The Most Accessible Unique Things To Do In Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
Most Accessible Unique Things To Do In Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda
Nyungwe Forest National is an angelic green forest in the western Part of Rwanda, it is one of the oldest parks of Africa and among the few remaining rain forests, the forest features well maintained walking trails that bring you closer to wildlife species, it is home to 13 primate species including chimpanzee, black and white colobus monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked Mangabey, Vervet monkeys, Dent’s mona monkey, olive baboons, crowned monkeys, blue monkeys, to mention a few, and a paradise of birds, there are over 300 species of birds that have been recorded in the park to date for example Chestnut owlet, Handsome francolin, white bellied Robin chat, Regal sunbirds to mention a few, the presence of the amazing Flora and fauna presents an opportunity to do several activities in the park.
Things to do in Nyungwe Forest national Park include Chimpanzee trekking, Chimpanzee is the highlight primate of the conservation area, these have been scientifically proven to share up to 98% of the human DNA, they live in the forested area feeding on tree backs, leaves, fruits, insects and occasionally small monkeys for a change of diet, while in Rwanda, Nyungwe is the only place where this activity can be done, it sparks off in the morning with a briefing from the park rangers on how to conduct yourself while with the primates and more about the forest, after which an experienced game ranger will lead you through the forest insearch of the primates, it takes about 2 – 3 hours, through the branches of the forest you will hear chattering and cooing sound of the chimps, fresh food chewed in the park, upon finding then an hour is allowed with the primates after which you will return to meet your guide.
Canopy Walk is one of the highlights of visiting the Nyungwe Forest National Park, it takes place along the Igi Shigi Shigi trail, the suspended bridge lies 60 meters above the floor tied up in between giant trees and towers and 160 meters long this offers the greatest views of the National park, expect to view several bird species during the walk, primates like vervet monkeys, blue monkeys can be sighted during the walk, participants ought to be six years of age and above. This activity takes about 2 hours while you enjoy the forested area.
Black and white colobus Monkey tracking is one of the most interesting experiences of the national park, the colobus monkeys in the forest create massive groups of upto 500 individuals a character found in only this type of monkeys in the forest, this makes the country one of the most great places to go colobus monkey trekking in East Africa, this activity can be combined with other activities of the park including chimpanzee trekking. It sparks off at 8:00 am East African time, with the help of an experienced guide, you will head out into the forest in search of the primate species.
Birding in Nyungwe Forest national Park, the conservation area is a haven of birds, there are over 500 species of birds that have been recorded in the area some of which are endemics of the Albertine rift valley region, popular sightings include African warbler, Albertine owlet, Blue headed sunbird, Bar-Tailed trogon, Great blue Turaco, Dusky crimsonwing, blue headed sunbird, handsome francolin, dwarf honey guide, Kivu ground thrush, Kungwe Apalis to mention a few, the are sighted through the several trails of the forest and birding experience is excellent all year round.
Guided nature walks and hiking through the forest, the park boasts well distributed trails for hiking for example Bigugu trail, it is one of the most famous trails for hikers in the forest, Isoma waterfall trail, Ngabwe trail, Karambi trail is one of the easiest trails to take a walk through the forest, while walking through the forest you will encounter some open areas of the forest, as well as different zones of vegetation growing in the park, on a lucky day you will be chanced to view several primate species like black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys to mention few.
Things to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be combined with those of other conservation areas, including the Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and Gishwati Mukura National Park, to mention a few.