Nyungwe Forest National Park lies in the south-west region of Rwanda accessed along well paved roads via the scenic Karongi-Rusizi in the west or through the city of Huye both requiring up to over 7-hrs drive away from Kigali with scenic stops along these routes. The park is serviced with some of the world-class accommodations plans to cater for all comfort classes of adventurers that make it here. These include dedicated naturalists and birdwatchers seeking out Nyungwe Forest’s diverse biodiversity, while adventurers would be wowed by guided nature walks spreading across this ancient montane rainforest.
Biodiversity facts about Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Size: 1,019km2
- Habitat type: High canopy montane rain forest, Bamboo covered slopes, Grasslands and high-altitude swamps/marshes.
- 1068 species of plants of which up to 250 species are Albertine Rift Endemics
- 86 species of mammals including 13 species of primates
- Over 38 species of reptiles
- Over 322 species of birds of which 27 Albertine Rift Endemics
- 120 species of butterflies
Things to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
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Chimpanzee Tracking Experience in Nyungwe NP
Chimpanzee trekking is a major highlight for visitors to Nyungwe forest.
Harboring over 500 chimpanzee individuals so far only two main groups are currently habituated for trekking. The excellent Chamudongo Forest, an isolated 6km2 montane forest patch on the edges of Nyungwe consists of a 40-strong community where high chances now occur to trek along this intelligent human closest relative.
A guided experience involves an early start (5 am) to meet up with rangers at the Gisakula reception center, where a drive of up to an hour brings you to the trailhead of this forest. A hike will lead you to the group feeding range where only an hour is afforded to watch the interaction up close. Experience duration varies each day but anywhere from 4-6hrs is normal. Standard safety primate trekking regulations and advisory apply.
Another Chimpanzee habituated group available for trekking is located at Banda village and often times trekked from the Uwinka reception.
Note: Only 1-group of six visitors is allowed to track and the age limit is 16yrs.
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Birding in Nyungwe Forest for Albertine Rift Endemics
Nyungwe forest is a top birding destination in Rwanda owing to its geographic location along the highland ridges of the Albertine rift. Dedicated birders be entertained by over 322 species-checklist typical afro-montane and highland specialists including the 27 Albertine rift endemics notably: Rockefeller Sunbird, Kungwe Apalis, Red-collared Babbler and Albertine Owlet among others.
Excellent trails traverse the forest interior and offer superb birding experiences for species along altitude ranges across diverse habitats that include forest edges, high-altitude marshes and wetlands, and forest interiors for specialists.
Nyungwe Forest Bird Specials include; Handsome Francolin that patrol road edges especial morning and evening, Red-collared Babbler, Red-chested Owlet, White-bellied Robin, Red-throated Alethe, Rwenzori and Black-billed Turaco, Collared Apalis, Regal, Blue-throated and Purple-breasted Sunbirds, Crowned Eagle, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimson-wing and more.
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Guided Nature Walk at Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe Forest is an adventurer’s haven. The montane forest is networked by over 13-trails spreading across various vegetation and altitudinal ranges uncovering a diversity of flora and fauna. These excellent trails expose snow-white waterfalls, primates, butterflies, birdlife, and plant life of which a variety is endemic to the Albertine Rift and found nowhere else. Trails differ in distance covered and terrain grouped as easy to difficulty levels catering to all fitness categories and interests. The most popular hikes include to the park’s tallest peak of Bugugu and along the Nile-Congo divide.
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Canopy Walks at Nyungwe Forest National Park
An excellent way to view the vastness of this forest is a canopy walk at Uwinka, where a 200m long steel walkway rising 40m high from the forest floor offers excellent views of higher canopies and distant forested ranges spreading away.