Nyungwe National Park is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda covering an area of approximately 1015 square kilometers. The park boasts over 85 mammals, 310 birds, 1,050 plants, 120 butterflies, and 38 reptile species.
The park is also home to multiple plant species some of which are indigenous to the forests of Africa. The park is home to multiple chimpanzees as well as golden monkeys. This is what makes this park a popular safari destination for golden monkey trekking as well as gorilla trekking.
History of Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park was gazette in 2004 by the Rwanda government. The purpose of its establishment was to encourage wildlife conservation. The government added Nyungwe National Park to Volcanoes National Park as prime destinations for chimpanzee tracking and mountain gorilla trekking respectively.
Since its establishment, Nyungwe National Park has been receiving visitors from all corners of the world. It is currently among the top safari destinations in Africa. At Uwinka lies the park headquarters/visitors center where tourists get their briefing before embarking on the safari activities offered by the park like chimp tracking and canopy walks.
Why you should visit Nyungwe National Park?
Rwanda has several safari destinations and choosing one place might be nagging. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose Nyungwe National Park on your Rwanda safari;
- Chimpanzees – Nyungwe National Park is the only place in Rwanda where one can track chimpanzees. Other chimpanzee trekking parks are found in Uganda namely; Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Canopy walk – Canopy walking tours in Rwanda are done only at Nyungwe National Park. Do you dream of walking on top of a forest while enjoying scenic views of the environment? you should take a trip to Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda.
- Golden Monkey Tracking – in addition to chimps, Nyungwe is home to hundreds of golden monkeys. You will spend time in the presence of these magical apes. You get to learn about the behaviors of monkeys as you watch them play, dine, and mate.
- Nyungwe National Park is a reliable birding destination. Are you a bird lover looking for a place to satisfy your curiosity? Nyungwe National Park can make your dream come true. With the help of experienced bird guides in Rwanda, you will enjoy an exceptional adventure here. Some of the bird species in the park include; Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Green Pigeons, Ross’s Turaco, Red-Breasted Sparrow Hawk, White Headed Wood Hoopoe, Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-Faced Woodland Warbler, Collared Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Ruwenzori Batis, Stripe-Breasted Tit and the Regal Sunbird.
- Nyungwe National Park is an easy-to-reach safari destination – Nyungwe National Park can easily be reached from Kigali International Airport. It takes approximately 4 hours to drive from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park. This implies that some of the activities in Nyungwe can be done on the date of transfer to the park. One can do morning activities in the park and catch their outbound flight in Kigali. Additionally, Nyungwe National Park safaris can easily be combined with other Rwanda and Uganda safaris. For instance, one can do a 5 days Rwanda chimpanzee and gorilla trekking safari. Alternatively, one can do a 12 days Uganda and Rwanda chimpanzee trekking tour. Such itineraries are killing two birds with one stone!
What to see in Nyungwe National Park? Attractions in Nyungwe
Nyungwe National Park boosts hundreds of ecosystems and wildlife species. Some of the most common tourist attractions or what to see in Nyungwe National Park are chimpanzees, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, birds, and plants. Visitors to Nyungwe National Park get the pleasure of seeing these amazing attractions on their Rwanda safari.
What to do in Nyungwe National Park? Tourist activities in Nyungwe National Park.
Nyungwe National Park is famous for having diverse tourism activities. What to do in Nyungwe National Park entirely lies in the hands of the traveler or tourist.
Below are some of the activities one can do while taking on their trip or safari to Nyungwe National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park
Chimpanzee trekking or chimp tracking in Nyungwe National Park involves a group of travelers walking into the forests of the park in search of a particular already habituated chimpanzee family.
Did you know that chimpanzees share 98.4% of their DNA with that of human beings? This is why it is easy for chimps to contract or spread human diseases. Additionally, chimpanzees, like human beings live in groups called a family.
Each family comprises about 20 members and they are headed by adult males. During the chimpanzee trekking adventures, trekkers are given a full hour in the presence of the chimps upon encountering them. This allows them to learn the behaviors of these magical apes.
Hiking in Nyungwe National Park
One of the most popular safari activities done in Nyungwe Forest National Park is hiking. With over 13 hiking trails, the park is a reliable hiking destination in Rwanda.
Following a particular trail, hikers get up close with wildlife, plants, and several species of birds. Some of the hiking trails in Nyungwe National Park are somewhat challenging.
They therefore require a certain level of physical fitness and hiking experience. Hiking generally takes 1 to 8 hours depending on the difficulty of the trail and the fitness of hikers. Talk to a Rwanda travel specialist for advice on which trail to use for a hiking adventure in Nyungwe National Park.
Golden Monkey trekking in Nyungwe National Park
A trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park introduces you to the magical primates with golden hair – the golden monkeys.
Upon encountering them, you will be given one hour to spend in their presence as you learn about their behaviors. Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda can also be done in Volcanoes National Park.
You enter the forests in search of these primates.
Birding in Nyungwe National Park
Birding in Nyungwe National Park is an epic safari adventure or safari activity done in Rwanda.
With the help of experienced birding guides in Rwanda, visitors get into the forests in search of particular bird species.
Some of the bird species in the park include; Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Green Pigeons, Ross’s Turaco, Red-Breasted Sparrow Hawk, White Headed Wood Hoopoe, Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-Faced Woodland Warbler, Collared Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Ruwenzori Batis, Stripe-Breasted Tit and the Regal Sunbird.
Canopy walking in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park offers the best canopy walk in Africa.
Walking on this suspended bridge on top of Nyungwe forest is always a dream come true for tourists who visit Rwanda for a safari.
The walk comes with views of primates, birds, trees, and the surrounding areas. It is a perfect moment for photography.
How much is a chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe National Park?
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe National Park or Rwanda goes for USD150 Per person. This permit can be booked in advance through your tour operator or you can pay on arrival.
How much is a Golden Monkey trekking permit in Nyungwe National Park?
A golden monkey tracking permit in Nyungwe National Park goes for USD 100 per person. It can be obtained from the Rwanda Development Board. Golden Monkey trekking permits in Rwanda can be bought online or through a reputable tour operator. They can also be purchased from the park headquarters upon arrival.
What is the best time to visit Nyungwe National Park?
Nyungwe National Park is open to tourists throughout the year. However, the dry season (June to September and December to February) is usually considered the best time to visit the park. This is because, during such a season, chances of rainfall are low and hence activities can be done without any hindrances. The wet season also comes with advantages like a reduction in accommodation prices.
Where to stay in Nyungwe National Park? Accommodation in Nyungwe
Accommodation facilities in Nyungwe National Park are categorized into budget, mid-range, and luxury depending on the quality of services provided. But generally, Nyungwe National Park lodges are eco-friendly.
They are also strategically located in areas that provide scenic views of the park as well as the neighboring communities.
