Attractions In Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe national park is located in the south-western side of Rwanda in Rusizi district. And it’s the biggest national park that has as well boosted the tourism industry of Rwanda. The national park is famous for being a home to the chimpanzees and it has 2 fully habituated families that are available for trekking. Nyungwe national park has the largest number of chimpanzee troop of about 60 individuals and Cyamudongo forest has the smallest which is 30 individuals.
The national park has an area cover of 1,019 square kilometres with its rich tapestry of flora and fauna. The national park is a home to 13 primate species which includes the chimpanzees, colobus monkey which is the largest troop which numbers up to 400 individuals. The forest is as well a home to over 300 bird species which are recorded, 30 that are endemic to the albertine rift region. Nyungwe national park shelters over 85 mammal species, 32 amphibians, 38 reptiles and more than 1,000 plant species thus making it critical area for biodiversity conservation.
CHIMPANZEE
Chimpanzee trekking is the major reason why most people come to Nyungwe national park while on a Rwanda safari. Nyungwe forest national park is a home to about 4000 chimpanzees found in a family structure. The national park has 2 chimpanzee families that have been habituated within this park and can be visited daily. Once the chimpanzees are located the tourists.
Once the chimpanzees are spotted, the tourists spend an hour with the primates as they are observe their different characters, ways of living while in the habitant, feeding patterns, how they nature their young ones and the how they relate with one another. This makes the trekking experience the best.
The chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe national park is $250 per person for foreign non-residents, foreign residents $75 and East African citizens $25. Depending on where the trekking activity is to be started that is from Uwinka reception centre or Cyamudongo sector the trekking starts at 4am.
CANOPY WALK
Nyungwe national park features East Africa’s only canopy walkway which is 200 meter long suspension bridge situated at 90 meters above the forest floor. This exhilarating experience offers a panoramic view of the forest thus allowing tourists to observe butterflies, birds as well as primates.
BIRDS
Nyungwe national park with its diverse habitats is a bird watchers paradise. A number of many species are spotted within the forest and these include the grauer’s swamp warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, handsome francolin and archer’s robin chat among others. The birding safari is led by specialised and knowledgeable guides thus making the experience amazing for the tourists. Bird watching in Nyungwe forest national park costs $50.
WATERFALLS
Nyungwe national park is blessed with its rich biodiversity and stunning landscape. The park boosts with 2 notable waterfalls. That is the Kamiranzovu waterfall and Isumo waterfall which each offers different experiences.
Kamiranzovu waterfall. This is located within the Kamiranzovu swamp which is the largest wetland in Nyungwe forest. The name Kamiranzovu translates to “swallowing elephants”. This was so as the locals reference about the elephants disappearing into the swamp. The waterfall is approximately 5.9 kilometres and it takes 3 hours for a complete round trip. The trail to the waterfall offers a chance to the tourists to observe a numerous bird species, butterflies and unique plant life
Isumo waterfall; the waterfall is the longest within Nyungwe forest and it stands at an impressive 25 meters. The waterfall is accessible through the Isumo trail which offers a blend of beauty and cultural experiences.
The trail covers a distance of 10.6 kilometres and it takes 4 to 5 hours to complete. While on a hike to the falls, you will start from gisakura reception leading through verdant tea plantations before descending into the rainforest.
Exploring the waterfalls of Nyungwe national park offers an unforgettable adventure through the most pristine rainforests.
COLOBUS MONKEY
Nyungwe national park is known for its large population of the Angolan black and white colobus monkeys. The guided treks offer a chance to the tourists to witness these amazing primates. These are characterised by their long white tails and contrasting black fur as they move gracefully through the treetops in sizable troops
NIGHT WALKS
Tourists interested in the nocturnal wildlife as well as guided night walks within the national park reveals another side of the forest. Participants may encounter creatures such as galagos, pottos as well as various nocturnal insects all under the guidance of experienced rangers.
HIKING TRAILS
Nyungwe national park boosts with an extensive network of hiking trails, each offering unique and beautiful encounters within the forests natural beauty. The trails include;
Igishigishigi trail; This is relatively short trail which leads to the canopy walkway. This offers scenic views of the forest.
Isumo waterfall; A moderate hike culminating in the breath taking Isumo waterfall which is surrounded by lush vegetation.
Bigugu trail; this is the most challenging trail to ascend up to its peak. The trail is rewarding with its panoramic vistas.
Kamiranzovu marsh trail; The trail offers an exploration of the national parks largest wetland, rich in unique plant species and birdlife
GISAKURA TEA PLANTATIONS
Gisakura tea plantations are close to the park offer insights into Rwanda’s tea production. Tourists are able to tour the plantation, learn about the tea processing and enjoy the picturesque landscape of the rolling green hills.
CONGO NILE DIVIDE
The Congo Nile is a 3 day experience where the tourists have to pay 100 dollars to enjoy this trail by either a bike or on foot. The Congo Nile divide is a mountainous ridge that runs through Nyungwe national park thus forming a demarcation where water flows westward to the Atlantic Ocean via the Congo River or eastward towards the Mediterranean sea via the Nile river. The Congo Nile divide trail is approximately 42km within the national park and it takes 3 to 5 days depending on the route and pace.
This is the national parks most challenging and rewarding hiking experiences. This offers a spectacular scenery, rich biodiversity and cultural interactions along the way. Tourist are able to see amazing views of the mountain ridges and valleys, rainforest canopies, rare orchids and wildflowers and encounters with primates and endemic birds.
In conclusion, Nyungwe forest national park offers an immersive experience into Africa’s most remarkable ecosystems. Whether you’re trekking to observe chimpanzees, walking on the canopy walkway or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the rainforest. Nyungwe promises an unforgettable adventure to the visitors.