Nyungwe National Park.
Have you ever thought of trekking chimpanzees? Nyungwe national park one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, is incredibly gorgeous and abundant in chimpanzees and wildlife . The mountainous area is teeming with wildlife, including 12 different kinds of primates, including the rare L’Hoest’s monkey to the Albertine Rift, and a tiny colony of chimpanzees.
Visitors can opt to spend a week or longer indulging in one of Africa’s most beautiful woods, or they can choose to sample the wonders of the forest with 15 trails—some of which are described here—and a variety of other activities.
Nyungwe National Park lies in the southwest of Rwanda, close to Lake Kivu, the Democratic Republic of the Congo border, and Burundi. The town of Cyangungu is home to the park. The park, which now covers 970 km2, was first established in 1903 as a forest reserve. More recently, in 2004, it was elevated to the status of a full national park in Rwanda.
Most visitors prioritize primate tracking, but for those with the time to unwind and enjoy the simian ambiance, it’s worthwhile to stay a little while longer.
The most precious resource in the park is the Nyungwe Forest. This ancient African montane forest dates back to the Ice Ages and is the largest one still standing. The famous River Nile is said to have its source in Nyungwe Forest. The park’s remarkable plant diversity can be attributed to its alternating mountainous, hilly, and flat topography. There are more than 1,060 different plant and tree species in the park, with the taller trees.
Reaching heights of 1,900 meters above sea level are species such as the Carapa, Cyathea manniana, Engtandophrama, Newtonia, and Prinaria exelsium. At elevations of 2500 meters and above, species such as Macaranga, Podocarpus, Hagenia Syzygium, and Balthacaria flourish. Up to 2,950 meters above sea level, the Sub Alpine vegetation, which is made up of bamboo and shrubs including Podocarpus, Erica johnstoni, and Phillipia, can be found. The forest is home to various types of plants, including ferns and mosses.
The park’s greenery, trees, and location inside the Albertine Rift combine to create the ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife and bird species, including Mount Bigugu. Thirteen of the park’s 85 animal species are primates. The Angola Colobus Monkey, Golden Monkeys, and the uncommon Owl-Faced Monkey are among the primates found in Nyungwe National Park.
Due to the forest’s abundant diversity of flora and fauna, the Rwandan government, together with other conservation groups, has invested a great deal of money to establish the park as one of the country’s top tourism destinations for safari travelers. As a result, poaching in the forest has all but disappeared, and the local population has become more aware of the need of protecting wildlife and trees.
Things to do while at Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Visitors to Nyungwe National Park may anticipate an outstanding array of activities that will leave them with unforgettable memories. The park is endowed with breathtaking vistas of mountains, water features, and lush vegetation, which make for wonderful wildlife viewing and forest treks. Visitors to Nyungwe Forest are able to engage in any of the following activities:
Chimpanzee tracking.
The best site to track chimpanzees in Rwanda right now is Nyungwe Forest. About 400 chimpanzees total, divided into several clans, reside in Nyungwe Forest. Two groups only have habits. In Nyungwe Forest, chimpanzee tracking is a year-round activity. Groups of tourists depart the park every morning at 4:00 a.m. under the direction of knowledgeable guides in an attempt to locate one of the two habituated clans located in the Uwinka and Cyamudongo regions.
It is a strenuous pastime that requires preparation because it involves tracking extremely mobile primates that may stray from the main paths and into dense, unexplored forests. But once they calm down, tourists can see the primates eating and grooming while perched atop the trees. You’ll be shocked at how much they behave like us humans after observing the group dynamics for a bit. Trackers should be outfitted with long sleeve shirts and jeans, hiking boots, a cap, a rain jacket, a walking stick, binoculars for seeing the chimps from trees, and other items to ensure the best possible experience.
