Nyungwe National Park
As one of the largest national parks, Nyungwe has played a pivotal role in elevating Rwanda’s tourism industry, drawing millions of visitors annually. At Nyungwe, the captivating experience of chimpanzee tracking takes center stage, making it a premier destination for Rwanda chimpanzee safaris.
Home to two habituated chimpanzee groups, Nyungwe offers an intimate encounter with these intelligent primates. The Cyamudongo Forest area hosts a smaller group of 30 chimpanzees, while a larger group of around 60 resides in the park. Nyungwe Forest, Africa’s largest Afro-Montane Forest, boasts the renowned Canopy Walk, inviting travelers to ascend to the treetops and stroll along hanging bridges, immersing themselves in the forest’s beauty.Situated in the southwestern region of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park shares borders with Burundi, lies south of Lake Kivu, and is west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Within the District of Rusizi, positioned in the southwestern part of Uganda
Activities in Nyungwe National Park
Canopy walk
Above Nyungwe Forest, a 60-meter-high and 200-meter-long canopy walkway awaits, offering the only experience of its kind in East Africa. Visitors to Nyungwe National Park can marvel at spectacular views of the forest and its surroundings, catch glimpses of the Virunga Massif, and observe animals and birds from an elevated perspective. Open to all individuals aged 6 and above, the canopy walk takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
Chimpanzee Trekking
Nyungwe Forest National Park for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience. Home to two habituated chimpanzee groups, Nyungwe has a large population of these intelligent and captivating primates, making it the most popular activity in the park. Unlike other destinations, there is no specific season for chimpanzee trekking here – it can be enjoyed all year round.
Hiking at the forest
With a selection of 13 distinct hiking trails, ranging from 1 to 8 hours, you’ll traverse paths adorned with an array of plant, tree, bird, primate, and butterfly species. The Igishigishigi Trail, the shortest route featuring the exhilarating canopy walk, offers another dose of adrenaline. In contrast, the Bigugu Trail stands as the longest, inviting you on an 8-hour journey.
Colobus Monkey Trekking
With 13 primate species, over half being monkey species, Nyungwe is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Among the endemic monkeys is the Rwenzori Colobus Monkey, waiting to capture your fascination. As you traverse the 13 hiking trails, you’ll encounter the captivating Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Owl Faced Monkeys, Blue-Monkeys, and Mona Monkeys
Birding
Explore the rich diversity of bird species that call this forest home, including both forest birds and endemic Albertine Rift Valley species. Witness the stunning Rockefellers sunbird, Chapin’s flycatcher, red collared mountain babbler, Rwenzori Turaco, white-tailed flycatcher, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori nightjar, Rwenzori hill babbler, Congo bay owlet, mountain sooty boubou, and many more