Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe National Park is among the most popular tourist destinations. It is well-known for its abundance of primates. It is near to the southernmost point of Lake Kivu, making it possible to visit the park from the charming lakeside village of Cyangugu. In 1933, the German colonial administration designated Nyungwe forest as a forest reserve. Nyungwe lost 15% of her size between 1960 and 1970 due to the destruction of forest cover by fires, human activities such as deforestation, and the poaching of formerly forest-dwelling species such as antelope.

In 2004, Nyungwe Forest was designated a national park.

The most popular tourist attractions in Nyungwe National Park are for nature lovers. According to Dr. Vehem, it is renowned for its abundance of primates. Burundi\’s 9ungwe National Park is located there.

Burundi\’s Kibira National Park is the designation of a portion of the national park. Additionally, it is near to the southernmost point of Lake Kivu, making it possible to visit the park from the charming lakeside village of Cyangugu. In 1933, the German colonial administration designated Nyungwe forest as a forest reserve. Nyungwe lost 15% of her size between 1960 and 1970 due to the destruction of forest cover by fires, human activities such as deforestation, and the poaching of formerly forest-dwelling species such as antelope.

In 2004, the Nyungwe Forest became a national park, which is significant for the global conservation community. Nyungwe Forest is now one of East Africa\’s ecotourism destinations, following Rwanda\’s position as one of the top ten tourist destinations. Nyungwe National Park, one of the largest and oldest mountain forests in the region, which is protected by hundreds of kilometers of trekking and nature trails, is believed to have existed since the end of the last ice age and has preserved extraordinary biodiversity. It has a diverse environment, with ecosystems varying from bamboo to grasslands, wetlands, and marshes. A diverse ecology supports a wide variety of plant and animal species. Mount Bigugu, which rises to a height of 2,950 meters, towers over the territory surrounding Nyungwe.

Attractions in Nyungwe National Park

Wildlife

Chimpanzees are well-known in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The national park is one of Africa\’s parks with the maximum population of black and white colobus monkeys, with up to 400 residing there.

Other primates include olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey monkeys, and colobus monkeys. It is estimated that Nyungwe is home to 72 species of animals, including duikers and golden lions.

Waterfalls

There are up to 17-meter waterfalls due to the Nyungwe\’s terrain and springs, which lay beneath cliffs, caverns, and the Kamiranzovu primates, birds, and beautiful wildflowers, and even while trekking to these waterfalls. including the black and white L\’Hoest monkey, the Angola Silver monkey, and the Hamlyn\’s Red-tailed monkey, among others.

Plant life

Due to its long history, the Nyungwe forest contains numerous enormous trees. In Nyungwe, you may encounter Prinaria exelsium, Cyathea manniana, carapa, newtonia, orchids, mosses, ferns, and podocarpus, among others. This is the best location to visit for scholars.

Birds

Nyungwe Forest National Park is reportedly home to 300 species of birds, 26 of which are exclusive to the Albertine Rift, making it one of the premier birding destinations in Africa. These are only a few instances: Melaenornis ardesiacus, the Regal Sunbird, the Ruwenzori Batis, the Black and White Casqued Hornbill, the Batis diops, the Crytospiza Jackson bird, and the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher.

Activities to do in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking

The preponderance of primate species found in Africa, including chimpanzees, can be found in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The primary attraction of the Nyungwe forest, which is home to approximately 500 chimpanzees, is chimpanzee trekking. Because chimpanzees in the Nyungwe forest are not habituated like gorillas, observations cannot be guaranteed. However, because they are abundant in the forest, you will encounter them more often. Even if they are not habituated, park rangers are trained to locate chimpanzees in the Nyungwe forest, so it is likely that you will see them.

Because chimpanzees are most active in the morning, daily chimpanzee trekking begins at an early hour. The trek begins at Uwinka, Kitabi, and Gisakura as early as 8:00 a.m. after a briefing about the primates. Depending on the location of the primates, chimpanzee safaris typically last between two and five hours. To go ape trekking in the Nyungwe forest, however, you must first procure a permit that must be reserved months in advance. Permits to enter Nyungwe National Park cost USD 90 per individual and are only valid for one day.

