Nyungwe forest national park.
Nyungwe forest national park is located in the western Great Rift Valley and it stretches from Lake Albert to Lake Tanganyika. The forest lies in south west of Rwanda towards the border of Burundi, south of Lake Kivu and west of the democratic republic of Congo. Nyungwe national park is also found in the district of Rusizi which is located in southwestern part of Uganda. The forest has been a contributor to Rwanda climatic conditions.
Nyungwe national park was established as a national park in 2004 and covers an area approximately 1019square kilometers and the forest is a home of 1000 animals, birds and natural species.
Attractions in Nyungwe national park
Once you try to visit Rwanda, you will try to see a number of attractions in Nyungwe national park which will give an opportunity to watch a number of different attractions as shown below.
Primates.
The primate species in Nyungwe forest are so incredible to discover, the is one of the remarkable spotting destinations in Africa with a quarter of the continents species living in its 1000 square kilometer area thus about 13 primate species are found here which add a touch of scenery to the attractions in the montane forest. The primate species in the park include the following; chimpanzee, L’Hoests monkey, owl-faced monkey, Mona monkey, blue monkey, golden monkey, red tailed monkey among others.
Bird species.
The numerous bird species is among other interesting attractions that can be seen in the park. Nyungwe forest national park has over 300 different bird species including 27 species endemic to the Albertine rift. Three of these, Albertine owlet, red-collared babbler and Rockefeller’s are unrecorded elsewhere on the east African side. For bird watchers March and April are excellent months for bird watching, partly because resident birds are boosted by a large number of passage migrants, but also it’s the main breeding season and several species are at their most colorful and conspicuous. Some of the different bird species that can be seen in the park include; the blue turaco, Ross’s turaco, bubbling Cisticola, Rwenzori batis among others.
Amazing views.
Nyungwe national park offers stunning views, particularly from its canopy walk which is approximately 160 meters long and is suspended 60 to 70 meters above the forest floor making it one of the highest and longest canopy walkways in Africa. You can participate in different trails while visiting Nyungwe national park which will give you access to a number of rewarding views in the park to make you stay in the park unique memorable or amazing safari experience in Rwanda. While on the top of the forest, you will get to spot some of the monkeys move around in the tree tops, the birds that are flying above you and below you and a magnificent view of the huge Nyungwe forest.
Canopy walkway
The canopy walk way is a metallic walkway that is risen high above Nyungwe forest where you will get to see a number of views from an aerial views as you participate in the canopy walk in Rwanda as part of the different activities in Nyungwe national park. The canopy walk is a guided tour done by 6 years and above. The walk is done all year around, however, it’s much better and easier in the dry seasons where the walk way is much drier. The walk on the canopy offers its walkers great views Of the great east African region.
Activities in Nyungwe national park.
Activities in Nyungwe national park are the ventures in which traveler’s engage to spice up the safari as they adventure nature and wildlife.
Birding.
Nyungwe national park is one of the seven important birding areas in found in Rwanda that has been considered as an important bird area by the birdlife international. Nyungwe is a home to 10 bird species and surprisingly 29 are endemic to the Albertine rift. Among the birds that can be encountered by birders on birding safaris in Rwanda include; Grauer’s rush warbler, Rwenzori turacos, red-throated Alethe, dusky crimson wing among others. Birding can be organized as a short guided walk in the morning and in the evening or an extensive full day encounter.
Nature trail hiking.
The hiking trails in the park take 4 hours to 3 days to hike. The hiking trails give an opportunity of getting closer with nature, learning about the trees, shrubs, animals, insects, birds among others. Nyungwe national park has boosted the energy of tourism with over 140 kilometer of walking trail. The nature walks in Nyungwe forest happen in different trails including canopy walk, Ngabwe trail walk, and Congo Nile trail walk among others.
Chimpanzee trekking.
Nyungwe national park has a large population of chimpanzees and it’s the most done activity in the park compared to other activities in Nyungwe national park. There is no season for chimpanzee trekking in the park because it can be done all year around. Chimpanzee trekking in the park is a park activity of following trails that lead you to a point where you are close to the chimpanzees in their natural habitats. You have a chance to view their daily activities, such as when thy wake up, where they thy sleep, how they thy sleep and all their behaviors. You also get a chance to observe what plant species thy feed on, who leads the group and how babies are cared for in the chimp world and how big the group is.
Canopy walk.
The canopy walk gives you an opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views of the Nyungwe forest and its surrounding from above. You are able to see some of the Virunga massif, part of the east African region, and a couple of animals and birds from above. The walk is open to all persons 6 years and above and it takes about 1 and half hours. The canopy walk involves some slight hiking because you access the suspended bridge from the 2.1 km long lgishigishigi trail a hiking trail in the park.
How to get to Nyungwe national park.
Getting to Nyungwe forest national park is an adventure itself. The journey to this captivating destination is filled with scenic beauty and cultural experiences.
There are 2 ways of getting to Nyungwe forest national park. The trips normally start and end in Kigali city. The easiest and most convenient option is taking a 45 minute helicopter flight to the protected area (with the option of landing directly to at the safari lodge). These helicopter flights in Rwanda are provided by Akagere aviation to several of the private lodges in the park.
Another option of getting there is a self-driving trip to the park and this is the feasible option for travelers on a budget. This beautiful safari destination takes is only about a 226 kilometer / 6-7 hour scenic drive from Kigali through a tarred and well maintained road with magnificent views and sights.
Best time to visit Nyungwe forest national park.
Planning a safari to this remarkable park, timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience. Nyungwe forest national park boasts pleasant climate that is ideal for the safari activities, especially during the dry seasons. Considering the climatic factors, the best time to visit Nyungwe national park falls between may to early September and from December to February. These periods offer the most pleasant weather and optimal conditions for enjoying the parks diverse flora and fauna.
Accommodations in Nyungwe national park.
Mid-range accommodation in Nyungwe national park
When you are on Rwanda safari in Nyungwe national park, you can access facilities around the par for affordable and comfortable mid-range accommodation facilities and services. Some of the mid-range lodges include;
Nyungwe top view hill top; this is located at the top of the hills on the margin of Nyungwe national park. The lodge is comprised of 4 twin rooms with 8 apartments with facilities which include a bar and restaurant, a fire place, and self-contained rooms.
Budget accommodation in Nyungwe national park.
There are various budget accommodation facilities in and around the park that visitors can stay during their safaris. Some of the lodges can include;
Kitabi eco center; the lodge offers budget friendly camping grounds among other accommodation options to its guests with breath taking landscape views. Some of the amenities at the eco center include a restaurant, toilets, and bathrooms at the camping grounds and free parking.
Luxury accommodation in Nyungwe national park
Nyungwe forest national park has spectacular high end accommodation facilities that guests wishing to experience luxury as they explore the forested national park can stay. Some of the luxury lodges in the park include;
One and only Nyungwe house; it’s surrounded by the Gisakura tea estate. Expect 5 star quality service during your stay at one and only Nyungwe house. The luxury accommodation features 6 luxury villas collectively inclusive of 22 spacious luxury rooms.
