Nyungwe National Park Activities: Top10 things to do for an Unforgettable Experience
Nyungwe National Park Activities: Located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests, offering visitors a wide range of thrilling activities. From chimpanzee trekking to canopy walks, the park provides unforgettable encounters with wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, birdwatcher, or adventure seeker, Nyungwe National Park activities cater to all types of travelers.
1. Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is one of the most popular and exciting wildlife adventures enjoyed by visitors to this destination. This vast ancient forest is home to over 500 chimpanzees offering the chimpanzee trekking experience in the country. It is the only Rwanda National Park offering chimpanzee trekking adventures taking visitors to the natural habitats of these intelligent primates.
What to Expect:
A chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe National Park begins early in the morning and starts with a pre-trek briefing from an experienced and knowledgeable park guide about the safety rules and guidelines to adhere to while in the natural habitats of these fascinating intelligent primates.
After, participants are divided into manageable units of at least 8 individuals for an immersive experience. Each group is led by an armed ranger to ensure safety and a park guide for an informative experience. A simple chimp trek in the Nyungwe forest lasts about 2 hours depending on the locations of the assigned chimp troop on that day.
When you encounter the assigned chimpanzee troop, you have a standard time of 1 hour, observing them swing through trees, play, groom forage, going about their daily lives in their natural habitats.
While on your chimpanzee trekking adventure in this vast rainforest, you are also presented with exceptional opportunities to observe a diverse range of wildlife up close. Sightings include various insect species, bird species, other primates, and amphibians.
Additionally, you will encounter ancient tree species, some believed to be over 100 years old, along with a variety of flowering plants and ferns, all contributing to an unforgettable wildlife experience.
A Rwanda chimpanzee trekking permit taking you to Nyungwe National Park costs about USD 250 and is issued by the Rwanda Development Board. It is limited in supply and in high demand requiring an individual to book it well in advance especially if you planning to visit during the peak travel seasons.
You may also like 3 Days Nyungwe Chimps & Canopy Walk Safari
2. Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is renowned for offering the best canopy walk experience in East Africa making it a must-do activity for adventurers visiting this destination. Canopy walks in the Nyungwe forest are much thought of after the exciting chimpanzee trekking adventures.
The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest takes visitors 160 meters long and 70 meters above the forest floor suspended bridge offering a unique wildlife experience featuring panoramic views of the forest canopy and wildlife.
Highlights of the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest include panoramic views of the forest canopy featuring sightings of a variety of bird species inclusive of the rare bird species that are hardly seen on the forest floor. while there, you can also see monkeys swinging through trees offering an unforgettable experience.
The Nyungwe canopy walk is suitable for all ages making it an ideal option for Rwanda family safaris. It costs USD 40 per person for foreign Non-Residents, and USD 20 for foreign residents.
3. Colobus Monkey Tracking
Apart from the famous chimpanzees, Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda is also home to a significant population of Angolan colobus monkeys making it a prime destination for tracking these beautiful primate species.
These primates feature striking black and white courts which makes them shine out in the wild. They live in large groups meaning they forage, groom, and play in groups making them exciting to watch.
Colobus monkey tracking is less demanding compared to chimpanzee trekking making it an excellent choice for families and casual hikers. During this activity, you are also offered exceptional opportunities to see other animal species thriving in the forest up close.
4. Birdwatching in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is home to over 300 bird species inclusive of the 29 Albertine Rift endemics making it a prime destination for birding in Rwanda. This park’s diverse ecosystems offer a perfect habitat for a variety of bird species including some of Africa’s rare birds.
While there, top birds you shouldn’t miss looking out for include the Great Blue Turaco, Ruwenzori Turaco, Red-collared Babbler, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, and White-tailed Blue Flycatcher.
In addition to those birds, you can also spot the Handsome Francolin, Mountain Masked Apalis, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, Regal Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Kivu Ground Thrush, Bar-tailed Trogon, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, White-starred Robin, Olive Woodpecker, Abyssinian Thrush, Ruwenzori Batis, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Doherty’s Bushshrike, Lagden’s Bushshrike, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Least Honeyguide, Grauer’s Warbler, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, White-headed Wood Hoopoe, and many more ensuring the best birding experience in Rwanda.
