Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the magical primate safari parks in Rwanda that you should consider a must-visit for chimpanzee tracking. This magnificent protected area is positioned suitably in Cyangugu Town just close to Lake Kivu Southwestern Rwanda, about 5 to 6 hours’ drive away from Kigali capital city of Rwanda. Nyungwe National Park was founded in 2004 and occupies an area of about 1000sq.kms, composing largely of an extensive tropical rain-forest. It straddles between elevation of 1600 and 2950m.
Compared to most parks, Nyungwe Forest National Park is rated among the best preserved tropical rain-forest in East-Central Africa. It has existed since the Ice Age and it is said to be one of the sources of the mighty River Nile. It hosts about 1060 plant and tree species. Its diverse habitats range from montane forest, grassland, swamps, bogs to bamboo and they offer refuge to numerous wildlife species.
The history of Nyungwe Forest National Park
In 1903, Nyungwe Forest National Park was designated as a reserve making one of essential Rwanda safari destinations. From 1958 to 1973, it occupied an area of 150sq.kms and reduction in its size was as a result of deforestation and fire outbreak. This also led to loss of elephants and buffaloes in 1975. In 1984, the reserve registered an increase in the colobus monkey’s population and research facilities were established in Uwinka however, they were destroyed following the 1994 Rwanda genocide. The facilities were later restored in 1995 and in 2004, its status elevated from a reserve to a national park.
Wildlife in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a home to an estimate of about 13 primate and this rates among the best Africa’s primate safari destinations. On Rwanda safari, primates are some amazing attractions to expect to sight in this park and they include an estimate of the e over 500 chimpanzees, olive baboons, silver monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, bush babies, Dent’s Mona monkeys, vervet monkeys, Angola colobus monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys, red tailed monkeys. There are also numerous reptiles, amphibians, butterfly species and many others.
Bird species in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Birds make up part of Nyungwe Forest National Park’s attractions. The park prides itself as a home to about 310 bird species including 27 endemic bird species. The birds to expect to spot out in this park include the grey chested kakamega, regal sunbird, Doherty’s bush shrike, Rwenzori Turaco, the large blue turaco, Grauer’s rush warbler, Neumann’s short tailed warbler, chestnut throated, Chapin’s flycatcher, the purple breasted sunbird, blue headed sunbirds.
Activities to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the most sought for safari activities. There are 2 habituated groups set for tourists on Rwanda safaris to trek; one un Uwinka and the other in Cyamudongo area. You will be briefed on the set guidelines for chimpanzee tracking and after, the park ranger guide will be assigned to you to take you through a search for chimpanzees.
Primate tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Primate tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park involves you sighting primates such as grey cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, Angola colobus monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys to mention but a few.
Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park
The birds to expect to sight on Rwanda tours in this conservancy area include Neumann’s short tailed warbler, grey chested kakamega, regal sunbird, Doherty’s bush shrike, Rwenzori Turaco, the large blue turaco, Grauer’s rush warbler, chestnut throated, Chapin’s flycatcher, the purple breasted sunbird, blue headed sunbirds and a lot more.
Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
This is one of the unique safari experiences offered to visitors on Rwanda safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The canopy walk is set 50m above the ground and it takes you about 2 hours to make a complete walk with a great chance for you to see primates, birds and magnificent canopy of Nyungwe Forest.
Biking via the Congo Nile trail
Biking/cycling along the Congo Nile trail lets you explore varied bird species, primates, plants and a lot more. The interesting part about biking through this trail is that it is possible for you to embark on camping.
Best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park
The long dry season is considered to be the best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park and it lasts starting June, July, August to September or visit during the short dry spell which begins in December, January, February. Bird watching on the other hand is ideal during the wet or rainy season which begins in March, April, May and October, November.
Where to stay in Nyungwe Forest National Park
The available safari lodges to spend a night on Rwanda adventure in Nyungwe Forest National Park include Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Gisakura Hostel, One&Only Nyungwe House, Uwinka Campsite and many more.
Getting to Nyungwe Forest National Park
A trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park covers between 5 and 6 hours starting from Kigali capital city in a 4×4 tour vehicle. By air, it is possible to fly from Kigali to Kamembe Airport which is 1 hour’ drive to Nyungwe National Park.