Remember to bring plenty of water bottles and a little food so you can refuel. We advise you to hire a porter to assist with carrying any additional heavy bags and equipment so that you can track the chimps comfortably. The Rwanda Development Board offers chimpanzee trekking permits directly, or you can use a reputable tour operator to obtain one for the sum of $100. Additionally, there is the $100 Park admission fee to pay. In Rwanda, the minimum age to go chimpanzee trekking is fifteen.
Tracking Monkeys:
One of the best locations in Africa to see tiny primates is Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda. The primary activity for tourists is tracking chimpanzees, but some come to see other smaller primates, such as the Angola Colobus Monkeys, Dent’s Mona Monkeys, Grey Cheeked Mangabeys, Hamlyn’s Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Red-tailed Monkeys, Silver Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, White and Black Colobus Monkeys, and Red-tailed Monkeys. Although they are not common, groups of golden monkeys have been sighted in the park, though it is still challenging to locate them.
The most well-known species for tourists is the leaf-eating arboreal Ruwenzori Colobus, which may be recognized by its striking black and white (tail and whiskers) coloring. Every species of monkey travels in groups of up to 100 members.
There are four routes in Nyungwe that can be used to follow the little monkeys. One of the trails is the Kamiranzovu Trail, which leads through wetlands and orchid gardens where some of the primates can be seen. The Bigugu Trail leads you to the summit of Mount Bigugu, where you can observe more monkeys than those that have been spotted on other trails and those that are only visible at higher elevations. The Waterfall Trail, which begins near the Gisakura Guest House and goes up to the Tea estate, is ideal if you have a fascination with Colobus monkeys. The final route is the Unwika Campsite route, which is separated into two sections: Red (10 km) and Grey (1 km). You may see about 400 Colobus Monkeys and numerous primate species on this trail.
Forest and Canopy walks:
There are two options for those who want to stroll through Nyungwe woodland: a canopy walk or a low-lying woodland walk. The unique quality of Nyungwe National Park lies in the fact that it is the only one where visitors may experience a true canopy walk. The best canopy walk in East Africa may be found in Nyungwe Forest. The Uwinka Visitors Center is the starting point of the canopy walk, which winds through a hanging platform approximately 45 meters above the ground. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the rain forest, wildlife, and birds from these altitudes.
The canopy walk is undoubtedly wonderful and thrilling, but anyone who are afraid of heights may find it unsettling. The Forest hikes are a better option for those who are afraid of heights. Numerous hiking paths ascend to the interior of the woodland. The interior forest animals and birds can be spotted by visitors thanks to the pathways’ multicolored painting. A few of the trails take eight hours to finish. The Bigugu Trail, which ascends the mountain, is the hardest and takes at least five hours to finish, while the Igishigishigi Trail is the shortest.
The purpose of the water fall route is to take people to the stunning waterfalls located within the forest. When they have extra time, nature enthusiasts typically take their time doing one trail at a time. They would have learned everything there is to know about this ancient forest, including the primates, by the time they leave.
Birding walks:
The Nyungwe Forest is possibly the greatest spot in Rwanda for birdwatching for those who enjoy the outdoors. Of the approximately 300 bird species present in Nyungwe National Park, 27 are unique to the Albertine region, according to Birdlife International. Birdlife International views the park as the most significant location for conservation in Rwanda due to its huge bird collection and great biodiversity.
When strolling through the established trails in the forest, the following are the best bird species to spot: Mountain Sooty Boubou, Pockefellers’s Sunbird, Purple Throated Sunbird, Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Rwenzori Double Collared Warbler, Rwenzori Nightjah, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, White-Bellied Robin Chat, Doherty’s Bush Shrikes, Grey-chested Kakamega, Handsome Francolin, Lagden’s Bush Shrikes, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Rwenzori Double Collared Warbler, Rwenzori Nightjah, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, White-Tailed Flycatcher, and Yellow-Eyed Black Flycatcher.
One must go on a guided bird walk because certain bird species are restricted to particular areas of the park. It costs $50 to reserve a bird walk with the Rwanda Development Board. The majority of bird species’ traits and locations are known to the Birds Guides. Bird calls are the most reliable way for them to identify them. To make sure you have seen the majority of the bird species, we advise you to use multiple of the designated paths. Because migratory birds typically swarm the forest during the dry season to find food and avoid the harsh winters in Europe, it’s an ideal time to go birding.
