Things to do in Nyungwe Forest
Things to do in Nyungwe Forest: Travellers planning to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park for unforgettable adventure safaris and activities involved, this article has it all figured out. The park is located in southwestern Rwanda, and it is one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests, recognized for its rich biodiversity. The park, a UNESCO heritage site, spans about 1,018 square kilometers and is vital for conservation in Rwanda.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to over 13 primate species, 1,609 plant species, 322 bird species, 120 butterfly species, and 85 mammal species. Activities for travelers include the unique canopy walk, birding, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, monkey tracking, butterfly walks, and hiking, all providing a memorable experience on an African safari.
Things to do in Nyungwe Forest
Chimpanzee Trekking-Things to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is a fun activity, as the park has over 500 chimpanzees, making it the second highest in Africa after Kibale National Park. The trekking starts early in the morning when the chimps are active. Visitors can enjoy a unique experience with two habituated groups at Uwinka and Kyamudongo.
This is a guided trek with an experienced guide who shares information about the wildlife in the forest. Chimpanzees move around in search of food, so the trek’s duration varies. Once the chimpanzees are found, visitors can spend one hour observing them as they feed, play, and care for their young. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking excursion on your bucket list, especially among primatologists and primate enthusiasts.
Birding in Nyungwe Forest-Things to do in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a top destination for bird lovers, featuring over 322 bird species, including 29 unique to the Albertine Rift. The park is recognized as one of the most important birding locations in Rwanda. It offers well-designed birding trails suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced birders. Common bird species you might see during your visit include the Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Ruwenzori Hill Babbler, Neumann’s Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Dusky Twinspot, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Golden-crowned Woodpecker, Ashy Flycatcher, Kivu Ground Thrush, and Collared Apalis.
Other species include the rare Ruwenzori Turaco, Black Bee-eater, Snowy-headed Robin-chat, Vieillot’s Black Weaver, Albertine Owlet, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Holub’s Golden Weaver, Black-necked Weaver, Grauer’s Broadbill, Red-chested Cuckoo, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Mountain Masked Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Grey Parrot, Dwarf Honeyguide, Stranger Weaver, Archer’s Robin Chat, Bar-tailed Trogon, Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Sharpe’s Starling, White-headed Woodhoopoe, Yellow-spotted Barbet, and African Emerald Cuckoo, among others.
Canopy walk experience-Things to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Some of the top attractions in Nyungwe National Park are the canopy walk experience, which offers visitors a panoramic view of the forest from eye level. This amazing canopy walk has a suspended cable bridge, measuring 70 meters high and 160 meters long. This experience starts from the Uwinka information centre with guides who will brief you about the dos and don’ts concerning the experience. After, the guides will take you on a 2.1-kilometer trail “Igishigishigi” where you will have a chance to enjoy the raw beauty of nature with breathtaking views of the dense jungle, and several wildlife species.
Butterfly tracking-Things to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Butterfly tracking in Nyungwe Forest is a worthwhile experience that provides pleasure and happiness to both butterfly lovers and nature lovers. Nyungwe has over 120 butterfly species, 40 of which are restricted to the forest and 21 are endemic to the Albertine Rift. A butterfly walk in Nyungwe is a rewarding experience for butterfly enthusiasts. Some notable butterflies to watch for include the Long-Tailed Admiral and Green-Banded Swallowtail, among others.
White-Banded Swift, Regal Swallowtail, Constantine’s Swallowtail, Black and Orange, Pale Ranger, Blue Pied Pierrot, Grand Skipper, Soldier Commodore, Common Bush Blue, Grizzled Bush Brown, Common Grass Yellow, Eastern Dotted Border, Giant Cupids, Common Green Charaxes, Green-Veined Charaxes, Dantate Bush Brown, Sudan Copper White, Brown-Veined White, Fragile Buff, Livid Ciliate Blue, Leaden Ciliate Blue, Small Copper, Palm Tree Night Fighter, and African Albatross, among others.
Conclusion
Nyungwe Forest National Park stands out as one of the top tourist destinations in Rwanda that offers visitors a wide range of activities, particularly chimpanzee trekking and many other activities. This chimpanzee trekking experience has attracted several visitors, whose revenue has enhanced the sustainability and development of Rwanda’s tourism industry.
