Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in southwestern Rwanda, at the border with Burundi to the south and Congo to the west. It is arguably the largest montane forest in East and Central Africa and one of the highly-rated conservation forests in Africa, covering a total area of 970 sq km. Nyungwe is the only national park in Rwanda that offers chimpanzee trekking safaris.
The park is found in the district of Rusizi in southwestern Rwanda, only 225 km from Kigali, taking a 4-5 hours’ drive. The forest receives 2000 mm of rainfall every year and is Rwanda’s largest water catchment area.
It was first declared as a forest reserve by the German colonial government in 1903, but the forest suffered wildfires, poaching of animals, and extensive woodland cutting. It was not until the 1980s, following the restoration of colobus monkeys that were living in groups, led to restoration of the conservation work. It was later declared a national park in 2005.
The park is known for its 13 primates, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, and acrobatic Ruwenzori colobus monkeys, among others. It also contains more than 1,050 plant species, 250 Albertine Rift Valley endemics, and 200 orchids. The park is home to over 120 butterfly species, 32 amphibians, 38 reptiles, 85 mammals, and 310 bird species.
Safaris to Nyungwe Forest
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Chimpanzee Trekking
Nyungwe harbors 13 primate species and is the only park that offers chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. This activity starts in the morning, and you need to have at least the following: a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, rain jacket, a liter of water, and hiking boots. Therefore, to trek chimps in this forest, one has to keep time to be able to watch them rise from their nests to hunt and feed; they groom each other and watch the juveniles play. Sessions are limited to no more than 8 people and for no longer than 1 hour.
Monkey Trekking
Nyungwe is a place where you can trek black and white colobus monkeys. This is because they live in large groups, including the semi-habituated group of about 400 individuals that are common around the forest and campsite. Other types of monkeys sighted here are red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, Albertine Rift endemic owl-faced monkeys.
Canopy Walk
Hung between higher slopes and giant trees about 1 km from Uwinka ranger station, the metallic walking trail is almost 200 m long, with a maximum height of about 40 meters. It is a superb viewing point for resident birds, primates, butterflies, and ancient trees. The walk is another unique activity not to be missed in Rwanda.
Bird Watching
Nyungwe Forest is home to over 320 bird species, presenting endless chances for avid birders to carry out bird watching without any difficulty. Among other birds found here are the Albertine owlet, red-collared, and Rockefeller’s sunbird. These birds are only found in this forest on the eastern side of the Albertine Rift Valley. Of the 27 Albertine endemics that can be spotted in Nyungwe, Ruwenzori turaco, red-faced woodland warbler, and Ruwenzori batis, among others.
Forest Hiking
Nyungwe National Park is the best for hiking expeditions with a network of countless well-maintained trails, including Igishigishi trail, Ngabwe trail, Kamiranzovu trail, Karambi trail, and Isumo waterfall trail. Each of these trails takes you into the interior of the forest and to neighboring communities, offering chances to view a number of attractions such as waterfalls, extensive tea plantations, unique plants like red-hot pokers & orchids, gold mines, markets, among others.
Accommodation
Accommodations in Nyungwe Forest National Park are quite limited but fortunately span a range of budgets. The luxury lodge is One&Only Nyungwe House, mid-budget is Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge, while the lower-budget option is Gisakura Guest House.
The main road – Cyangugu-Butare highway gets you to Uwinka main park entrance. The road is well-tarmacked from Kigali, via the southern city, Butare. You can use private means or take regular buses along the route that operate daily. You can book a flight with Rwanda Air or other domestic airlines. These offer private flights, landing at Kamembe airport. Kamembe is roughly 49 km from Nyungwe Park, taking a 45 minutes to 1-hour drive.
Nyungwe Forest grants travelers multiple experiences whereby they enjoy different primates, a canopy walk, and the ultimate birding experience – a combination you can’t find elsewhere in Rwanda.
