Exhilarating Adventures in Nyungwe Forest
Exhilarating adventures in Nyungwe Forest that you would love not to miss on your visit to Rwanda. The forest is by far one of Rwanda’s most scenic primate destinations, and for adventure seekers, it is one place to consider a must-visit. Located in the Southern Province of Rwanda, Nyungwe was founded as a park in 2004 and its area spreads covering 970sq.km. Its biodiversity comprising of 85 mammal species which include 13 primate species; 38 reptiles, 120 butterfly species, 310 bird species, and floral species.
If you are looking for something unusual on a Rwanda Safari, then don’t miss these most exhilarating adventures in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Book Now
Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe.
Chimpanzee tracking/trekking is undeniably the leading primate adventure that attracts most of the tourists on Rwanda safaris to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park is home to 500 chimpanzees with habituated communities available in Cyamudongo, Kitabi, and Uwinka Receptions. The Chimpanzee Trek is all about exploring in depth the unique behaviors of chimpanzees, taking pictures of chimpanzees while in their natural habitat.
A normal chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe can go for 2-4 hours and all visitors are accompanied by experienced park guides. The treks begin after a briefing from the park office at your respective sectors. Once you have met the chimpanzee community, the park guide will allow you to stay for 1 hour enjoying a close encounter with chimpanzees.
In addition to chimpanzees, there is a chance to come across primates such as the grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’hoest monkeys, Dent’s monkeys, olive baboons, silver monkeys, Rwenzori colobus monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys.
Canopy walk in Nyungwe.
Nyungwe Forest canopy walk is the first of its kind guided walking experience to be introduced in East Africa. Visitors embark on a guided walk along a suspended walkway, set about 60m from the ground. The entire walkway takes about 2 hours and guarantees panoramic views of Nyungwe Forest canopy, birds, primates, and butterflies. This experience is done at any time of the year, and only persons above 6 years can engage in it.
Hiking in Nyungwe.
Nyungwe is truly a hikers’ paradise. With over 12 distinct hiking trails, hiking adventures in Nyungwe Forest never leave nature enthusiasts with regrets. The interesting bit about hiking trails in Nyungwe is that each has something distinct for visitors to enjoy. You can hike from 1-6 or more depending on the trail that you will opt to conquer. The hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park include Bigugu, Irebero, Uwinka, Igishigishigi, Rukuzi, Ngabwe, Kamiranzovu Marsh, Buhoro, Imbaraga, Karamba, Congo Nile Divide trail, Muzimu, Umuyove, Umugote, and Isumo waterfall trail. Hiking is also popular in Volcanoes, including Bisoke mountain hiking and a special hike to honor Dian Fossey’s gravesite.
Colobus monkey tracking/trekking
Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to all 13 species of primates, which include a huge concentration of colobus monkeys. About 400 colobus monkeys reside in Nyungwe Forest and colobus monkey tracking goes for USD 60 per person. On a trek to explore colobus monkeys, you will also come across different primates including owl-faced monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, Mona monkeys, olive baboons, silver monkeys, and others.
Birding in Nyungwe Forest.
Nyungwe National Park contains forest and Albertine rift endemic species. This park alone has 310 species of birds and includes the red-breasted sparrow hawks, paradise flycatchers, white-headed wood hoopoe, Rockefeller’s sunbird, regal sunbird, green pigeons, Rwenzori turacos, red-faced woodland warblers, collared apalis; stripe breasted tit, red-throated alethe, francolins, strange weavers, robin chats, and more.
Birds on Nyungwe Forest birding expedition can explore different trails including Bigugu, a rich bird-watching trail. This is a 13km trail, lying at an altitude of 2950, and ideal for bird sights, especially the red-collared mountain warblers. Gisakura trail is ideal for birders interested in spotting birds such as Kivu ground thrush, short-tailed warblers, mountain masked apalis, regal sunbirds, to mention but a few.
If you are interested in the grey-crested Kakamega, grauer’s swamp warblers, or short-tailed warblers, then don’t miss to go bird walking through Kamiranzovu trail. The Karamba trail is perfect for you to identify Archer’s robin chat, yellow-eyed black flycatchers, and more.
Nocturnal walks in Nyungwe.
For nature enthusiasts, a nocturnal walk in Nyungwe Forest should be a must-do while in Nyungwe Forest NP. Night walks in Nyungwe allow you to look out for the park’s abundant nocturnal species such as bush babies, pottos, and nightjar birds.
When to travel to Nyungwe for a tour?
The dry season is a favorable time to visit Nyungwe Forest to enjoy its exhilarating adventures. Each year, the park records 2 phases of the dry season, which are long and short. The long drier months of the year in Nyungwe begin from June, July, and August to September, and short dry months are experienced starting December, January to February
