Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda is known for Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Rwanda, Canopy walk, black and white colobus monkeys, beautiful scenery and hiking trips in Rwanda. Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda is Located to the south west of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park shares the border with Congo and Burundi and is noted to be among the ancient forests which survived the ice age and one of the few well conserved montane forests in Central Africa. Nyungwe National Park is noted to be among the remote sources of the Nile River and it came into existence in the year 2004 stretching over a geographical spread of 970km2. The park features lush montane forest, Bamboo, grassland, swamps and bogs. Cyangungu is the nearest town to Nyungwe National Park at 54km while Mount Bigugu 2950m is noted to be the highest elevation in the park lying entirely within the boundaries of the park. The Nyungwe National Park is a diverse park with a range of biodiversity including 13 species of primate, 1068 species of plants, 275 species of birds, 85 species of mammals, 38 species of reptile and 32 species of amphibians.
Attractions in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Birds as a Rwanda Safari attraction in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is listed as an Important Bird Area by the famous Bird life International celebrating its importance in the conservation of birds. Nyungwe Forest is also recognized for its counts of montane bird species in the region. With 278 bird species among which 26 are limited to the Albertine rift forests, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a rich bird destination worth exploring while on birding safaris in Rwanda. Among the species of birds in Nyungwe include; Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Red-throated Alethe, Kungwe Apalis, Apalis argentea, Dusky Crimson Wing, Francolinus nobilis, Cryptospiza shelleyi, Cryptospiza jacksoni, Hemitesia neumanni, Kupeornis rufocinctus, Red-collared Babbler, Melaenornis ardesiacus, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Regal Sunbird and Neumann’s Warbler.
Wildlife as a Rwanda Safari attraction in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park has an elevation of 3000 m and the varying ecosystem in this park supports numerous wildlife including Common Chimpanzees, Black and white Colobus Monkeys,; Silver Monkey, Adolf Friedrich’s Golden Monkey, L’Hoest’s Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, Dent’s Mona Monkey, Hamlyn’s Monkey, Vervet Monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey and Olive Baboon.
Flora as a Rwanda Safari attraction in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe forest is noted to have survived the last ice age and thus featuring a wide range of flora including 200 tree species, giant lobelia, flowering plants along with impressive orchids. The change in altitude comes along with change in vegetation type including the Bamboo along with shrubs like Phillipia, Podocarpus, Macaranga, Hagenia thrives at 2500m. Other flora species occur at 2250m including Carapa, Newtonia, Entandophragma, Polycscias, Symphonia, Cyathea.
Tourist Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking as a Rwanda Safari Activity in Nyungwe National Park
Common Chimpanzees are among the 13 species of Primates in Nyungwe Forest National Park and these species thrive in Kyamudongo forest and have been habituated for human encounter. The Chimpanzee trekking commences in the morning at 8am but because of a long drive involved, the guests staying in Gisakura area depart at about 5am in the morning for an approximate 2 hours drive to Kyamudongo Forest. The Chimpanzee trekking lasts 2 – 6 hours with one hour of direct viewing experience. Advance booking on the previous day is required and the Chimpanzee trekking permit is at $90 per person.
Colobus Monkey tracking as a Rwanda Safari Activity in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park features the largest Black and White Colobus Monkey group in the whole of Africa numbering to over 400 individuals. It is exceedingly magical to explore these beautiful apes where the young ones are adorned in white attire before coloring and the adult in full black and white suite. The activity duration is between 2 – 5 hours with one (1) hour of direct viewing
Canopy walk as a Rwanda Safari Activity in Nyungwe National Park
The Nyungwe Canopy walk is listed at the first of its kind in the East African region having come into place in the month of October 2010. The walk is listed as the third on the continent featuring 50m high firm platform stretching for 90m. The canopy walk departs at Uwinka visitor center and can be done both in the morning and the afternoon lasting 1 -2 hours.
Bird Watching as a Rwanda Safari Activity in Nyungwe National Park
With 278 bird species, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a rich birders paradise worth exploring by travelers on Rwanda birding safaris. The 26 of the mentioned are limited to the Albertine rift. The birding encounter can be organized to last whole day or half day depending on one’s interest.
Hiking as a Rwanda Safari Activity in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park features thirteen (13) trails which are designed to explore this prehistoric forest on foot getting closer to nature than ever before. The range of trails have been designed for this purpose including; Bugufi, Mount Bigugu, Igishigishi, Umugote, Kamiranzovu, Umuyove, swamp, Imbaraga, Uwinka via swamp, Rukuzi, Karamba, Isumo, Congo Nile divide, Rukungu, Irebero, Rutovu, Ngabwe and Mwumba.
Orchid Ogling as a Rwanda Safari Activity in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park features 154 orchid species and eight (8) of these are of limited in range to Rwanda. Exploring the flamboyant Orchids is very impressive to encounter in safari in Rwanda.
Accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Gisakura Guesthouse
Gisakura Guest House is positioned at 2km from Nyungwe National Park close to Gisakura Tea Estate along the road to Cyangungu – the current day Rusizi. Gisakura Guest house offers budget accommodation.
Facilities at Gisakura Guesthouse
- En suite rooms
- Bar
- Restaurant
Accommodation Rates for Gisakura Guesthouse
Room Type | Rates |
Twin rooms (Colobus house or Turaco house) | 23,500 Rwf |
Double rooms (Chimpanzee house, waterfall trail or canopy walkway) | 35,400 Rwf |
Triple room (Monkey house) | 47,200 Rwf |
Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Nyungwe Forest Lodge is a top notch luxury facility in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The lodge is surrounded by an extensive tea plantation.
Facilities at Nyungwe Forest Lodge
- Swimming pool
- Poolside boma
- 2 treatment rooms
- Jacuzzi pool.
- Boutique store.
- Fitness Centre
- Conference facilities with AV equipment taking 16 delegates maximum
- Tea lounge.
- Dining restaurant
- Private dining terrace.
- Laundry service
- Wireless internet in the main lodge building.
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Nyungwe Top View Hotel is midrange accommodation establishment on the border of Nyungwe Forest National Park featuring twelve (12) units configured as four (4) twins and eight (8) apartments.
Facilities at Nyungwe Hill Top View Lodge
- Self-contained rooms
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Fire place.
Camping in Nyungwe Forest National Park
There are various camps in the park suitable for camping enthusiasts on Rwanda Safari.
Uwinka visitor center
There are two (2) campsites equipped with shower, tents and toilet and the canteen. The firewood and water can be availed on demand
Wilderness Campsites
These are positioned deep in the wild presenting a close touch with nature. The guests have to carry own tent, food, sleeping bags and firewood.
Mt. Bigugu peak
This is positioned on the top of Mount Bigugu and takes up to four (4) people. The guests have to carry own water.
Campers are required to provide their own water.
Congo-Nile Divide Trail
Congo – Nile Divide trail features three (3) campsites which enable the Rwanda safari undertakers interested in exploring the Nile Congo divide spend overnights.
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