Top Activities to Do in Nyungwe than Chimpanzee Trekking
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the famous Primate destinations in Rwanda offering unique primate experiences, especially chimpanzee trekking, birding, nature walks, and canopy walks, among others. The park is located in the southwestern part of the country bordering Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo near Lake Kivu. Top activities to do in Nyungwe than Chimpanzee Trekking include canopy walks, nature walks, bird watching, visiting tea plantations, and waterfalls viewing. With 13 primate species, Nyungwe National Park is great for observing wildlife, much like Uganda’s Kibale National Park. The park is home to Rwenzori and Angola Colobus monkeys, with around 400 semi-habituated Angeles Colobus present.
Places to see chimpanzees in Rwanda
Our closest relatives, chimpanzees, are highly intelligent animals that may survive in captivity for up to 60 years. They are mostly found in three locations in Rwanda: Gishwati Mukura National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Cyamudongo Forest. With more than 400 chimps, Nyungwe National Park is home to two largely habituated tribes and the largest chimp population. While some chimps reside in Cyamudongo Forest (30), the majority of them are found in Nyungwe Forest (60). These parks are home to 13 additional species of primates.
Although chimpanzee tracking is the most popular activity in Nyungwe forest, visitors can also take part in tracking smaller primates, canopy walks, nature walks, bird watching, visiting the tea plantations, and visiting one of the waterfalls. It may now be possible to do the chimpanzee habituation experience in Rwanda too. Spotting other primates, Nyungwe National Park is one of the best places to spot primates in Africa. With 13 species, this can be compared to Kibale National Park in Uganda. The most sought-after species after the chimpanzees are the Rwenzori and Angola Colobus. The Angola Colobus Monkey is now extinct in Angola itself. About 400 Angola Colobus are semi-habituated in the park. Golden Monkeys are also present in the forest though not habituated.
Top Activities to do in Nyungwe National Park
Bird watching
Nyungwe National Park is one of the best places for birdwatching in Rwanda and bird watching is among the top activities to do in Nyungwe than Chimpanzee Trekking. Nyungwe Forest is home to over 300 species of birds of which about 26 are endemic to the Albertine rift. Apart from the species already mentioned earlier, one can also spot the Apalis argentea, Archer’s Robin-chat, Dusky Crimson Wing, Grauer’s Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Kungwe Apalis, Large blue Turaco, Ruwenzori Apalis, Ruwenzori Batis, Ruwenzori Nightjar, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Neumann’s Warbler and Sunbirds. Bird watching begins right from the window of your hotel room and while tracking the primates or going for the canopy walk.
Canopy Walks
This is one the top activities to do in Nyungwe than Chimpanzee Trekking, the best way to explore this thick and ancient forest is to use the Canopy Walkway. It is the only one in East Africa as I write this article The 60-meter-high strong steel bridge is built on the tree tops to give tourists an aerial view of the birds, primates, and endless forest. There are viewing points/decks along the walkway which offers one opportunity to rest as they marvel at the amazing scenery and wildlife. The activity starts from the visitor center in Uwinka and takes about 2 hours. A tour through the Canopy Walkway costs 60 US Dollars per person.
Cultural and Community Visit
The people of Rwanda have a unique culture and there are countless opportunities to experience it while on a tour of the Nyungwe forest. The best place to start is to visit places like the Kitabi Cultural Village or Banda Community Village. You can also attend performances by the Cyamudongo cultural troupe or friends of Nyungwe. All these groups showcase the rich culture of the people of Rwanda through dance, drama, and storytelling. There are always opportunities to buy souvenirs (local crafts and art pieces).
Hiking and Nature walks
There are different trails for forest hikes in Nyungwe National Park. If one is to complete all the trails, they would have walked for about 130 kilometers. To complete all the trails, one would need about a week. The main trails are the Bigugu Trial, Ngabwe Trail, Canopy trail, Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail, Congo Nile Trail, Bigugu Trail, Igishigishigi Trail, Karamba Birding Trail, Irebero Trail, Isumo waterfall Trail, Imbaraga Trail, Umugote Trail, Muzimu Trail, Rukuzi Trail and Umuyove Trail. The most popular trails are Bigugu and Igishigishigi. You need to be fit enough to enjoy your nature walk because the terrain is unpredictable. One thing for sure it that by the time you complete these trails, you will have seen most of the primates, birds, butterflies, rivers, insects, and much more.
Visiting the Gisakura Tea Plantation
This activity can be done in the evening or after completing your other activities in the park. It is suitable for tea enthusiasts and those who appreciate the beauty of nature. One can visit the processing plants or go directly to the plantation and learn how tea is grown, harvested, and processed. You may even be offered an opportunity to join in picking tea and putting it into a basket. The area around the estates has amazing scenery of the forest and Mount Bigugu on the horizon.
Mountain Climbing
Climbing Mount Bigugu, Mount Bigugu is found within the Nyungwe forest. It is 2950 meters above sea level. The peak offers stunning views of the vast forest and distant Virunga mountains/volcanoes such as Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Muhabura.
What Is the Best Time to See Chimpanzee in Rwanda
Chimpanzee trekking in the Nyungwe forest is carried out throughout the year. However, the best time for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is during the rainy. During this time, there is plenty of food in the forest which limits the movement of the chimps. During the dry season, the chimps go deep in the vast forest in search of fruits hence making it more difficult to track them. The dry season is ideal for those who are interested in the canopy and nature walks.
Accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Travelers to Nyungwe National Park have several accommodation facilities to choose from. The facilities come in the form of budget, mid-range, luxury, and super-luxury hotels. The Luxury hotels offer very high-quality services that are comparable to any in East Africa. Some of the hotels include Gisakura Guest House, Inzozi Beach Hotel, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Nyungwe Top Hill Hotel the super luxury Nyungwe House.
In Conclusion, for those seeking a meaningful and impactful travel experience, Nyungwe’s chimpanzee trekking stands out as an exceptional choice, combining adventure with a vital contribution to environmental preservation hence just get ready for the Nyungwe experience.
