Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park holds one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, comprising bamboo-covered slopes, afro-montane forests, marshes, grasslands, and bamboo-covered slopes. It covers an area of about 1019 square kilometers.

This makes it a convenient home for various wildlife species, especially primates like Chimpanzees, thus promoting chimpanzee trekking experiences.

History of Nyungwe National Park

Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park has for previous years gone through different environmental degradation due to human activities like animal hunting, fires, woodcutting, and small-scale agriculture.

The park had hundreds of Elephants, but most were hunted down by 1969. Because of the vast animal hunting, Buffaloes were also hunted down by 1974 and in 1984, the forest was partitioned to create a buffer zone for safe timber cutting.

In 1984, the Wildlife Conservation Society worked with the Rwanda Development Board and they discovered up to 400 colobus monkeys living in groups.

In 1987, the Uwinka trail in Rwanda was developed but was destroyed by the 1994 genocide. In 1995, the park’s reconstruction kicked off, and by 1999 the last Elephants were killed in the forest.

In 2005, Nyungwe Forest National Park was made a national park by the Rwandan government. This gave this country the chance to offer more than just Gorilla trekking, but also Chimpanzee trekking.

Where is Nyungwe National Park Located 

Nyungwe Forest National Park is found in the southwestern part of Rwanda in the South East of Lake Kivu.

Found in the Albertine Rift,  Nyungwe Park is found in the Ruzizi District and it is surrounded by five districts.

From the Ruzizi District border, it takes 53 kilometers to reach the park which sits about 900m above sea level.

Types of Safaris at Nyungwe Forest National Park/Nyungwe National Park Activities & Attractions 

Nyungwe Forest National Park has different types of safaris to explore and below are the most famous experiences.

1. Canopy Walk Safaris at Nyungwe Forest National Park 

The Nyungwe canopy walk is one of the most famous and exhilarating safari activities at Nyungwe Park. It involves walking at a suspended bridge of 70m high and 160m long. The experience takes about 2 hours and as you walk, you will enjoy the sight of the extensive scenery of the tropical rainforest having about 1000 tree species, and views of over 300 bird species.

2. Primate Walking Safaris at Nyungwe Forest National Park

Although Nyungwe Forest National Park is famous for Chimpanzee trekking, it is also known for tracking other primate species like the L’Hoest Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Golden Monkeys, and Dent’s Monkeys, among others.

You can book a chimpanzee permit from the Rwanda Development Board to be able to track the primates in their natural habitat. Nyungwe Forest NP has a total of about 13 primate species.

3. Birding Safaris at Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is an amazing place to experience bird-watching adventures. The park protects about 310 bird species, 25 Albertine Rift endemics, and 11 out of the 23 guinea-Congo forest biome species.

Some of the common bird species to watch at Nyungwe Forest National Park include the Great Blue Turaco, Neumann’s Warbler Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Rwenzori Nightjar, Archers Robin-Chat, Congo Bay Owlet, and the Strange Weaver, among others.

4. Visiting the Gisakura Tea Plantation 

The Gisakura Tea Plantation will give you an amazing traditional adventure that will allow you to experience the tea production process from planting to harvest.

You will also be able to enjoy the tea at the end of your wonderful adventures.

Best Time to Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park can be visited at any time of the year. However, the best time to visit the park is during the dry season which is from about December through February and about June to about September.

The dry season will grant you the best experiences, especially on the dry tracks for easy trekking experiences. 

On the other hand, the rainy season is also a good time to enjoy discounted costs, especially at the lodges.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Should You Pack and Wear for Your Safari at Nyungwe Park

Clothes to wear

1. Long-sleeved trousers and shirts

2. Comfortable sturdy shoes

3. Rain jacket or poncho

4. Scarf

5. Hat or cap

What to Pack

1. Insect repellent

2. Sunscreen lotion

3. Notebook and pen

4. Guidebook

5. Pair of binoculars

6. Camera

7. Pack pack

8. Sunglasses

Accommodation/Safari Lodges at Nyungwe Forest National Park 

Nyungwe Forest National Park has amazing accommodations and safari lodges categorized into luxury, midrange, and budget.

1. Luxury Lodges include – One & Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, etc.

2. Midrange Lodges –  Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Rwiza Village, Golden Monkey Hotel, etc

3. Budget Lodges –  Uwinka Campsite, Keza Lodge, Gisakura Guest House, etc.

What is the Most Visited National Park in Rwanda?

Volcanoes National Park, the home of the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas is the most visited safari park in Rwanda.

Other National Parks in Rwanda 

Other than Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda has 3 more national parks and these are,

1. Volcanoes National Park 

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the most famous safari park in the country, famous for protecting the endangered Mountain Gorillas.

The park has 200 bird species with 17 that are Albertine Rift Endemics and 90 mammal species.

2. Akagera National Park 

Akagera National Park is known to be the only home to the savannah animals, especially the African Big Five. These are the Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffaloes and Leopards.

There are recorded 69 mammal species and 300 bird species to watch on nature walks, game drives, or birding, among others.

Other common animals at the Akagera National Park are the Zebras, Giraffes, Wild Dogs, and many others.

3. Gishwati Mukura National Park 

Gishwati Mukura National Park, Rwanda’s newest park protects about 300 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics. It is a common home for primates like golden, blue, and chimpanzees.

Conclusively, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a great place to experience some of the best safari adventures in Rwanda, Africa. Contact us today and book your safari trip to the park for exclusive experiences.