A Nyungwe forest-guided birding permit costs USD 50 for foreign nonresidents, USD 40 for foreign residents in Rwanda, and 5,000 Rwandan francs for Rwandees and East African Citizens. Birding in this vast rainforest is led by expert ornithologists who help visitors spot and identify these unique species offering the best birding experience.
5. Hiking and Nature Walks
Nyungwe National Park offers a variety of well-maintained hiking trails at different distances catering to different levels of fitness. In this vast forest, you will find trails reaching up to 130 kilometers and each one of them comes with a unique experience from scenic waterfalls to breathtaking viewpoints.
Popular hiking trails in Nyungwe forest include the Igishigishigi Trail leading you to the canopy walk, the Isumo Waterfall Trail Which leads to a stunning waterfall, Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail which is great for birdwatching and wetland exploration, and the Bigugu Trail which is a challenging trail taking you to the highest peak in Nyungwe National Park
Hiking in Nyungwe National Park allows you to immerse yourself in the pristine rainforest and discover hidden gems along the way.
6. Cultural Encounters and Community Tours
Beyond wildlife experiences, visitors to Nyungwe forest can also engage in Rwanda cultural encounters specifically with the local people who are living around this ancient African rain forest. Cultural tours in Nyungwe Forest are led by expert local guides and provide deep insights into Rwanda’s traditions.
They take visitors to visit the Banda villages, interact with the local artisans, engage or watch traditional dance performances, visit the tea plantations, and enjoy local homestays for a more immersive experience. These community-based tourism initiatives support local development and promote cultural preservation.
7. Camping and Overnight Stays in Nyungwe National Park
For visitors who want to extend their adventure, Nyungwe National Park offers camping and lodging options within and near the park.
Popular ones include the Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel featuring stunning panoramic views of the park, One&Only Nyungwe House which is a luxury lodge set within a tea plantation, and Gisakura Guesthouse, a budget-friendly option near the park entrance
You can also decide to camp near this park getting deep insights and sounds of the rainforest at night, making it an unforgettable experience.
8. Waterfall Exploration – Isumo Waterfall Hike
The Izumo Waterfall Hike is one of the most scenic activities in Nyungwe National Park. The trail takes visitors through lush vegetation, past tropical birds, and finally to a breathtaking waterfall.
A visit to the Isumo Waterfall offers a refreshing break from hiking through the dense forests for different activities such as chimpanzee tracking. Isumo waterfall is a great spot for photography and nature lovers offering them a chance to various water-loving birds, rare orchids, and wild animals attracted by this water body to cool off.
This hike is moderately challenging and rewarding making it visitors’ favorite compared to other hikes in the park.
9. Nocturnal Walks in Nyungwe National Park
For those who love adventure, Nyungwe National Park offers nocturnal walks to observe the park’s nightlife offering a unique perspective of this rainforest ecosystem. With a guide and flashlight, visitors can spot various nocturnal animals thriving in the park including bush babies, owls, and nocturnal insects. You will also spot nocturnal primates like the Potto and Galagos.
10. Conservation Education Tours
Visitors interested in conservation efforts can participate in educational tours focusing on the preservation of Nyungwe National Park. These tours include visits to research centers, lectures from conservationists, and insights into forest regeneration projects.
Why Join a Conservation Tour?
- Learn about efforts to protect the park’s biodiversity
- Gain insights into sustainable tourism
- Support conservation initiatives through eco-tourism
These educational experiences inspire visitors to appreciate and contribute to wildlife conservation.
With its diverse range of Nyungwe National Park activities, this rainforest offers an unparalleled adventure for all visitors. Whether you’re tracking chimpanzees, walking above the treetops on the canopy walk, or enjoying cultural encounters, the park provides a unique and immersive experience in nature. Plan your trip today and discover the wonders of Nyungwe National Park!