Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Location and Access.
The Nyungwe forest national park is located in the southwest part of Rwanda covering over 970 km. Covered with montane Nyungwe forest is the largest forest in Rwanda and the home to many primate species. Some of these primates include; chimpanzees, black and white colobus, mangabey, L’hoests monkeys, . The forest is blessed with a lot of fauna including unique plant species. For example, Nyungwe forest has 100 orchids, 120 butterfly species. Nyungwe forest park has 275endangered bird species making it a suitable destination for those that love birding.
What to do in Nyungwe Park;
Before you travel to a destination the question on your mind is always, what willI do there ? On that note therefore below we have provided you with information on what you can do in Nyungwe park. Nyungwe forest being one of the oldest forest on the African continent, this means it has a lot of flora and fauna, this making it a nice place of nature walks. There are a number of activities that you can participate in whilst in Nyungwe park and below we have listed some.
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Chimpanzee tracking
Nyungwe National Park is the only place in Rwanda where you can find more than five primate species. Some of these include; the Chimpanzee and Mountain monkeys, the Angolan black as well as the while colobus monkeys. Nyungwe has a high population of habituated primates ranging from 400 to 500 of them in just one group.
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Primates walk
Primates walk includes having a nature walk into the forest as you search for primates in the jungle. You can expect to see more than primates including baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and so much more. Nyungwe forest park has about 10 different primate species.
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Bird watching in Nyungwe
Blessed with of plenty bird species more than any other protected area found in the Albertine Rift. Hence making it perfect for birding. Nyungwe forest park is the best to visit in Rwanda whilst on a Rwanda bird watching safari. Most noteworthy, Nyungwe park offers you an opportunity to see more species especially those whose range is restricted to the mountain forests of the Albertine Rift.
280 birds species have been recorded in Nyungwe with 27 endemics.
Forest Walk
Most noteworthy about Nyungwe forest is that, it has also got a well maintained and rare network of nature walkways. Walkways were developed to enable tourists get the best views of the unique rainforest features. These walkways meander the gentle hills of Nyungwe park accessing various attractions such as waterfalls and interesting over-the-canopy views.
- Canopy walk
The walk is done two times a day and it takes about 30min to 1 hour. The views from above the canopy and extra ordinary, and if you are lucky you might spot some chimps, above the canopy of the famous forest- Nyungwe forest national park.
How to get to Nyungwe National park
Nyungwe forest national park is just three to hours hours drive away from Kigali. Therefore, we recommend that you try our our 3 days Nyungwe Chimp Safari Rwanda.
Located 220km/137mi from Kigali, and just a mere 100km from huge and only 55km from Rusizi. From Kigali, the drive would take you about 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic. However, we recommend that you set aside out 6 hours for travel.
By air Rwanda air operates daily flights to Kamembe from Kigali which is about 1 hours drive to Nyungwe. Or you can opt to charter a helicopter to Nyungwe with Akagera aviation
Where to sty while visiting Nyungwe Park ?
Listed below are some of the lodges you can consider staying at whilst visiting Nyungwe National park. These hotels are close to the start point and therefore, making it easy for you especially for those tracking chimpanzees in the park. Chimpanzee tracking requires an early start, therefore if your hotel is close by then it make your trek easier
Gisakura guest hotels.
This is a budget clean and one of the long standing lodges in the area. It is perfect for those on a tight budget. Although the facilities are basic, the services are good a they try to make your stay memorable. The price quote of this guest house ranges between 35 to 65 US dollars per person night.
Nyungwe Top hill View ;
Set on a mountain near Gisakura is this 3 star hotel with a perfect view of the forests. Nyungwe To hill view ranges between 250 and 400 US dollars per night, depending on the rooming arrangement.
One and Only Nyungwe house;
A true definition of luxury as it sits aside within a tea plantain and has excellent views of the forest. This is a 5 star hotel and the only of its kind in the area for those looking to stay in deluxe facilities.