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NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

 

Why Nyungwe forest national park should not miss on your tour itinerary during your safari to Africa.

Are planning to have a tour in Africa and stuck on where to travel to? Just cool down because the republic of Rwanda has got a solution for you which is Nyungwe forest national park. Nyungwe forest National park is one of the biggest national parks in the Republic of Rwanda. The park is located in the southwestern direction of Rwanda towards the border of Burundi, south of lake Kivu and west of democratic republic of Congo. Nyungwe forest national park is a vast area of mountain rainforest, well known for chimpanzee trekking as its main tourist attraction with two (2) chimpanzee habituated groups where the small group consists of 30 chimpanzees in Cyamudongo forest area and the larger group has about 60 chimpanzees which are habituated in it. The park also is a home to other species like colobus monkeys, plus owl-faced, bird species and others. Enjoy your safari and make it memorable by engaging in the following activities when you visit Nyungwe forest national park;

Primate trekking.

This is the main activity that is done in Nyungwe forest national park. The park consists of two chimpanzee groups and trekking them is one of the best experience one can do. Also, the park has other primates like colobus monkeys, golden monkeys and others since the park consists of 12 other primate species besides chimpanzees.

Hikes and nature walks.

Enjoy the beauty and atmosphere of Nyungwe forest by taking part in the forest walks. View the beautiful scenery of the forest and do some physical walks that would keep you healthy as you hike the trails like the Igishigishigi trail and the bigugu trail.

Birding

Nyungwe forest national park is a home to over 285 bird species where 27 of them are endemic to the Albertine rift valley. Sight the beautiful and colorful different bird species like the blue turaco, Kungwe Apalis argentea and others.

Mount Bigugu.

Enjoy the mountain climbing and also view the beautiful surroundings when at the 2950km height mountain Bigugu inside the park.

Community and culture.

Rwanda has got a rich culture with interesting practices especially in the Nyungwe.  The communities like Kitabi cultural village, Banda community village, and the Cyamudongo cultural troupe bring up the culture of the Rwandese close to the foreigners in different ways.

Accommodation at Nyungwe forest national park

The park has got a number of well-established accommodation facilities ranging from luxury, mid-range and budget which include;

Gisakura Guest house

Nyungwe Top view hotel

Nyungwe forest lodge

One and only Nyungwe house and others.

How to get to the park.

Nyungwe forest national park is about 230km from the capital of Rwanda- Kigali that is about 5 hours’ drive. The park can be accessed by road using many road transport means like tour operator cars, car hires, buses and self-drives. Also, those willing to travel by air so that they can reach the park in a short time can use aircrafts like Rwanda air which organize chatter flights. While traveling to the park, you will have a chance to see the Nyanza King’s palace at Nyabisindu. When at the palace, you will get an insight about the kingdom of Rwanda, the national museum, craft shops, Bisesero memorial center and other interesting attractions along the way.

 

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to a great variety of wildlife, including primates, birds, mammals, plants, amphibians, and reptiles.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

The Albertine Rift Valley is home to a vast variety of sprawling forests, towering mountains, diverse wildlife, and wide lakes, and Nyungwe Forest National Park is no exception. This mountain rainforest lies in southwestern Rwanda, bordering Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Lake Kivu. The park, which sits about 50 km east of Cyangugu town, was established in 2004, and its wetlands, grasslands, and rainforests cover 1000 square kilometers. It is also home to Mt. Bigugu (2925 m).

Nyungwe is home to a great variety of wildlife, including primates, birds, mammals, plants, amphibians, and reptiles. The park holds thirteen kinds of primates alone, including baboons, chimpanzees, and monkeys of many kinds. In fact, travelers can embark on any of the four monkey tracking trails in the park, including Waterfall Trail to see colobus monkeys, or the Kamiranzovu Trail, which leads through a series of wetlands. Birding is also a popular activity, and visitors can seek out any of the 285 bird species in the park, such as the Blue turaco.

Visitors to the park can take part in tracking one of two chimpanzee families in the park, as well as take on East Africa’s highest Canopy Walk, a 50 meter suspension bridge which allows you to soar over the forest like a bird. You will see giant old mahogany trees, ferns, and bright flowers and butterflies as you ascend towards the sky from the lush forest floor. Though not for the faint of heart, the breathtaking views of the expansive forest from above make the trip well worth your courage.

Lodging of all kinds, from the most luxurious hotel to a simple campground, is available both inside the park and the shores of nearby Lake Kivu.

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