NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located southwest of Rwanda and is believed to be one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rain forests which is dominated by a series of mountains, originating in northern Uganda and Congo, running south through the Rwenzori mountains, western Rwanda and Burundi, to the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

A visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park will offer you a scenic view over Lake Kivu and on a clear day, the Virunga ranges.

The forest has well walking and hiking trails to various waterfalls and viewing points. The prime activities in Nyungwe forest are chimp trekking, bird watching, colobus monkey trekking, and the historical canopy walk.

Nyungwe forest is home to 75 different species of mammals with most of these being small and nocturnal making their sighting difficult except the primates. Chimpanzees are the main attraction in Nyungwe forest with chimp trekking happening daily early morning. The forest is home to troops of about 300 colobus monkeys or more roaming in the trees, giving visitors to the forest another engaging activity.

Nyungwe forest’s 13 recorded primate species

1. Chimpanzees,
2. L’Hoest’s monkey,
3. Silver monkey,
4. Golden monkey,
5. Grey-cheeked mangabey,
6. Red-tailed monkey,
7. Vervet monkey,
8. Olive baboon,
9. Rwenzori colobus
10. Owl-faced monkey,
11. Three species of Bush babies

Birds in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe forest is home to about 300 different bird species with; 16 endemics, 27 Albertine rift endemics, and 121 forest species.

The bird species found in Nyungwe forest include; Olive Woodpecker, Elliot’s Woodpeckers, Great Blue Turaco, Ruwenzori Turacos, Stripe-breasted Tit, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, the remarkable Red-collared Babbler, Chestnut Owlet, Archer’s Robin-Chat, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Doherty’s Bush-Shrike, Handsome Francolin Mountain Masked, Black-faced, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Purple-breasted and Regal Sun-birds, Chestnut-throated, Collared Apalis, Rwenzori Batis, Neumann’s Short-tailed Warbler, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, etc.
Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park | Things to do in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe forest is home to two wild chimpanzee communities that are habituated for chimpanzee tourism which means that they are used to human beings. One group is in the Cyamudongo section of the Nyungwe forest and the other is around the Uwinka area of the forest.

The forest has approximately 400 chimpanzees while viewing chimpanzees is not guaranteed, you will enjoy learning about these creatures and their natural habitats from your guides.

You are expected to be at the briefing area as early as 5.00 am in the morning. This is because chimps are mostly likely to be seen early in the morning and they tend to move about which requires one to be active as you follow after them about.

However whether you view the chimps or not, the experience in the forest is rich as you watch other primates, butterflies, several trees, and above all the freshness of the air.

Monkey Tracking

There are over 13 different primate species that are found in Nyungwe forest and also unconfirmed sightings of golden monkeys in the forest.

Apart from chimpanzee trekking, you can also trek the grey-cheeked Managbeys and Rwenzori Colobus Monkeys in Nyungwe Forest.

These monkeys can also be seen in large groups of up to 300 colobus monkeys. Also, you have an opportunity to track any of the primate groups, you will likely see some other monkeys along the trek.

These might include; L’ Hoest’s monkey, the Owl-faced monkeys, the Mona monkey, and the Blue monkeys.

The forest is also a primate country and you can also trek the chimps, the gray-cheeked, and the Colobus monkeys in the ancient forest.

Bird watching in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a high-altitude mountain forest, ranging between 1600 – 2950 meters.

The birds in Nyungwe forest are mostly found in the trees, shrubs or the ground especially the edges of the forest next to the tea plantations.

Some birds are shy and therefore more easily heard than seen like many forest birds.

Among the frequently sighted species are the Rwenzori Nightjar, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, Handsome Francolin, Dwarf Honeyguide, Great blue and Rwenzori Turaco, montane Double Collared Sun and the Red- Throated Alethe.

There are well-maintained trails that you will take while birding as well as trained bird guides that are based at the Nyungwe forest.

Nature and hiking walks in the Nyungwe forest

Nyungwe forest has a steep landscape and an extensive network of hiking trails making it a perfect destination for hikers.