Canopy Walk

Nyungwe Forest National Park\’s forest canopy excursion is unique to Africa. It was unveiled in October 2010 as a new tourist attraction for the park. The 160-meter-long canopy walkway extends between trees up to 30 meters (90 feet) above the forest floor. Beginning at the Uwinka Visitors Center, the Nyungwe Forest canopy walk is a two-kilometer journey into the pristine natural rainforest beneath the forest, filled with intriguing wildlife and breathtaking forest vistas. Each person is required to pay USD 60 for a canopy excursion.

Community walks and Cultural experiences

Exploring the variegated ecosystem of Nyungwe National Park is magnificent, but to fully appreciate it, you must also become acquainted with its vibrant culture. To preserve Rwandan culture, community-based events have been initiated. The Kitabi Cultural Village initiative is one of these.

The cultural village features a café, a campground, and a reproduction of the king\’s residence. The Village also offers three distinct day excursions during which visitors can experience traditional Rwandan culture through events such as dance ceremonies, the production of banana beer, and archery competitions.

Another locally produced tourist attraction is the Banda Village, which is located in the national park and is readily accessible from the conclusion of the Canopy Walk. Tourists can learn more about Rwandan culture by participating in community treks where tasks such as traditional medication making and maize grinding are demonstrated and taught.

Hiking and nature walks

The dense network of hiking trails, rugged topography, breathtaking vistas, and abundant fauna make the Nyungwe forest a popular trekking destination. The most picturesque way to explore the forest is on the winding footpaths that traverse a variety of terrain. Other trails lead to caverns, marshes, and cascades, such as the Isumo Falls. A 200-meter-long, 40-meter-tall canopy trek through a forest is also included. The scenery here is excellent for birders.

Birding

The Nyungwe forest is home to more than 300 species of birds, including 27 from the Albertine Rift Valley. The blue turaco, Ruwenziro Apalis, Archer\’s Robin-Chat, the Strange weaver, Stripe-breasted Tit Parus Wind Cryptospiza Jackson, Handsome Francolin Francolin\’s Flycatcher, Chapin\’s Flycatcher, and Rockefeller\’s sunbird are among the distinctive and colorful birds that can be observed.

Monkey Tracking

About 400 black and white colobus primates reside in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The most well-known trails for colobus monkey trekking are the cascades trail, which connects the Gisakura guesthouse and tea estate, the Bigugu trail, which ascends to the mountain\’s highest peak at 2,950m, and the Unwika camping trails. Similar to chimpanzee trekking, observing Colobus monkeys requires a USD 60 per individual permit.

Waterfall Hike

The Kamiranzovu cascade, originally situated in the Kamiranzovu marshlands of Rwanda\’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, is now a must-see for all park visitors. Although chimpanzee trekking in Chamudongo is the park\’s most popular activity, Kamiranzovu Waterfall has acquired a great deal of popularity in recent years. The waterfall is divided into two sections: the lower section, which is situated on large boulders and makes for a beautiful photo backdrop, and the upper section, which is in front of the cascading water.

To reach the Kamiranzovu waterfall, you must possess courage, fortitude, duty, determination, and physical fitness. It necessitates traversing through Nyungwe National Park\’s dense tropical rainforest with dense undergrowth. Due to the hilly topography, even though the distance is only 10 kilometers, the voyage is time-consuming and moderately difficult.

Hiking

Due to its difficult terrain and extensive network of trekking trails, the Nyungwe forest is ideal for hikers.

Ask the ranger guides for advice on which trail to take based on the attractions you wish to see, as the trails vary in duration, difficulty, and other characteristics.

The most picturesque way to explore the forest is on the winding footpaths that traverse a variety of terrain.

