Top Activities to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Top Activities to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the most frequently visited national parks in Rwanda, located in the western region of the country. Covering an area of 1,019 square kilometers, the park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, which includes over 1,010 tree species, 13 primate species such as chimpanzees, blue monkeys, Mona monkeys, colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys, as well as 320 bird species. Among these birds, over 30 are endemics to the Albertine Rift, including the Regal Sunbird, Great Blue Turaco, Red-Collared Babbler, Albertine Owlet, Ruwenzori Turaco, and Dusky Crimsonwing. In addition, the park is home to 84 mammal species, 120 butterfly species, and 100 orchid species.
Visitors to Nyungwe Forest National Park can enjoy a variety of activities during their African safari, attracting tourists from around the globe. Some of the top activities include birdwatching, a canopy walk, chimpanzee tracking, nature walks, and night walking safaris. This makes Nyungwe the second most visited national park in Rwanda, after Volcanoes National Park.
Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking.
Chimpanzee trekking is one of the top activities to experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This guided adventure begins with a briefing on the rules and regulations of chimp trekking, followed by an introduction to your assigned guide, who will lead you in searching for the chimps. The trek involves hiking steep slopes, so it’s important to assess your fitness level before embarking on the journey. The duration of chimpanzee trekking can range from 45 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the movements of the chimps, as they are playful creatures that constantly move in search of food.
Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have the opportunity to spend one hour observing their behaviors in their natural habitat. This experience is truly memorable, and if you are planning a safari in Rwanda, chimpanzee trekking should definitely be on your bucket list.
Bird Watching in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a paradise for bird watchers, boasting over 320 bird species, including more than 30 species that are endemic to the Rift Valley. This park offers a unique bird-watching experience, with opportunities to search for rare species that can only be found here.
A knowledgeable guide will accompany you on your birding safari, providing valuable information about the birds you may encounter. Some of the notable species to look for include the Albertine Owlet, Archer’s Robin Chat, Dusky Crimson-wing Sunbird, rare Ruwenzori Turaco, Blue-headed Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, and the rare Red-collared Mountain Babbler.
Additionally, you might see the Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, African Green Pigeon, Olive Pigeon, Tambourine Dove, Grey Parrot, Black Bee-eater, White-headed Woodhoopoe, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Brown-capped Weaver, and Olive Thrush, among many others.
Canopy Walk.
A canopy walk is one of the top activities to enjoy in Nyungwe Forest National Park. It offers visitors the chance to observe the forest from above on a suspended bridge that is 160 meters long and 70 meters high. The walk begins at Uwinka Center, where visitors meet their guide. The guide provides insightful information about the walk and the park’s inhabitants that you may encounter along the way.
The canopy walk provides stunning viewpoints of the forest, Lake Kivu, and the surrounding plantations. During this experience, you may spot various bird species, butterflies, and, if you’re lucky, chimpanzees swinging from tree to tree, along with blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and mona monkeys, all of which call this park home.
Colobus Monkey tracking.
Tracking colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a fantastic way to observe the primates that inhabit the area. The park is home to over 13 species of primates, including mona monkeys, colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and vervet monkeys, among others. If you love monkeys, this activity offers an excellent opportunity to search for them and take as many pictures as you like.
There are two habituated colobus monkey groups that can be fully tracked: the Uwinka group and the Gisakura group. Regardless of which group you choose to track, you will have an incredible experience seeing colobus monkeys and other forest inhabitants in their natural habitat. This is a must-do activity for all monkey enthusiasts.
Nature Walk.
A nature walk is one of the best activities to enjoy in Nyungwe Forest National Park, as it allows visitors to explore the park on foot. The park features well-maintained trails designed for nature walks, catering to all fitness levels, from easy to challenging routes. This activity provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and appreciate the park’s stunning scenery. Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and primates such as blue monkeys, mona monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Additionally, the park is home to beautiful orchids and picturesque waterfalls. If you are a nature enthusiast, a nature walk in Nyungwe Forest should be on your bucket list for your African safari.
