Nyungwe Forest Tour Spots

A biodiversity display is the best way to characterize 1,015 square kilometers of land teeming with more than 85 mammals, 310 bird species, 1,050 plant species, 120 butterfly species, and 38 reptile species. This entire fauna and flora thrive and bloom in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Reaching Rwanda’s southwest corner requires passing through tea fields and a highway of Rwenzori Colobus monkeys. Below are the top 5 things to do while exploring Nyungwe Forest National Park because there are so various sights and sensations to choose from that it might be challenging to decide where to start.

There are 13 primates in Nyungwe Forest, with monkeys accounting more than half of them. Some of the monkeys are indigenous to this area, including the Rwenzori Columbus Monkey. You can enter the world of Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Owls like Face Monkeys, Blue color Monkeys, and Mona Monkeys by trekking one of Nyungwe’s 13 hiking paths. A group of 200 Rwenzori Columbus Monkeys can be seen at once in the woodland, off the beaten track of the paths, and under the guidance of a guide. This is an incredible sight.

The most considerable portion of the Tropical Afro-Montane rainforests in Eastern Africa is the Nyungwe Rainforest, which has a territory of 1,015 km². The canopy trek consists of a two-hour hike along a 200-meter path that is 50 m far above the forest canopy. One of the exciting things to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park is this. Hiking on the ground would not offer the panoramic views only available from the top, which provides a picture of an eagle’s eye perspective. Due to security reasons, kids below the age of six are not allowed to engage in the canopy walk.

With approximately 310 bird species, Nyungwe Forest is one of Rwanda’s top birding locations. Several species exist, ranging from Albertine Rift endemics to Forest endemics. The best and most challenging to see are the Great Blue Turaco, Re-Throated Alethe, Paradise Flycatcher, and Gigantic Forest. Moreover, Hornbill, Red-Faced Woodland Warbler, Green Pigeons, Ross’s Turaco, Red-breasted Sparrow Hawk, Collared Apalis, Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Mountain Masked Apalis, Ruwenzori Batis, White-headed Wood Hoopoe, Stripe-Breasted Tit, and Regal Sunbird are the gifts views in addition to the Rockefeller’s Sunbird. Parks have various trails where you can trek to watch the birds. You will see more birds on more tracks. Certain species may be difficult to find due to the park’s forested landscape. so, it is preferable to travel with a guide who, through expertise, can direct you to a bird they have identified solely by its sound.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is ideal for you if you appreciate hiking. There are 13 different hiking trails in the park that you can choose from to explore while taking in the diverse plants, trees, birds, primates, and species of butterflies. The Igishigishigi Trekking is the most miniature trek and has the heart-pounding canopy walk. On the other side, it can take up to 8 hours to finish the Bigugu Trek, the most prominent trail in Nyungwe Forest Park. Each course offers a different wildlife encounter, emphasizing the most frequently seen creatures. Given that it takes days to finish all 13 paths, going on a hiking safari in Nyungwe Forest Park is a wise decision.

Fifty-five percent of Africa’s primate species are in the Nyungwe Forest National reserve. Only the Kibale National reserve in Uganda is home to more chimpanzees. Although there are numerous paths to follow to observe chimps, you might be needed to stray off the beaten path in the woodland with the help of your monitor. This enjoyable sight after the trip is typically athletic chimps rocking from tree to tree, mothers of chimps hugging newborn chimps, and other wonders that will not only astonish but also become unforgettable memories.

 This adventurous chimp experience begins at 5 a.m., so you should get up earlier. Each trekking party is limited to a max of eight individuals. Nyungwe Forest has a greasy terrain; If you venture off the beaten path, long trousers protect you from the underbrush, and binoculars will tell you if you’ve spotted chimps high up in the trees.