Rwanda Safari Tours in Nyungwe National Park
Rwanda Safari Tours in Nyungwe National Park: Rwanda safari tours in Nyungwe National Park are among one of the best primate tours in Rwanda. Rwanda, located in the Albertine Rift, is one of Africa’s most biologically diverse countries and a sanctuary for rainforest endemism. Its most famous wild creature is the Virunga Massif’s famed mountain gorilla.
Rwanda, a highly populated country with the majority of its population living in rural regions, has shown enormous tenacity in recovering from the memories of the 1994 genocide. Rwanda is now a stable, well-governed, and peacefully unified country.
The people’s positive spirit has earned their nation the title ‘Remarkable Rwanda,’ and it is frequently included on ‘must-see’ lists.
Rwanda Safari Tours in Nyungwe National Park.
The Nyungwe Forest National Park in western Rwanda is one of the world’s most magnificent and pristine rain forests. It is dominated by a chain of mountains that runs south from northern Uganda and Congo, via the Rwenzori highlands, western Rwanda, and Burundi, to the beaches of Lake Tanganyika.
On a clear day, Nyungwe Forest National Park provides spectacular views of Lake Kivu and, in certain cases, the Virunga hills. The forest includes a large network of well-kept walking and hiking paths that lead to numerous waterfalls and viewing sites. Chimp trekking, bird viewing, colobus monkey trekking, and the canopy walk are the most popular activities in Nyungwe forest.
What wildlife to lookout for during Rwanda Safari Tours in Nyungwe National Park?
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
The Nyungwe Forest national park is home to 75 different species of animals, the most of which are tiny and/or nocturnal, making sightings difficult. Chimpanzees are the major draw of Nyungwe Forest, with chimpanzee trekking taking place every day in the early morning. The forest is home to battalions of 300 or more colobus monkeys who traverse the treetops, providing tourists with yet another exciting pastime.
Wildlife to lookout for during a primate tracking safari in Nyungwe Forest national park include; Chimpanzees, Silver monkey, Golden monkey, Owl-faced monkey/ Hamlyn’s monkey, Grey-cheeked mangabey, Red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest monkeys, Vervet monkey, Olive baboon, Dent’s Mona Monkey, Blue Monkey, and Angolan Colobus Monkeys.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest national park is best when combined with a canopy walk. A chimpanzee trekking permit in Rwanda costs $90 for non-residents, $60 for foreign residents and 5000 RWF for Rwandan nationals.
Birding during Rwanda Safari Tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe Forest national park is the best destination for bird watching tours in Rwanda. The Nyungwe forest national park is home to over 300 bird species, including 16 endemics, 27 Albertine rift endemics, and 121 woodland species.
The Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda is a high altitude mountain forest with elevations ranging from 1600 to 2950 meters. The birds in Nyungwe forest are primarily found in the trees, bushes, or on the ground near the tea plantations. Some birds, such as many woodland species, are timid and hence more easily heard than seen.
The bird species include the Chestnut Owlet, Olive and Elliot’s Woodpeckers, Great Blue and Ruwenzori Turacos, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Stripe-breasted Tit, the amazing Red-collared Babbler, Archer’s Robin Chat, White-bellied Robin Chat, Doherty’s Bush-Shrike, Handsome Francolin Mountain Masked Chestnut-throated Warbler, Collared Apalis, Rwenzori Batis, Neumann’s Short-tailed Warbler, White-tailed Blue-flycatcher, and more. There are well-maintained routes to follow while birding, as well as qualified bird guides stationed in Nyungwe Forest.
Guided Nature Walks during Rwanda Safari Tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe forest is ideal for hikers due to its high terrain and vast network of trekking routes. The paths vary in length, difficulty of trekking, and characteristics; thus, it is recommended that you contact the ranger guides for guidance on which trail to follow according on the attractions you are looking for. The trails wind across a varied environment and provide the most picturesque route to explore the forest. Some of the hiking trails you may pick from when trekking in the forest are listed below;
Guided Nature Walks on Congo Nile Divide Trail
The Congo – Nile Divide path is a 227 km walk for expert hikers that take several days to complete. However, a one-day trek of a portion of the stretch is an option. The different scenery and villages along the path are the major draws of this trail. There are campgrounds where you may stay, but you must provide your own camping equipment. If you need basic supplies, there are businesses along the path where you may get them.
Guided Nature Walks on the Igishigishigi trail
The Igishigishigi walk is 2 kilometers long and offers spectacular views of the Nyungwe forest canopy, gorgeous wild flowers, occasional monkeys, and a variety of birds. This path takes between one and two hours to complete, depending on one’s interests. All participants must be at least six years old, and youngsters must be accompanied by an adult.
Guided Nature Walks on the Karamba Trail
Karamba route, which is surrounded by several fern trees and is located on the former gold mine site, market, and army camp, is a good birding area in Nyungwe forest national park.
The Umugote trail in Nyungwe forest is ideal for primate and bird watching, with views of ridges, flowers, and butterflies. Kibira National Park in Burundi may be seen on a clear day.
Umoyove route, also known as Mahogany trail, leads to the waterfall for a relaxing stroll among the park’s biggest trees.
The Uwinka route is a challenging trek, but it is a magnificent location for bird viewing.
The Irebero trail offers views of Lake Kivu as well as two of Nyungwe National Park’s tallest peaks.
The Imbaraga route is a 10-kilometer loop designed for expert hikers. Hikers will be able to see waterfalls, which will be a welcome sight after a hard journey.
The Bigugu Trail offers views of the DR Congo, Lake Kivu, and the Islands. It leads to the highest point of Nyungwe Forest Park.
The Isumo Trail will take you through the lovely tea fields; you can even get involved in selecting tea and observe the entire process until it reaches your cup. You will also be able to see Nyungwe National Park’s largest waterfall.
The Kamiranzovu Trail takes you near to the majority of the waterfalls, wetlands, and marshes.
The Muzimu Trail winds through eucalyptus and pine woodlands.
The Ngabwe Trail leads to a beautiful picnic and camping area.
The Rukuzi Trail leads you through chimp spotting areas and village vistas.
Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
The Igishigishigi route leads to the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest. The walkway may be reached as part of a specially guided tour of the path. The canopy walk, which hangs 60 meters above the forest floor between massive trees and towers, offers a breathtaking perspective of the park.
Community Cultural Tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Visitors have an opportunity to participate in Community cultural tours during Rwanda safari tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park. To round up your Nyungwe forest experience, include a visit to the neighbourhood to immerse yourself in the rich Rwandan culture. Following an understanding of the forest’s value to Rwanda’s eco system, the villages along its boundaries have coexisted with it and contributed to some extent in its preservation.
There have been initiatives to establish community-based events in order to conserve Rwandan culture and provide tourists with a rich experience. When you arrive at the village, you may participate in activities like as a dance ceremony, banana beer manufacture, bow-and-target shooting, traditional medicine making, and corn grinding, among others.
Where to stay during Rwanda Safari Tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park
During Rwanda safari tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park, visitors can always spend the night in the following accommodation facilities; One & Only Nyungwe House, Gisakura Guesthouse, and Nyungwe Hill Top View lodge.
All in all, Rwanda safari tours in Nyungwe Forest national park are a must do for any tourist visiting Rwanda. Explore Rwanda Tours offers some of the best safari packages to Nyungwe Forest National Park as well as other destinations in Rwanda like Volcanoes National Park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Akagera National Park.
For inquiries on Rwanda safaris, contact us at info@nyungweforestnationalpark.org and we shall be glad to help.
