WHAT TO DO IN NYUNGWE – Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda is famous among tourists and the world for chimpanzee trekking.
Nonetheless, the park offers other amazing tourist activities that visitors can take part in to explore the second largest national park in Rwanda.
Tourist Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking
Nyungwe’s selling point, chimpanzee trekking, attracts the most visitors to the park.
The activity takes place every day in Nyungwe Forest National Park, starting as early as 6:00 am (EAT). It is open to visitors aged 15 years and older.
The trek commences after a briefing from the park’s head office or trail starting points (Uwinka Visitor Center, Kitabi, or Gisakura), and guests are organized into groups of 8 people per trek.
You are allowed an hour with the endangered chimpanzees in their natural habitat once they are located.
Canopy Walk
A thrilling experience over the top of Nyungwe Forest National Park, imagine walking on a wooden canopy walkway suspended about 70 meters above the forest floor.
You get to experience the dense forest from the top of its trees, watch the birds of Nyungwe, and see the primates swing from one tree to another.
The activity is open to all visitors who are not afraid of heights and children above the age of 6, who should be accompanied by an adult.
The canopy walkway is 160 meters long, and the walk can take approximately 2 hours.
Colobus Monkey Trekking
Black and white colobus monkeys are beautiful primate species, and Nyungwe Forest National Park hosts about 400 individuals that visitors get the chance to see during a Colobus monkey trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest or Cyamudongo Forest.
The activity also starts in the early morning and is available to visitors aged 15 years and older.
Bird Watching
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a top birding destination in Rwanda, hosting over 300 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics.
Notable species to look out for include the Great Blue Turaco, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Regal Sunbird, Ruwenzori Turaco, Kungwe Apalis, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Ruwenzori Batis, Handsome Francolin, Red-Breasted Sparrow, Albertine Owlet, Bar-Tailed Trogon, Spur-Winged Goose, Strange Weaver, Mountain Sooty Boubou, among many others, including swamp dwellers.
Birding in Nyungwe is best done with an experienced local bird guide.
Hiking and Forest Walks
Nyungwe Forest National Park has 13 well-established hiking trails.
Taking on guided hiking tours or forest/nature walks in the park is a thrilling dense forest experience where you get to immerse yourself in unspoiled nature, encountering different birds, butterflies, primates, plant species, and flowers.
The trails offer different sights and experiences, so choose the right trail for an unforgettable forest experience in Nyungwe National Park.
You can also engage in guided night walks.
Waterfall Hike
Take on the waterfall hike that will lead you to the biggest waterfall in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Kamiranzovu Waterfall.
Cultural Tours
The cultural tours involve guided visits to the local communities around Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Visitors get to experience the rich culture and traditions of the Rwandans and the ways of living of the people around the outskirts of the national park.
Combine your visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park with any of the other national parks in Rwanda for a fully rewarding Rwanda safari experience.
Visit Nyungwe Forest with these recommended Chimpanzee Trekking Companies or send us an inquiry below to book directly through this website.
