A Guide to Discovering Nyungwe Forest National Park

Uncover the hidden beauty in Rwanda’s most noteworthy emerging safari destination, Nyungwe Forest National Park. While the aboriginal tribes have venerated this verdant spot for over a millennium, it is somewhat new to the tourist map. Gazetted as a National Park in 2005, Nyungwe Forest National Park is undeniably full of breathtaking phenomena unlike anywhere else in the country. This jaw-dropping Protected Area boasts about 1000 plant species, about 86 mammal species, 320 species of birds, the awe-inspiring waterfalls and spectacular ravines.

If you are yearning for the real jungle experience on your safari to Rwanda, simply head to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Its magnificent Jungle Paradise is ideal for adventure-seeking travellers for chimp treks, canopy walks, forest walks, watching forest birds and so much more.

Abit about Nyungwe Forest National Park

Size: Nyungwe Forest National Park boasts approximately 1000 square kilometers of tropical rainforest, open woodland, bamboo thicket, swamps and marshlands, heath and many other smaller ecosystems.

Location: Nyungwe Forest National Park is set in the extreme south-western border of Rwanda, adjacent to Burundi.

Commonly-sighted animals: Chimpanzees, genets, Angola colobus monkeys, Mongoose, bushbucks, Olive baboons, botched serval, giant forest hogs, Tree hyraxes, impalas, blue monkeys, Congo clawless, Golden cats, Otters, forest buffaloes, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, Black-fronted duikers, bush pigs, Grey-cheeked monkeys, Klipspringers, L’Hoests monkeys, forest elephants, Dent’s Mona monkeys, to mention but a few.

Common Bird sightings: Kivu ground thrush, Short-tailed warblers, Regal sunbirds, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Mountain-masked Apalis, Grauer’s swamp warblers, Rwenzori batis, Congo Bay Owlet, Doherty’s bush shrike, Rwenzori Turaco, long-crested eagles, African Paradise flycatcher, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Dwarf honeyguide, Rockefeller’s sunbirds, Purple-breasted sunbirds, Red-throated Alethe, Rwenzori nightjar, Stripe-breasted tit, strange weavers, Albertine owlet, Neumann’s warblers, Archer’s robin chat, and many others.

Ways of discovering the beauty of Nyungwe Forest National Park

Guided forest walks/hiking

Get immersed into the phenomenal natural landscapes as you take guided walks through different forest trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The 13 well-maintained trails differ in difficulty, duration and species’ diversity but this beautiful Protected Area has something for everyone. The popular trails include Igishigishigi, Imbaraga, Ngabwe, Buhoro, Kamiranzovu Marsh, Bigugu and Rukuzi among others.

Chimpanzee trekking

While all the different ways of discovering Nyungwe Forest National Park are phenomenal, chimpanzee trekking will thrill you in indescribable ways. Thanks to its 2 habituated chimpanzee communities, treks are imperative here and provide opportunities of discovering the unique lifestyle and physical characteristics of our closest cousins. Spend 1-3 hours trekking these Great Apes then have one hour to observe and take photos as they go about their routines in the jungles.

Helicopter Tours

Helicopter tours are also provided when you visit Nyungwe Forest National Park, with hope of enjoying jaw-dropping views of the magical forest canopies, animals and capture phenomenal photographs of gorges. Transversing over spectacular ravines, jaw-dropping waterfalls, wetlands and forests won’t disappoint you.

Canopy walk

Canopy walks in the East and Central African region are mainly provided in Nyungwe Forest National Park offering views of the gorges, tree canopies, primates and bird species from the 160-meter long and 70-meter tall bridge across the Valley.

Cultural and tea tours

The Cultural tours around Nyungwe Forest National Park offer the unrivalled perspective into the traditions and daily lives of aboriginal people. The guided walks normally employ local guides from the local who are passionate about sharing their practices, beliefs, history and cultures.

Where to stay while discovering Nyungwe Forest National Park

For Nyungwe Forest National Park, the One & Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge, Kitabi Eco Center and Gisakura Guesthouse offer the most wonderful nights and meals while exploring this secluded safari destination.

Best months to experience the natural beauty of Nyungwe Forest National Park

The best months of exploring Nyungwe Forest National Park are June through September as well as December through February when rainfall levels have reduced, making the ground drier, less muddy or slippery. Travellers that don’t enjoy crowds can explore Nyungwe Forest National Park in the months of March through May and October through November but be prepared for muddy and slippery trails. However, the Park is generally open throughout the year.

Getting to Nyungwe Forest National Park

The best and most popular way of getting to Nyungwe Forest National Park is by Rental Car where you enjoy the privacy and freedom of driving 5-6 hours from Kigali City with breathtaking view along the way. Helicopter flights can also be arranged to Nyungwe Forest National Park, from Kigali City and last 45 minutes.