The trails are different in length, ease of hiking, and features, you are therefore advised to ask the ranger guides for advice on which trail to take according to the attractions you are seeking.

The trails are through a diverse landscape and represent the most scenic way of exploring the forest. Below are some of the trails you can choose to take on while hiking in the forest

Congo – Nile divide trail

Congo – Nile divide trail is a 227 km trek for experienced hikers which lasts several days to hike through.

However one can choose an option for a one-day hike of part of the section. The main attractions on this trail are the varied landscapes and communities along the route.

There are campsites where you can overnight thou you have to bring your own camping equipment. As for basic supplies, there are shops along the trail where you can purchase these.

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

The canopy walk in Nyungwe forest is along the Igishigishigi trail. The walkway is accessible as part of a specialized guided tour along the trail.

The canopy walk hangs 60 meters above the forest floor between giant trees and towers, which provides a stunning view of the park.

The Igishigishigi trail covers a distance of 2km with remarkable views of the Nyungwe forest canopy, beautiful wildflowers, occasional monkey sightings, and several birds.

The total time on this trail is between one and two hours depending on your interests. All participants must be at least six years of age and adults must accompany children.
Karamba trail is a good birding spot in Nyungwe, which is flanked by numerous fern trees located along the former gold mine site, market, and army camp.

Umugote trail is great for primate viewing and bird watching in Nyungwe forest with views of ridges, flowers, and butterflies. On a clear day, you can see Kibira National Park in Burundi.

Umoyove Trail also known as Mahogany Trail takes you to the waterfall for a relaxed time as you stroll by the park’s tallest trees.

Uwinka trail is a difficult hike but a beautiful place for bird watching.
Irebero Trail This trail provides views of Lake Kivu and two of the highest peaks in Nyungwe National Park

Imbaraga trail is 10km and geared towards experienced hikers. Hikers will have views of waterfalls, a refreshing sight after a long hike.

Bigugu Trail provides views of the DR Congo and Lake Kivu as well as the Islands. It takes you to the highest peak in Nyungwe Forest Park.

Izumo Trail will get you to experience the beautiful tea fields – you can even plan to get involved in picking tea and follow through the entire process until it gets to your cup. You will also enjoy the view of the biggest waterfall in Nyungwe National Park.

Kamiranzovu Trail brings you close to most of the waterfalls, wetlands,s, and swamps.
Muzimu Trail takes you through eucalyptus and pine forests.

Ngabwe Trail leads to a lovely picnic and camping site

Rukuzi Trail takes you through chimpanzee-spotting locations and village views
Cultural tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park

To complete your African safari experience of Nyungwe forest, add to your itinerary a visit to the community to engage in the rich Rwandan culture.

The communities along the boundaries of this forest have co-existed with it and helped to some extent in its preservation after understanding its importance to Rwanda’s ecosystem.

Efforts have been launched for community-based experiences to preserve the culture of Rwanda and offer visitors a rich experience.

Once at the village, you can be part of activities such as a dance ceremony, banana beer production, bow-and-target shooting, traditional medicine making maize-grinding, etc.

How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Driving from Kigali Nyanza to Huye and finally to Nyungwe National Park. The drive takes approximately 6 hours depending on your stopovers.

Alternatively, we have established a partnership with Akagera Aviation which you can charter to Nyungwe from Kigali, contact us for more information.

Safari lodges and camps near Nyungwe Forest National Park

The accommodation options around Nyungwe forest are limited to about 3 places.

You can alternatively choose to spend the night by Lake Kivu in Cyangugu where you might find several alternatives to the otherwise 3 accommodations of

• Nyungwe Forest Lodge – Luxury
• Nyungwe Top View Lodge – Mid-range
• Gisakura Guest House – Budget

What to carry when tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest

• Sun hut
• Insect repellent
• Wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof hiking boots

Sample Safaris to Nyungwe Forest National Park

2 Days Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
4 Days Rwanda Chimpanzee Safari