Attractions of the Nyungwe forest national park
Attractions of the Nyungwe forest national park : The Nyungwe forest national park is another of the primate park of Rwanda located in the south western side of Rwanda. The closest town to the Nyungwe forest national park is called Cyangugu which is close to the Lake Kivu shared between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Nyungwe forest national park is currently sitted on an area of 970 square kilometers and was previously a forest reserve in the early 90’s. It was in 2004, 18 years ago that this former forest reserve was given the national park status.
The Nyungwe forest is currently Africa’s largest remaining montane forest and has been existing from much earlier back to the Ice Age period. This forest is also said to be a source of the River Nile, the longest river in Africa and the second longest in the entire world. The Nyungwe forest national park welcomes big numbers of visitors every year and the major attraction of this park is the chimpanzees.
The Nyungwe forest national park is however the home of 12 other primate species and up to 1,060 plant and tree species, 72 different mammals and up to 300 different bird species. A few of the primates species of the Nyungwe forest are the rare owl faced monkeys, colobus species and the golden monkeys too. 13 primate species is a quarter of the total primate species in Africa making the Nyungwe forest national park the ideal destination for a primate safari.
The Nyungwe forest national park is a must stopover while on a Rwanda safari if you have enough time and are a primate lover. Get to take on a number of activities of this park for a mind blowing experience. The visits to the Nyungwe forest takes guests through the thick forest, high altitudes of the mountainous forest, past great waterfalls and chance some forest animals. Below are these activities offered in the Nyungwe forest national park;
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking/ Chimpanzee treks are the biggest reason for most guests to come to the Nyungwe forest national park on a Rwanda safari. Nyungwe forest is a home to about 400 chimpanzees living in a family setting however only 2 chimpanzee families have been habituated in this park and can be visited on a daily basis.
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Rwanda goes for 90 USD per person and this activity sets off by 4 am headed to the Uwinka Reception Center or the Cyamudongo sector depending which you will be trekking from. You can take on a 2 days Nyungwe forest safari or more to include this experience. Please note Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest is demanding as the terrain is majorly hilly.
Other primates tracking
With the Nyungwe forest being a home to 12 other primate species, you can purchase a permit at 60 USD for a chance to spot the other primate species. The other primates you may spot in the Nyungwe forest are the vervet monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, grey cheeked mangabeys, olive baboon, dent’s mona monkeys, white and black colobus monkeys, angola colobus monkeys and the Red tailed monkeys. You may also spot the Hamlyn’s monkeys.
The one primate you are likely to spot are the Ruwenzori Colobus monkeys and these usually move in large groups of up to 100 of them, thus Attractions of the Nyungwe forest national park.
Forest Nature and Canopy walks
The Nyungwe forest national park has a 200 meter long and 90 meter high suspended canopy bridge that give guests a view of the forest from the top. Get to spot this thick forest from the top and enjoy the fresh breeze. This can be a great chance to spot the birds.
The Nyungwe forest national park has 12 nature trails that guests can take on to enjoy the natural pristine forest and a nature walk goes for 40 USD per person. Explore the Nyungwe forest on foot.
Birding
Nyungwe forest is a home for up to 300 birds and among these 300, there are 27 Albertine rift endemics that can only be found in this area. Nyungwe is recognized as an Important Bird Area because of its rich bird life. A guided birding experience in the Nyungwe forest national park goes for 50 USD for a chance to spot and mark off the Nyungwe birds list.
Look out for the Archers Robin Chat, Handsome francolin, Rwenzori species to mention but a few.
Congo Nile Divide
The Congo Nile Divide is a 3 day experience where guests pay 100 USD to enjoy this trail by bike or on foot. Explore this part of Rwanda on a more slowed pace and in touch with the people of Rwanda. We look forward to hearing from you about your visit to the Nyungwe forest.
