Unlock the mysteries of Nyungwe Forest National Park with our top-tier 4×4 Rwanda car rental services. Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, tucked away in the middle of tea plantations. This remarkable mountain rain forest can be quite deceptive in its vastness if you simply catch a glimpse of it from afar. Nyungwe Forest is one of the most preserved afro-montane rain forests in Africa and an important site for biodiversity in Rwanda. It is rich in biodiversity, and the scenery is spectacularly beautiful and breathtaking to see. It also offers a vantage point for picturesque views of the Virungas mountain ranges and the Congo. Nyungwe is no wonder nature at its very best. It’s lush and beautifully green vegetation is often seen with cooling mists in the early mornings and late evenings.
Over 1000 plant species, 75 different mammalian species, and over 300 bird species have been recorded in this mountainous region of the African continent. Nyungwe teams with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees, for which it is popular, as well as 12 other species of primate, such as L’Hoest’s monkey, endemic to the Albertine Rift. These primates include the Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus, the grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, and vervet monkeys along the nature trails in Nyungwe. The park also offers the best birdwatching opportunities in Rwanda, with many species endemic to the area.
Nyungwe Forest National Park nestles in Rusizi district, southwest of Rwanda, at the country’s border with Burundi, near the shores of Lake Kivu, and connects to the mountainous landscapes of Kibira National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Activities in Nyungwe
Chimpanzee Tracking
Nyungwe is home to a population of about 400 wild chimpanzees, with two habituated communities that are available to guests for tracking,one in Cyamudungo and the other around Uwinka. Chimpanzee tracking usually starts in the morning, and the activity is conducted in groups of a maximum of eight (8) visitors, just as it is with gorilla trekking. While seeing the chimpanzees is not guaranteed, you will be rewarded with learning about these creatures and their natural habitats from your expert guides. This forest park receives a very large number of visitors annually who come to experience a face-to-face encounter with the chimpanzees, man’s closest living relative. You can also combine a chimpanzee trekking expedition with your gorilla trek within the Volcano National Park without driving long distances.
Colobus Monkey Tracking
Apart from chimpanzees, there are 12 other primate species that are found in Nyungwe Forest. They include the golden monkeys, with very occasional sightings. The forest is also popular for its large numbers of colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and Ruwenzori colobus monkeys. The colobus monkeys are usually seen in large troops of up to 300 monkeys during tracking. You will also see the L’Hoest’s monkey, the owl-faced monkeys, the mona monkey, and the blue monkeys as you track the playful colobus monkeys.
Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk
This remarkable canopy walk is so far the first tree-top forest canopy walk in all of East Africa and the third in Africa. You can add this amazing activity to your list of things to do in Rwanda or combine a safari to Volcanoes NP for gorilla trekking with Nyungwe Forest on your itinerary and enjoy this remarkable activity as part of your safari schedule. The canopy walk is 50 meters elevated from the ground, and this can also be dizzying heights for some people. You will observe monkeys move around in the tree canopies, birds flying above and below you, and the beautiful view of the huge Nyungwe forest and its surroundings.
Bird watching
Nyungwe Forest is home to aver 300 bird species, 27 of which are endemic to the albertine rift. For example, Grauer’s Warbler is an albertine rift endemic and can be found within the mountain swamps, like the Kamiranzovou within Nyungwe Forest. The Rwenzori Turaco and the large blue Turaco are all present and endemic to the Albertine rift.
Accommodation
There is a wide range of sumptuous accommodation options in Nyungwe National Park, ranging from super luxury to clean and comfortable budget properties, that will make your stay and experience in Nyungwe a rewarding one. The one and only Nyungwe House is so far the most lavish and luxurious resort and comes first on the list. It offers authentic and exclusive services for an escape that will make you feel sophisticated. Other accommodation options on our list from our expert picks include the Kivu Marina Bay hotel, the Nyungwe Top View hotel, the Emeraude Kivu resort, the Gisakura visitor’s center, and many others.