How to get to the Nyungwe Forest National Park

using the Muhanga-Huye route from Kigali The Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the south of Rwanda, approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Kigali, the nation\’s capital, via Muhanga, the King\’s Palace in Nyanza, and Butare. Continue through the park from Butale until you reach Gisekura, the administrative center of the park. Huye (Butare) is 87 kilometers (54 miles) from Nyungwe Forest National Park, and many visitors stay there to participate in activities along the way. The direct journey can be challenging, so this is recommended. Nyungwe forest is 55 kilometers (34 miles) from the Rusizi/Kamembe airport. The journey takes approximately an hour for park visitors arriving by aircraft.

There are numerous opportunities for hiking in the forest, including the below-listed trails.

• The 227 km Congo — Nile Divide trek requires several days to complete for experienced trekkers.

However, it is possible to hike a portion of the section in a single day.

This trail\’s primary attractions are the varied landscapes and villages it travels through.

Although campsites are available, you must carry your own camping gear.

The 2-kilometer-long Igishigishigi trail provides spectacular views of the Nyungwe forest canopy, magnificent wildflowers, sporadic monkeys, and a variety of wildlife. Along the trail are stores where you can purchase necessities.

Depending on one\’s interests, this trail can be completed in one to two hours.

To participate, children must be accompanied by an adult and be at least six years old.

• The Karamba trail in Nyungwe is an excellent location for bird viewing due to its proximity to a former gold mine, market, and military facilities.

• The Umugotetrail in the Nyungwe forest is the finest location to see primates and birds, as well as ridges, flowers, and butterflies.On a calm day, Kibira National Park in Burundi is visible.

• The Umoyove route, also known as the Mahogany trail, leads to the waterfall while passing through some of the park\’s largest trees.

• The Irebero track, which offers views of Lake Kivu and two of the highest peaks in Nyungwe National Park, is a strenuous hike, but a wonderful place for bird viewing. Explore Nyungwe\’s hiking trails.

• The 10-kilometer Imbaraga trek is for experienced trekkers only.

Hikers will be able to see waterfalls, which will be a welcome sight after a strenuous voyage.

• The Bigugu Trail offers views of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lake Kivu, and the Islands. It leads you to the highest point in Nyungwe Forest Park.Along the Isumo Trail, which passes through picturesque tea plantations, you can participate in the harvesting of tea and observe its journey to your cup.

Additionally, the largest waterfall in Nyungwe National Park will be visible to you.

• On the Kamiranzovu Trail, the preponderance of waterfalls, wetlands, and marshes are within close proximity.

 Accommodation in Nyungwe National Park

Accommodations near the park are lodges and lodgings outside the park\’s boundaries that can accommodate visitors who have been to Nyungwe National Park. Five neighborhoods encompass the park: Nyaruguru is located in the southeast.

Northeast is home to Nyamagabe, north to Karongi, west to Nyamasheke, and south to Rusizi. All of these communities are close to Nyungwe National Park, making it easy to spend the night in one of their accommodations, which vary from budget-friendly to luxurious.

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

The hotel is located on a small plateau with some of the most magnificent vistas in the region and is surrounded by the Nyungwe Forest, the largest single forest block in East Africa and Rwanda\’s largest water reservoir. A steep but mercifully brief gravel road leads from Kigali\’s main road to the hotel.

Kitabi Eco-Center:

This hotel is one of the nearest to the frontier of Nyungwe National Park, located only 33 kilometers and 41 minutes by car from the Uwinka reception center in Nyungwe. This eco-center was built on a mountain crest using traditional Rwandan architecture. With views of tea plantations and mountains on all sides, this is the most recommended accommodation for frugal travelers near Nyungwe National Park.

Regina Pacis Kibeho hotel:

This newly constructed 40-room hotel has available dormitory accommodations if you desire to stay with your group. If you had intended to visit both the Shrine of Our Lady of Kibeho and Nyungwe National Park, you are welcome to stay here and visit Nyungwe National Park on any given day.

Norte Dame Kibeho Resthouse:

This quaint mountain inn offers a warm welcome. After visiting the sacred sites, you can stay overnight and spend the following day engaging in an activity in Nyungwe National Park.