Biking through the Congo Nile Trail:
Bikers are able to traverse this specific portion of the Congo Nile Trail as it passes through Nyungwe National Park. The Congo Nile Trial provides excellent opportunity for exploring the park in its entirety whether biking or riding. Bicyclists that wander along the trail are likely to come across numerous bird species, monkeys, and other woodland creatures. It’s also the ideal method to take in all the stunning tree and plant species that attract nature enthusiasts to the forest. Camping is required when cycling the route. For this reason, it’s crucial to pack appropriate apparel, camping supplies, food, and water.
NB: The entire year is filled with activities in Nyungwe Forest. However, as with most of East Africa’s countries, the best times to visit Nyungwe National Park are in the dry months of June through August and December through January. The woodlands are less dense and muddy during these months, and the rains are less frequent.
Accommodation in Nyungwe National Park.
Nyungwe Forest is close to a number of lodges and motels. These provide lodging in three different categories: budget, mid-range, and luxury. There are a few well-established campsites close to the park reception center for anyone who would like to tent. Since many of these lodges host large numbers of visitors at the busiest times of the year, it is crucial to reserve your lodging in advance of your arrival. Before checking in, many of the lodges require the presentation of valid identification, such as a passport. Since there may be additional fees even after the reservation, you must use your credit card.
One & Only Nyungwe House:
The only five-star, truly luxurious lodge close to the forest is this one. Now owned by the One & Only hotel group, it was once known as Nyungwe Forest Lodge. Situated amidst a tea plantation, the property boasts 22 luxurious rooms and 6 opulent wooden cottages. The tea plantations and Nyungwe Forest are beautifully viewed from this retreat. In addition to having the coziest accommodations, the lodge is the greatest location in the park for tracking primates, especially chimpanzees.
Kitabi Eco-Center:
Enjoy stunning views of Mount Kitabi from its location in Kitabi. There is a restaurant within the lodge, and a continental breakfast is served in the mornings. International cuisine is the lodge’s specialty. Other features include a large terrace, a kid’s play area, and plenty of parking.
Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge:
Good midrange and cheap rooms with free WiFi, a lounge, and a BBQ are available at the Kitabi location of Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge. Continental breakfast is provided in the public restaurant or in rooms early in the morning. Tasty pizza is among the international and local cuisines served at the restaurant. Bicycles can be rented in advance, and there are excellent bicycling trails near the lodge.
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel:
This hotel opened its doors in 2011 and is situated close to the park headquarters. This hotel has amazing views of the wooded Mountains and offers front desk services, a general restaurant that serves refreshments to all people and a sitting room with TV. Additional services offered are banquet and conference spaces, transportation services, and barbeque facilities. There are nice views of the mountains and forests from the room balconies. Her position in the midst of the park makes it an excellent spot for hiking.
Gisakura Family Hostel:
Near Gisakura’s main road is where you’ll find this hostel. For travelers on a tight budget, it’s a fantastic alternative. The staff is very pleasant and the hostel provides basic but adequate facilities. Because it has shared rooms and inexpensive meal eateries, this hostel is ideal for groups traveling together.
Gisakura Guest House:
Built with lovely gardens, this guest house is situated two kilometers from Nyungwe Forest National Park. The guest house is inexpensive and perfect for travelers on a tight budget because of its straightforward architecture and practical rooms. The restrooms and showers are meant to be shared, and the staff is very friendly and keeps everything spotless. Lunch and dinner are served at the public restaurant and cost approximately $8.
Café Resto Bar Keza.
This popular spot in the heart of Gisakura is frequented by travelers looking for decent, affordable lodging. Ten compact, independent rooms with hot showers and good hygiene are available. Locals that come to watch matches on the weekends hang around in the bar area of the establishment.