Nyungwe Forest National Park: A Rainforest Sanctuary in Rwanda

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a jewel of conservation in Rwanda, a vast, ancient montane rainforest that is one of the most biodiverse regions in East Africa. Located in the southwestern part of the country, Nyungwe is not a typical safari destination. Instead, it offers a different kind of adventure, one that is focused on primate tracking, birdwatching, and an immersive experience in a lush, green world. It is a vital conservation area and a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience a different side of Rwanda’s natural beauty.

Chimpanzee Trekking: The Primate Capital

Nyungwe Forest is famous for its large population of chimpanzees. A chimpanzee trekking experience here is a thrilling and unpredictable adventure. The treks begin early in the morning, guided by expert park rangers who track the chimpanzees through the dense forest. The journey can be challenging, as the terrain is often steep and muddy, but the reward is immense. Once you locate a chimpanzee family, you will have the opportunity to spend a limited time observing their social interactions, watching them feed, play, and groom each other. The sheer excitement of seeing these intelligent primates in their natural habitat is a powerful and unforgettable experience.

While chimpanzees are the main attraction, Nyungwe is home to 13 other primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and silver monkeys, which can often be seen on the trails and during other activities.

The Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk

A unique and breathtaking feature of Nyungwe is its treetop canopy walk. This is the only one of its kind in East Africa. The suspended walkway is 200 meters long and hangs 50 meters above the forest floor, offering a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the dense rainforest canopy. Walking high above the treetops provides a completely new perspective on the forest and its inhabitants. You can see a wide variety of birds, monkeys, and butterflies, and appreciate the immense scale of the ancient trees that form the forest’s upper layer. The walk is a safe and exhilarating way to experience the forest’s biodiversity from a unique vantage point.

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

With over 300 species of birds, Nyungwe is a prime destination for birdwatching. The park is a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot and is home to 27 of the Albertine Rift endemics, species that are found nowhere else in the world. The dense forest is filled with the calls of rare and beautiful birds. Treks into the forest with a local bird guide can reveal species such as the Ruwenzori Turaco, the Handsome Francolin, and the African Green Broadbill, a true prize for any birder.

Other Activities and Highlights

• Guided Nature Walks: Nyungwe has an extensive network of well-maintained walking trails that range from easy to challenging. These walks lead to various waterfalls, viewpoints, and through different parts of the forest, allowing you to explore its incredible flora and fauna at your own pace.
• Tea Plantations: The park is surrounded by Rwanda’s famous tea plantations. A visit here is a beautiful contrast to the wild forest and provides a glimpse into the local agriculture and economy.
• Kamiranzovu Swamp: This is a large swamp within the park that is an important habitat for a variety of plants and animals, including numerous orchids. A trail leads to a waterfall and the surrounding swamps.

Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a different kind of safari, one that emphasizes walking, tracking, and deep immersion in a lush and pristine rainforest environment. It is a vital part of Rwanda’s natural heritage and a rewarding destination for eco-conscious travelers.