored butterflies that enhance the forest’s charm, colobus monkeys swinging between branches, and blue monkeys. On lucky days, you may even spot chimpanzees playing among the trees.
The minimum age for this activity is 6 years, making it suitable for families. The canopy walk is a unique experience in East Africa, promising unforgettable memories that you won’t find anywhere else in the region.
Bird Watching-Safari Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Bird watching is one of the exciting safari activities available in Nyungwe Forest National Park, a premier birding destination in Rwanda. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy observing over 322 bird species that inhabit Nyungwe, including 29 species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Some notable bird species to spot during your birding safari include the Handsome Francolin, Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Dusky Twinspot, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Grauer’s Broadbill, Sharley’s Crimsonwing, Grey Parrot, Black Bee-eater, White-headed Woodhoopoe, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Ashy Flycatcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, Regal Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red-chested Cuckoo, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Albertine Owlet, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, African Emerald Cuckoo, Red-collared Babbler, Stripe-breasted Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, and Dusky Crimsonwing, among others. If you are planning a birding safari in Rwanda, be sure to add Nyungwe Forest National Park to your bucket list, as it offers unforgettable birding experiences.
Chimpanzee trekking.
Chimpanzee trekking is one of the best safari activities you can experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The trek begins early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations. Participants are divided into groups of eight, each led by a knowledgeable guide who offers insightful information about the park’s inhabitants. Nyungwe Forest is home to over 500 habituated chimpanzees, making it the second park in Africa with the highest number of chimpanzees, following Kibale National Park in Uganda. The trekking experience can last between two to six hours, depending on the chimpanzees’ movements as they search for food.
Once the chimpanzees are located, visitors have the opportunity to spend one hour observing them. This offers a unique chance to witness their behaviors, such as how they play, how mothers care for their young, and their feeding habits, creating a memorable experience for primate enthusiasts.
Forest Nature Walk-Safari Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The forest nature walk is a fantastic activity that allows visitors to explore the park on foot. The park features well-maintained nature walk trails suitable for all fitness levels, providing a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying breathtaking waterfalls and stunning views of the forest. During the walk, visitors can also observe a variety of bird species, butterflies, and monkeys, including Mona monkeys and red-tailed monkeys, among others.
