Trekking Nyungwe Forests
Trekking Nyungwe Forests, this is an unexplainable feeling in trekking the chimpanzees within Nyungwe Forest National Park cannot be captured in words. At the break of dawn (at 5:00 am to be precise) 6 trekkers venture into the lush rainforest to have a glimpse of the great apes as they start their activity-filled day. This forest is also a wonderful place to be when the silence of the forest seems to last forever. Trekking the Nyungwe forest is a hectic activity lasting between 30 minutes and 3 hours but the iconic and inherently photogenic moment with the chimpanzees will make you forget the hustle you went through in finding them. Two communities of habituated chimpanzees live amongst the verdant Tropical rainforest, making it a perfect destination for unforgettable chimpanzee encounters. Book Now
Nyungwe Forest National Park is the only place in East Africa to enjoy the Canopy walk. Trekking Nyungwe Forest is one of the few places where the outstanding canopy walk is conducted and in East Africa is the only place. Being on the canopy walk feels like being on top of the World, given the fact that the eagle eye experience from the treetop are magnificent and rewards tourists with the jaw-dropping and delightful diversity of wildlife, bird, and tree species. Expect to see the Rwenzori Colobus monkeys, Vervet monkeys, L’Hoests monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and bird species such as the Rwenzori batis, handsome francolins, strange weavers, and many others during the 2-hour canopy walk on the 200 meters long trail that is 50 meters above the forest floor.
Hiking through the verdant forest in Nyungwe is the largest remaining tract of verdant montane rainforest in East and Central Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park reward tourists with an exceptional allure of being one of the few places to hike through a typical forest. An enriching hike through the lush Nyungwe Forest would involve encountering breathtaking waterfalls, unique tree species, various species of birds including the Albertine Rift endemics, wildlife species some of which are primates, and many others. The second-largest National Park in Rwanda (the largest being Akagera National Park) is a spectacular work of art by Mother Nature that can be best explored through hiking through the forest. With over 15 hiking trails such as the popular Igishigishigi trail, Bigugu, Izumo waterfall trail, and Kamiranzovu wetland trail among others, you can never run out of options for hiking through this verdant forest. The most interesting thing is that each of these trails offers an extraordinary experience with varying attractions.
Trekking Nyungwe Forest a massive birdlife-rich forest in the southwest of Rwanda. It is home to over 300 species of birds including the Albertine Rift endemic species such as the handsome francolin, Rwenzori batis, and others. Other species such as the Great blue Turaco, Collared Apalis, Regal sunbirds, Red-throated Alethe, Paradise flycatcher, and Rockefeller’s sunbirds are also a must-see.
How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is approximately 200 kilometers drive from Kigali City and takes about 5 hours to drive on tarmac and murram roads winding through the vast lush tea estates as well as a roadside Parade of various primate species to get to the south-western side of Rwanda where this magnificent Park is found. However, you can also access the Park through air and water transport. Flights from Kigali to Kamembe last about 30-45 minutes.
