Nyungwe forest national park.
Nyungwe Forest National park
Nyungwe forest national park, located in southwestern Rwanda, is Africa’s largest montane rainforest, spanning over 1000 square kilometers, This wonderful park is a home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna with over 300 bird species, 75 mammals, and 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and mangabeys. The forest’s diverse habitats, ranging from lush canopies to swampy valleys support an astonishing variety of wildlife, including leopards, servals, and golden cats and among many others. Visitors can explore the park’s extensive network of trails, including the iconic canopy walkway, suspended 200 feet above the forest floor, offering breathtaking views and best opportunities for various safari activities with its stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems and rich cultural heritage.
Attractions in Nyungwe forest national park.
Primates.
Nyungwe forest national park is a home to an impressive 13 primate species, making it one of Africa’s premier destinations. The park’s lush rainforests shelter large troops of chimpanzees, as well as various monkey species like silver monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys, and Ruwenzori colobus and among others. Other primates that are found in the park includes Angola colobus, duikers, vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and other several monkey species that makes the park to be known as the primate safari destination.
The park’s unique habitat support an estimated 500 to 1000 chimpanzees, with guided treks offering the tourists the chance to observe these intelligent creatures up close. With expert guides, visitors can track and observe these fascinating primates, experiencing the thrill of encountering our closet living relatives in their natural habitat.
Animal species.
Nyungwe forest national park is a home to the variety of animals that is over 75 mammal species, 13 primate species 300 bird species which makes the park more attractive to various tourists. These animal species can be best spotted during the canopy walk where the tourists have the aerial view of these animal species. Some of the animal species to be spotted in Nyungwe forest national park includes buffaloes, Klipspringers, impalas, bushbucks, elephants, bush pigs, mongoose, western tree hyrax and among many others. The park also hosts various reptiles, amphibians, butterflies making the park a haven for the wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Bird species.
Nyungwe forest national park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting over 300 bird species including the endemic and rare species some of the bird species to be spotted includes Ruwenzori turaco, Regal sunbird, Rockefeller’s sunbird, Red-faced woodland warbler and among others. The park’s diverse habitats support a wide range if bird families including the hornbills, eagles, owls, and weavers making it an ideal safari destination for the bird lovers and nature lovers. Notably 26 bird species found in Nyungwe are Albertine Rift endemics, found nowhere else on Earth.
Activities to do in Nyungwe Forest National park
Chimpanzee trekking.
Chimpanzee trekking is the most interesting safari activity that takes place in Nyungwe Forest national park. This offers you unforgettable experience, the guided treks typically takes 30 minutes to 6 hours lead by the habituated chimpanzee groups, allowing the visitors to observe these intelligent creatures up close. With approximately 500 to 1000 chimpanzees in the park, the trekkers can witness the chimpanzees in one four after finding them like how they play, feed, socialize, and among others. Permits are required and limited to 8 visitors per group, ensuring an intimate and responsible safari experience. The expert guides provide insights into chimpanzee behaviours, habitat and conservation, making the trek an educational and thrill adventure.
Canopy walk.
Canopy walk is another interesting safari activity that takes place in Nyungwe forest national park. This is a 200-meter long, suspended walkway 50 meters above the forest floor. This wonderful experience offers the best views of the lush rainforest, surrounding mountains and Lake Kivu. Visitors can spot the monkeys, birds and butterflies up close, while expert guides pint out hidden treasures of the forest canopy. The walkway’s sturdy design ensures safety, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and scents of the tropical rainforest, providing an unparalleled perspective on Nyungwe stunning biodiversity.
Nature trail hiking.
Nature trail hiking is an interesting safari activity that takes place in Nyungwe national park. This offers 13 diverse trails for all levels, ranging from easy 1-hour strolls to challenging full-day hikes. Trails, such as the canopy walk trail, Igishigishi trail and Kamiranzovu waterfall trail, wind through lush rainforests, tea plantations, and along riverbanks. Hikers can spot chimpanzees, monkeys, bird species and butterflies, while taking in stunning views of surrounding mountains, waterfalls and Lake Kivu. Expert guides provide insights into the park’s unique flora, fauna and cultural heritage, ensuring an immersive and enriching experience amidst Nyungwe’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Bird watching.
Bird watching in Nyungwe National Park is the interesting safari activity where the bird lovers experience and explore the untouched tropical rain forest as they are observing various bird species. The park boasts over 300 bird species where almost 26 are endemics in Albertine rift like Grauer’s Warbler, Shelley crimson wing. The bird species to be spotted in the park includes Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, White tailed Flycatcher, Kungwe Apalis, Red-collared Babbler, Regal Sunbird, Mountain sooty Boubou, Stripe-breasted Tit, Albertine Owlet and among many others. The park’s unique biodiversity and the scenic beauty make it an ideal destination for spotting rare and endemic bird species with early morning and late afternoon tours offering best viewing opportunities.
