Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in southwestern Rwanda and is known for its exceptional biodiversity and its wide range of endemic species. The Park is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift. Don’t miss the thrilling Canopy Walk which is one of its kind in Africa and offers impressive views of the forest.
Chimpanzee Trekking
These cousins to humans can be found and tracked in Nyungwe National Forest. A beautiful hike through the forest will lead you to these fascinating creatures where you can see them up close and personal.
Chimpanzee trekking can be done year-round in Nyungwe Forest, and while it is never guaranteed that you will see them, sightings are very common and guides are skillful in tracking them. The experience differs from gorilla trekking as the chimps are running around, so the sightings are a bit more sporadic and rushed, but worthwhile nonetheless. Viewing time with the chimpanzees is one hour, and the tours depart every morning at 05h00 at the Nyungwe Forest Headquarters- Gisakura reception.
Age Restrictions: You must be at least 15 years of age to track the chimpanzees, with no exceptions.
What to bring:
• Hiking shoes, Camera, Water & snacks, Rain jacket.
Canopy Walk
Suspended above a ravine in the lush montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, the canopy walkway gives you an exhilarating tree-to-eye view of the Nyungwe Forest.
The 160m long and 70m high suspension bridge is accessible as part of a guided tour along the Igishigishigi trail.
It’s a great activity for children and adults alike! Children must be accompanied by an adult. The canopy walk is available at all times during the year.
Rain is very common in Nyungwe Forest, so it is suggested that clients bring a raincoat with them. Raincoats and boots can also be rented at the headquarters. Walking sticks are provided free of charge. Hiking shoes and water are recommended.
Level of difficulty: This hike is very easy; it takes approximately 3 hours to complete.
Colobus Monkeys
These are black with white ornaments and in case you observe them in the forest as you track them, you will be amazed at how large the group is, these are over 350 to 400 individuals in a group comprising the largest group of the Angolan Colobus Monkeys in Africa. The trek of these monkeys is not as tireless as the chimpanzee trek tends to be and the pure number of them within the treetops, the chat of this group delights the guests including their messy eating habits that also help spread the seed of the fruit that they are eating in the forest.
Birding
The rainforest is home to 322 bird species as well. The star attraction is undoubtedly the Red-collared Babbler and Rwanda is the only safe place to see this stunning bird. Other specialties include Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, Grauer’s Warbler, Regal, Blue-headed, and Purple Breasted Sunbirds, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, and Neumann’s Warbler. All of these and more can be seen easily from a well-maintained network of trails with the help of the park’s expert bird guides.
Birding can be experienced throughout the year; however, migrant bird season is from December through February. The best time to go birding is either very early in the morning, or very late in the afternoon.
What to bring:
• Binoculars, Bird book, Raincoat, Hiking shoes, Camera, Sound recorder
