Stargazing in Nyungwe National Park – Stargazing in Nyungwe National Park is a natural experience due to its distance from the artificial lights of urban areas.
The darkness in this rural setting allows for a clear, crystal view of the stars and constellations, making it an ideal location for an adventurous stargazing experience.
This magical experience is guided by a tour guide who takes you through the land on foot, using spotlights to catch a glimpse of the rare nocturnal creatures and species that live around the magnificent rain-forest.
These creatures only come out at twilight from their shelters, likely to search for food or get some fresh air.
The national park is also a birding paradise, home to over 300 bird species, with 27 endemic to the local Albertine Rift.
Some of these birds live in shrubs on the edges of the tea plantations, constantly singing beautiful melodies that guide you to your next stopover.
These species include the handsome francolin, Rwenzori nightjar, red-throated alethe, dwarf honeyguide, great blue turaco, Rwenzori turaco, montane double-collared sunbird, and secretary bird, to name a few.
Where to Stay While Stargazing in Nyungwe National Park
Finding accommodation is easy, with a variety of places to rest, including La Petite Colline Guest House, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, and One&Only Nyungwe House, among others.
Besides the incredible stargazing, you can also engage in chimpanzee tracking, where you can watch chimps playing in their habitats.
Nyungwe is one of East Africa’s best homes for chimpanzees, with over 500 chimps, 90 of which are part of habituated communities that are ready to welcome tourists year-round.
These communities are spread across different areas of the park, including Cyamudongo Forest, home to over 30 chimps, and Uwinka, where you can spot over 60 habituated chimpanzee families.
As you explore the forest, you will also encounter colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys, which are more active and visible in the early morning.
Trackers typically start early, following a brief talk before setting off into the bush.
To further enrich your experience, add a community visit to your itinerary.
This will give you the opportunity to learn about Rwanda’s rich culture, enabling you to understand their lifestyle and local values.
As the stars fade into the dawn, so do the memories of our time in Nyungwe National Park, leaving behind hearts filled with inspiration from the beauty of the night sky.
Visit Nyungwe Forest with these recommended Chimpanzee Trekking Companies or send us an inquiry below to book directly through this website.
