Nyungwe tourist attractions naturally evoke visions and aspirations of the lush tropical rainforests of the African wilderness, as the sounds of singing birds touch your innermost emotions and the tropical sun settling over the canopies. While there are many Tropical rainforests in the African Continent, there are numerous reasons why you have to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park.
This National Park boasts of outstanding landscape that is typical of montane rainforest and is incredibly diverse with hidden gems in every part of the Park. Below are some of the key Nyungwe tourist attractions that you must not miss on your do see list before you die when you get time to visit Rwanda.
Sights of Nyungwe Forest National Park
The primate species
The numerous primate species, totaling 13 species have always been the iconic symbol of attraction in Nyungwe Forest National Park and of Rwanda. The unusual diversity of unique species of primates live within the lush Tropical rainforest makes the Park a must-see destination for every tourist to the country.
Chimpanzees are the most popular primate species in this Park but others that can be encountered include L’Hoests monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, Vervet monkeys, olive baboons, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, the Angolan Colobus monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys, Golden monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and Silver monkeys.
The Canopy walk
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the few places where the outstanding canopy walk in Rwanda is conducted and in East Africa, it 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 is 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, bird’s 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.
The Birdlife
Nyungwe Forest National Park is 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.
Numerous trails
Hiking numerous trails have also become a popular attraction within Nyungwe National Park. The Forest rewards 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.
Such trails include Igishigishigi trail, Bigugu, Isumo 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.
Visit Gisakura Tea plantation
Walking in Gisakura tea estate in order to adventure the variety of parallel ridges of tea plus the attractive mountains that provide a beautiful backdrop for the plantation especially to the tea lovers, visiting in working days (Monday to Saturday) you will be able to see friendly farmers picking the tea and collecting them in the baskets which are always willing to spare some time to greet the tourists.
How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is found in the southwest of Rwanda bordering Burundi in the South and DRC/Lake Kivu in the west approximately 2 hours drive from Kigali International Airport.
You can think of planning a longer holiday adventure to Rwanda and include other places such as the famous Volcanoes National Park, known for gorilla tracking and golden monkey treks, or be ready to explore the Akagera wildlife park with a night game safari to see the nocturnal mammals or be part of a boat cruise along Lake Ihema for the most aquatic wildlife experience in Africa.