Rwanda safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Rwanda safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park: Nyungwe National Park is located in southwest Rwanda, in a town known by the same name, Cyangugu, which is located close to Lake Kivu and the DR Congo and Burundi borders. This park is about 970km² in area and began as a forest reserve in 1903 and later became a full National Park in Rwanda in 2004.
The MVP of the park is the Nyungwe forest. It is the largest remaining Montane Forest in the entire continent of Africa and has existed since the Ice Age. It is also famously believed that the great River Nile may have originated from the Nyungwe Forest. The park boasts a total of over 85 mammals, 13 of which are primates. Primate species in the park include the owl-faced monkey, the golden monkey, and the Angola Colobus Monkey.
Safari activities to do at Nyungwe National Park
There is a lot for the visitor in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park, including bird-watching, a guided hike, a canopy walk, tropical waterfalls, a primate hike, and camping, which will be highlighted below.
Chimpanzees tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe forest is an activity you will never forget. You will trek into the rainforest with park guides who understand the behavior and movement patterns of the chimps. This activity takes place early, mostly at 6:00 AM, when the rainforest is abuzz with activity. It may take 2–4 hours, depending on the location of the chimp group you will be tracking. When you eventually locate the chimps, you will be able to see them feeding, playing, and socializing in their natural settings. This is an amazing encounter with one of mankind’s closest relatives for those who love conservation and learning about primates.
Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
The canopy walk is a must for those who love nature and need a new perspective on the rainforest. The canopy walk is 160 meters long and takes about 30 to 45 minutes to finish. The walk is elevated 50 meters and will treat you with views of tree canopies, ground, and mountains. Nature lovers will be treated with views of greenery, birds, and even some monkeys. The best time for canopy walks is during the cool parts of the day with a clear atmosphere.
The canopy walk is one of the best options for an adventure tour and eco-tour adventure activity.
Primate Tracking
Nyungwe is one of the best destinations in Africa for spotting smaller primates. Though chimp tracking is the prime reason why one would travel here, other smaller primates that can be seen here include Angola Colobus, Dent’s Mona Monkeys, Grey Cheeked Mangabeys, Hamlyn’s Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Red-tailed Monkeys, Silver Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, and White and Black Colobus. Seen in some numbers have been troops of golden monkeys, but these are pretty rare. The tree-dwelling Ruwenzori Colobus is a favorite here and can be recognized because of its black and white coloring (including tail and whiskers).
Birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest
This is a bird-watching haven with over 300 species of birds, most of which are endemic and endangered. Early in the morning is best, with guided walks lasting 2-4 hours. Here, you can see some of these birds, including the Archer’s Robin Chat, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Blue Turaco, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Doherty’s Bush Shrikes, Grey-cheeked Mangabey (which is actually a monkey), Handsome Francolin, Lagden’s Bush Shrikes, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Pockfeller’s Sunbirds, Purple-throated Sunbirds, Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Rwenzori Double-collared Warbler, Rwenzori Nightjar, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, White-bellied Robin Chat, White-tailed Flycatcher, and Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, among many others. It is best for both old and young and is a means of developing ecotourism and awareness of conservation.
Nature Walks in the Forest
There are a host of nature walks and hikes for those with varying levels of fitness. The hikes will see you immersed in the intact rainforest, with stops along the way to appreciate the flora and fauna. Some of the most common hikes include Gisakura Forest Walk, which takes approximately 2 hours, and Uwinka Trail, which takes up to 4 hours.
More adventure-packed hikes include the Congo-Nile Trail Hike and Irebero Hike, which provide great views of the mountains and valleys. Hikes vary from being moderate to rather tough, with a total duration of 6 hours for most hikes. Nature walks/hikes here present a perfect opportunity for a digital detox where one can connect with nature away from technology.
Exploring the Congo Nile Trail by Bike
A bike journey along the Congo Nile Trail is an amazing way to view the beauty of Nyungwe. The Congo Nile Trail passes through the park, giving you an opportunity to explore the park closely and appreciate its beauty. Along the journey, you will be able to see birds, primates, and other animals going about their businesses.
Moreover, it is a great means of appreciating the trees and plant species that make this park special. The journey provides you with a fully immersed adventure and a view you won’t be able to get by walking and driving vehicles. It is an excellent adventure activity you can undertake, especially since you can camp along the journey and appreciate the night sounds and sights in the forest whenever you camp along the Congo Nile Trail.
A visit to the Tropical Waterfall
A visit to the tropical waterfall is among the most adventurous things to do in a park setting. There are a number of waterfalls in the park, but the most famous one and the largest one is the Kamiranzovu waterfall in the Nyungwe region. Kamiranzovu translates to ‘swallowing elephant’ due to the nearby Kamiranzovu Swamp, which is the main water source of the waterfall.
This activity is enjoyed by many tour customers, especially hikers, who after a 3–4-hour hike get a treat in terms of a visit to the tropical waterfall in the form of this waterfall located in the Nyungwe region of Rwanda.
Best Accommodations in Nyungwe National Park
There are a few options available for staying around the area where the Nyungwe Forest is located, ranging from luxury to budget types of options for accommodation and camping sites too. There are a few designated sites available for camping around the reception area of the park itself, and it would be advisable to make reservations ahead of time if you come during peak times.
One&Only Nyungwe House. It is a five-star lodge actually located in the middle of a tea plantation with an excellent view of the forests and the hills. It is comprised of six wood villas and 22 other luxury rooms, entirely designed for comfort. It would be perfect for you if you just want some views and prime tracking, especially of chimpanzees, because of its proximity to the prime sites within the forests.
Kitabi Eco-Center is excellent for a serene stay with stunning views of Mount Kitabi. It features a restaurant with a blend of meals (including international) and a continental breakfast option. It is a family-friendly resort with a children’s playground, spacious terraces, and ample car parking space.
Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge: Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge in Kitabi, which provides budget-friendly accommodation options for budget and mid-range travelers. The facilities offered include free Wi-Fi, a lounge, and a BBQ area. There is a restaurant with both local and international cuisines, including pizza, which is a must-eat dinner option, being a pizza lover’s haven.
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is located close to the park headquarters and has operated since 2011. It boasts excellent views of the forests and mountains from the rooms’ balconies, among other facilities such as a restaurant, TV lounge, barbecue area, shuttle services, and meeting/banquet facilities. It is an ideal base for hikes due to its location within the park.
Gisakura Family Hostel is a budget-friendly alternative located along the main road of Gisakura. It is a rather basic but comfortable establishment with accommodating staff, ideal for group travel or those seeking shared facilities and budget meals.
EAR Gisakura Visitor Centre: This is located within the forest along the main road. It has four cozy bungalows located among trees, providing a refreshing atmosphere with shades and fresh air, ideal for unwinding and communing with nature.
Gisakura Guest House is about 2 km away from the park and features beautiful gardens. The simple but comfortable establishment is value for your money with shared showers and toilet facilities that are spotless. Meals cost only about $8, and you can dine here at the establishment.
