Nyungwe National park is located in south western part of Rwanda along the border of Burundi, Lake Kivu in the south and Democratic Republic of Congo in the west. Nyungwe National park covers an area of 970 square kilometers characterized of rain forest, bamboo, swamps and grasslands.
Nyungwe forest National park is probably the most preserved forest with 13 primate including chimpanzees, velvet monkeys, silver monkeys, grey cheeked monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, red tailed monkeys species, 275 bird species, 85 mammal species, plant species, amphibians among others. Nyungwe forest is said to be the largest and biggest montane rain forest in the whole of East and central Africa.
Nyungwe forest National Park can be accessed from Kigali airport via Nyanza Huye also known as Butare to Nyungwe National park for 4-5 hours drive, it can also be accessed by air using the services of Akagera Aviation.
Activities done in Nyungwe National park.
Chimpanzee trekking
Nyungwe forest National Park is home to over 400 species of chimpanzees for viewing and over 70 habituated chimpanzees which are located in the areas of Cyamudongo and Uwinka area, the best destinations for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest National Park.
Cyamudongo area is a small forest with 19 square kilometers with only 30 habituated chimpanzees and also home to many other primate species like L’Hoest’s, Rwenzori colubus, velvet monkeys, with also unique specie of orchid blue plant.
Chimpanzee trekking is also done at Uwinka area and the habituated group is located near Uwinka reception with over 40 chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee trekking experience
Chimpanzee trekking is carried out early in the morning after briefing by the game rangers on the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking. Travelers move in the forest in search for the chimpanzees in their natural habitats for 1 hour to four hours depending on how far the group is and the physical fitness of the trekker.
Chimpanzee trekking becomes unforgettable experience on encounter with the chimpanzees, trekkers are allowed to 1 hour in the presence of the chimpanzees, learn about their behaviors, feeding, and appearances before you leave the forest back to the starting point.
Rules and regulations for chimpanzee trekking
The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking is 15 years and above because the children carry infectious diseases to the chimpanzee that why are limited to trekking.
Keep at least a distance of 8 meters in the presence of chimpanzees, because they can charge when near them besides being habituated but they are wild animals.
Only a maximum of 6 members are allowed to trek each group of chimpanzees on a daily basis.
Do not eat and drink in the presence of chimpanzees
Do not litter rubbish, left overs in the forest, because they may transfer diseases to the chimpanzees which leads to their death
Do not use flash cameras for photographs and videos because this may disorganize the chimpanzees.
Visitors with flu, cough or any others illnesses are not allowed to trek chimpanzees.
Always keep the voices low when in the forest or when with the chimpanzees because noise scares the primates away.
What to carry for chimpanzee trekking
-Put on trousers and long sleeved shirts/blouses to avoid scratches of the trees and other harsh shrubs.
-Wear hiking boots to ensure proper movements in slippery and hard to reach areas.
-Gardening gloves to protect you from the harsh branches and insect bites.
-Carry a rain jacket just in case of rain fall during trekking time.
-Always carry a warm sweater because the trekking areas of Nyungwe forest National Park are abit cold and need for a sweater is necessary.
-Wear hat to protect you from the direct sun and rainfall.
-Carry insect repellant to protect you from insect bites in the forests.
-Pack cameras for pictures and videos for the chimpanzees in their natural environment for memories when you get back.
Costs for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National park.
Chimpanzee trekking permit costs 90 US dollars for foreign nonresidents, 60 US dollars for foreign residents, 5000 Rwf for Rwandan citizens, 30 US dollars for students foreign residents, 2500 Rwf for Rwandan students who are residents and all permits are obtained from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) a government body responsible for wild life conservation or from the park headquarters when going from trekking.
When to visit Nyungwe National park
For visitors coming for primate trekking in Nyungwe National park are advised to visit during the wet seasons because the primates do not move for long distances since there is plenty of food around the park. However also it is advisable in the months of January, February, June, July, August and December normally referred to the pick season where the forests are dry and easily accessed for nature walks and canopy walk.
Other tourist activities and tourist attractions in Nyungwe National park include;
Canopy walk
Canopy walk is a breath taking experience in Nyungwe National park, it is a guided tour and starts and ends from Uwinka visitor’s centre for 2 hours. The canopy forms on top of the forest with stunning views of the entire National park and the wild life. The canopy in Nyungwe National park is not only for relaxation after hours of chimpanzee trekking but also adventurous and good views of many bird species, tree species, wild animals among others.
Hiking and nature walks in Nyungwe National Park
The hiking in Nyungwe National park goes through different trails in the park for about 130kms. Hiking is carried around the Rwanda source of River Nile, Ngabwe trail, Bigungu trail, kamiranzovu trail, igishigishigi trail, muzimu trail, imbaraga trail and irebero trail among others. Nature walks and hikes are also done from many water streams like falls that shelter amphibian, reptiles among others.
Birding watching in Nyungwe National park.
Nyungwe National park hosts over 300 bird species and 27 other endemic species which are found in the forests of the Albertine rift including kamiranzovu swamps. Birds found in Nyungwe National park include; Rwenzori turaco, large blue turaco, purple breasted and blue headed sun bird, rockefeller’s sun bird among others. others things can also be watched in Nyungwe National park like the orchid, primates during bird watching in the forest.
Accommodations in Nyungwe National park
Accommodations in Nyungwe National park include; Nyungwe top view lodge, one and only Nyungwe house, Golden monkey hotel, Nyungwe Nziza Eco lodge, Gisakura guest house, Gisakura family hostel among others.