Nyungwe Forest National Park – Chimpanzee Tracking : Gorilla Safaris Africa
Nyungwe Forest National Park is another fantastic venue for a variety of activities. It is the largest national park in Rwanda and is located in the Southwest of the country, where it borders Ruzizi in southwest Uganda, Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is arguably Central Africa’s best-preserved montane rainforest.
Nyungwe was established in 2004 and made up of a dense natural rainforest covering about 1000 km2the forest is characterized by grasslands, bamboo, open woods, wetlands, and microhabitats. The park is home to more than 13 primates, 300 different bird species, 120 different butterfly species, reptiles, amphibians, and plant species, along with beautiful scenery. Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks are what made the park famous up until this point.
There are three places in the park where guests can be welcomed. Kitabi at the park’s entrance and Uwinka between the park and Gisakura. Online permits are available for various activities, which can then be explained at the front desk.
Things to do in Nyungwe Forest National park.
Chimpanzee trekking: Among all the activities the park offers, chimpanzee trekking is the most popular. The park has over 60 habituated gorilla individuals, which can be trekked by only a group of 8 travelers in the park. Visitors on this excursion quest for chimpanzees in the jungle, and once they do, they get an hour to spend with them. You can choose between the two locations of Cyamudongo and Uwinka to carry out your activity. When on a chimp excursion, there are chances to see chimps foraging, mating, and breastfeeding. Additionally, it provides viewpoints on various primates, such as baboons and monkeys.
Monkey trekking: Here is another opportunity to observe the unique and beautiful monkeys in their native habitat. The park is home to over 300 different species of monkeys, including silver monkeys, vervet monkeys and white colobus monkeys, so be sure to have a great time. By participating in this activity, you can observe monkeys having fun and swinging from tree to tree, providing you with unique memories of your trip to the park which you should not miss out.
Canopy walks: This activity is enjoyed mostly but those travelers that do not have phobia for heights.. It involves crossing a 50-meter-high bridge that is separated into three sections that is 90, 45 and 25 meters long while moving through the forest. This two-hour activity contains overhead views of several birds, primates and plant species. This is nowhere to be seen in East Africa except in Rwanda.
Hiking: Nyungwe forest is traversed across 140 kilometers by more than 12 hiking trails. There are numerous hiking routes in the jungle where visitors can spend some time learning about various habitats. One must be in excellent physical condition to hike for at least eight hours. A shorter hike can be organized particularly for you if you are unable to hike for the whole eight hours. Many primates, in addition to flowers, plants, butterflies, trees and other things, will be encountered while you are hiking.
Bird watching: Even birders are in for a treat. Around 300 distinct bird species, 29 of which are exclusive to the Albertine Rift, may be found in the park. Seeing birds while they are flying about the park includes seeing species like the Rwenzori nightjar, the stunning Francolin, Chapin’s Flycatcher and miniature honeyguide. The task can be finished in the morning with the guide’s help to have the most out of it.
Nature walks: Participate in the nature walks to learn more about the forest. These lead you over a variety of paths, including the lengthy Congo Nile Trail, Bigugu (6 hours), Isumo Waterfall (4 hours), Ngabwe Trail, Karamba Trail, Umugote, Imbaraga and Uwinka each having unique characteristics. Views of tea plantations, birds, different flowers, tree monkeys, chimpanzees, mahogany trees and other things can be seen on the nature hikes.
Gisakura tea plantation tour: To gather tea for the baskets on your back, join the Gisakura tea plantation trip, which is situated on the edge of the park. Learn about tea’s production, processing, and cultivation. There will be some of this black tea available for you to try because no presentation would be complete without a taste.
Cultural tours: Plan a trip to the region so that you may experience the vibrant Rwandan culture to fully appreciate the Nyungwe forest. The local population learnt to coexist with the forest and contributed to its preservation after they realized how crucial this forest was to Rwanda’s eco system. In order to maintain Rwandan culture and provide visitors with a rich experience, efforts have been undertaken to promote community-based activities. When you go to the village, you can participate in things like dancing rituals, making banana beer, shooting bows and arrows, developing folk cures, grinding grain among other things.
Best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is best visited between June- September and December – February. This is because there is little rain in the park during this month, which makes all the activities associated with a safari simple because the roads are usable. The wet months of March through May and October through November are also good times to visit the park. This rainy season is ideal for birdwatching and photography, despite the fact that the roads may be slippery and dangerous.
Accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
When you decide to have a safari in Nyungwe Forest national park, be sure to pick accommodation options that completely suit your budget. Among these wonderful amenities, include the luxurious, moderate, and affordable options. For example Gisakura Guest House, One and Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel and Nyungwe Forest Resort. Be aware that there are neighboring hotels if you choose to stay somewhere other than the park itself.
Accessibility to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
After a five-hour drive from Kigali City, which is located approximately 230 kilometers away, Nyungwe Forest National Park may be reached. A bus, a shared vehicle, or a leased car can all be used to travel to the park. For individuals who prefer to go by air as quickly as possible to get to the park, Rwanda Air offers the option to arrange chartered flights.