Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the western part of East Africa’s Great Rift Valley and brimming with lakes and mountain ranges. The Park is one oldest rainforest in Africa and the largest expanse of forest in Rwanda covering 1,019km2 of dense Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands. The Park also contains the most significant natural habitats for a number of species found nowhere else in the world, including the globally threatened Eastern Chimpanzee, Golden Monkey and the Critically Endangered Hills Horseshoe Bat. In addition, it hosts over 300 birds of which 7 of them are Albertine endemic. While in this park, you can also enjoy nature walks, spectacular waterfalls, hiking as well as the unique canopy walkway which round up the beauty of the park. Besides, the park feeds two of the world’s largest rivers, the Congo and the Nile and also provides a significant portion of Rwanda’s fresh water.
Activities and attractions
Chimpanzee trekking
Nyungwe forest is home to two wild chimp communities that are habituated for chimpanzee tourism. One of the groups is in Cyamudongo section of Nyungwe forest and the other around the Uwinka area of the forest. As a matter of fact, Nyungwe forest is home to about 400 chimpanzees. While viewing chimpanzees is not guaranteed, you will enjoy learning about these creatures and their natural habitats from your guides. Otherwise, you are expected to be at the briefing area as early as 5.00 am in the morning. This is because chimps are mostly likely to be seen early in the morning and they tend to move about which requires one to be active as you follow after them. However, whether you view the chimps or not, the experience in the forest is rich as you watch other primates, butterflies, several trees and above all the freshness of the air.
Nature walks and hiking
The forest generally has a steep landscape and extensive network of hiking trails making it a perfect destination for hikers. The trails are different therefore you are advised to ask the ranger guides for advice on which trail to take according to the attractions you are seeking. The trails are through a diverse landscape and represent the most scenic way of exploring the forest.
Some of the trails to use while hiking the forest
- Congo–Nile divide trail: This is basically a 227 km trek for experienced hikers which lasts several days to hike through. However, one can choose an option for one-day hike of part of the section and the main attraction on this trail is the varied landscapes and communities along the route. There are also campsites where you will can spend an overnight though you do have to bring your own camping equipment. As for basic supplies, there are shops along the trail where you can purchase these.
- The Igishigishigi trail: The trail covers a distance of 2km with remarkable views of the Nyungwe forest canopy, beautiful wild flowers, occasional monkeys and several birds. The total time on this trail is between one and two hours depending on one’s interests. All participants must be at least six years of age and adults must accompany children.
- Karamba trail: It is a good birding spot in Nyungwe, which is flanked by numerous fern trees located on the former gold mine site, market and army camp.
- Umugote trail: is great for primate viewing and bird watching in Nyungwe forest with views of ridges, flowers, and butterflies. On a clear day you can see Kibira national park in Burundi.
- Imbaraga trail is 10km geared towards experienced hikers. Hikers will have views of waterfalls, a refreshing sight after a long hike.
- Bigugu Trail provides views of the DR Congo and Lake Kivu as well as the Islands. It takes you to the highest peak in Nyungwe forest park.
- Isumo Trail; will get you to experience the beautiful tea fields – you can even plan to get involved in picking tea and follow through the entire process until it gets to your cup. You will also enjoy the view of the biggest waterfall in Nyungwe national park.
Cultural experience
The communities along the boundaries of this forest have co-existed with it and helped to some extent in its preservation after understanding its importance to the Rwanda’s eco system. There has been efforts to launch community-based experiences to preserve the culture of Rwanda and offer the visitors a rich experience. Once at the village you can be part of activities such as a dance ceremony, banana beer production, and bow-and-target shooting, traditional medicine making, etc.
Bird watching
Nyungwe forest national park is a high-altitude mountain forest ranging between 1600 – 2950 meters. In fact, birds here are mostly found in the trees, shrubs or the ground at the edges of the forest next to the tea plantations. Some birds are shy and therefore more easily heard than seen like many forest birds. These include; the Rwenzori Nightjar, White-tailed crested fflycatcher, Kivu ground tthrush, the Handsome francolin. Dwarf Honeyguide, Great blue and Rwenzori Turaco, montane Double Collared Sun, Red- Throated Alethe, etc. There are well maintained trails which you will take while birding as well as trained bird guides that are based at the forest.
Canopy walk
The canopy walk in this forest is basically along the Igishigishigi trail and the walkway is accessible as part of a specialized guided tour along the trail. The canopy walk hangs 60 meters above the forest floor between giant trees and towers, which provides a stunning view of the park.
