Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park is a prehistoric rain forest is famous for hosting the only chimpanzees in Rwanda. Cyamudondo forested area on the outskirts of this park also hosts a community of chimpanzees but are semi-habituated. Uwinka visitor center is the headquarters of Nyungwe National Park.

The long list of wildlife species that call Nyungwe National Park home is awed to its so many years of existence. Other than the chimpanzees other 11 primate species are residents of Nyungwe National Park including L’Hoest’s, Blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, Rwenzori Colobus monkeys and others.

Nyungwe National Park host more that 322 bird species including more than 29 rare Albertine rift endemics according to ornithologists but the list is expected to expand as Rwanda birding is still going on. for birding in Rwanda experience, Nyungwe National Park is a hot spot where you may have chance to spot birds like Rwenzori Batis, Mountain Masked Apalises, Red throated Alethe, shelley’s Crimsonwing, White bellied Robin chat, Rwenzori Nightjar, Doherty’s and Lagden’s Bush Shrikes, Kivu Ground Thrush  and so many others.

Botanist have so much to research on about in this pristine Nyungwe rain forest as more than 1068 plant species have so far been identified in the park.

Other forest occupants include mongoose, wild forest hogs, duikers, elephants, rare leopards and others. These make part of the about 29 mammals that have been identified as residents of Nyungwe National Park. Butterfly lovers have something to enjoy in Nyungwe National Park as over 120 butterfly species have been seen in the park environs.

Nyungwe National Park being the water catchment area of Rwanda, with a ridge that runs through the forest forming a water shed between the Congo and River Nile drainage system.

What to do In Nyugwe National Park Rwanda

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee trekking is the primary activity of Nyungwe National Park. You must obtain a chimpanzee trekking permit from Rwanda Development board to be given access to this adventure. Two chimpanzee trekking sessions happen in Nyungwe National Park that is morning and afternoon.

After briefing in Nyungwe National Park, you may follow the 15 different trails in the park like the igishigishigi trail, Umugote trail, Uwinka trail, Imbaraga trail, Isumo trail, Irebero trail, Bugugu trails and others.

These Nyungwe forest trails lead to different amazing features in the forest like the Isumo trails leads to the sparkling and photogenic Isumo falls, Igishigishigi trail heading to the canopy walk and others. The Katamba trail is the primary birding trail for keen birders. Kamiranjovu trail is the darling trail for most visitors as you get to see the largest swamp in Nyungwe National Park and listen to the mythical history surrounding its name.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park may start from as early as 0530 hours when the chimpanzees are de-nesting but time it take to find the chimpanzees depends on factors prevailing in the forest.

Some tourists have spotted the chimpanzees in two hours while other have gone for a longer time. Although chimpanzees are habituated for chimpanzee trekking, they are not restricted by any thing. They are free primates that can move in the wilderness without minding boundaries.

The nature of the topography of Nyungwe National Park is rugged and during the rainy season, the ground may get soggy, slippery and boggy so you must carry the appropriate chimpanzee trekking gears.

What is the cost of chimpanzee trekking permit for Nyungwe national Park Rwanda?

At the moment the chimpanzee trekking permit for Rwanda Nyungwe National Park costs

$150 for international nonresidents

$75 for foreign residents

$25 for East Africans

The cost of Rwanda chimpanzee trekking permit exclude park entrance fees, porter hire, transport and other personal expenses.

Canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park

Taking a walk on the 160 meters long suspension bridge which is about 70 meters above Nyungwe National Park is epic. It is however not for the faint hearted or if you are afraid of heights. You can decide to mark some personal moments from above the dense canopy of Nyungwe forest.

During the canopy walk, you enjoy the view of the lush forest cover on undulating terrain resulting from volcanic action in this area. From this suspension bridge, you may spot several forest inhabitants too like the black and white colobus, Dent’s monkeys, black and white colobus, various bird species, the various plants and so much more. Feel the cool breeze from this forest.

What is the cost of canopy walk in Rwanda?

At the moment, the canopy walk in Rwanda is $40 for foreign nonresidents, $20 for foreign residents in Rwanda and $5 for East Africans.

The cost of canopy walk exclude park entrance fees.

Birding in Nyugwe National Park

For the best Rwanda birding experience, Nyungwe National Park is one of the top destinations to include in your itinerary. Nyungwe National Park hosts more than 322 bird species including Albertine rift endemics.

When you take any of the 15 trails in Nyungwe forest, you may get chance to see birds like Handsome Francolin, Grauer’s Rush Warblers, Kungwe Apalis, White bellied Crested Flycatcher, Barrel long tailed cuckoo, Archer’s Robin chat, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-collared Mountaon Babblers and others.

Taking the Katamba trail opens more opportunities to seeing more bird species in Nyungwe forest Rwanda.

Forest walks in Nyungwe National Park

Explore more in Nyungwe forest by taking a guided walk on the different trails in the park like the Isumo trails takes you to the amazing Isumo falls, Ngabwe trail leading to the campsite and picnic center, Muzimu trail taking you to the pine and eucalyptus forest, Imbaranga trail to the four water falls in the park. Umuyove trail where visitor can relax and enjoy the freshness of the forest, stroll under the tallest trees in Nyungwe forest, enjoy the breath taking view and so much more.

Look out for the various primates in the forest, birds, other wild animals and so much more.

When Can I Visit Rwanda For Chimpanzee Trekking In Nyungwe National Park?

Nyungwe National Park is open for chimpanzee trekking all year however the dry season is more sought after. The dry season is most preferred which normally is June, July, August, September, December and January.

The nature of the terrain of Nyungwe forest is volcanic with ridges and plateaus covered with lush forest so expect some hiking. During the dry season, chimpanzees and other forest dwellers are quicker to spot since they feed closer to the ground. Each day chimpanzees split into groups from there communities to feed. This makes it easier to spot them during the dry season.

You must secure your chimpanzee trekking permit for Rwanda in advance as they sell out fast in the peak season which serves as the dry season.

Book amenities that support chimpanzees trekking in advance as options are limited and those available sell out fast.

The wet season which is March, April, May and November attracts less chimpanzee trekking bookings in Rwanda. this opens chances for those who wish to have exclusive moment with less disturbance in a pristine environment to use this chance to visit Nyungwe National Park. There is less obstruction from other visitors and services are personalized.

In case you have a limited budget, you can use the low season as some service providers may want to breakeven so reduce there costs.

How difficult is chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park?

The trek to find the chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park is quite strenuous as the terrain of the forest is quite steep. You need to bear some level of fitness for you to enjoy the search for the chimpanzees.

Some of the trails in Nyungwe forest may be over grown and covered by the dense undergrowth but a ranger guide with a machete tries to trim some to create way.

Pack some energy bites to munch on during the breaks so as to re-energise.

Hire a porter to carry some of your belongings so that you can freely walk in the wilderness with nothing holding you back.

How long is chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park?

The time of finding the chimpanzees in Nyungwe national Park varies with the factors prevailing in the forest. Some tourists have found the chimpanzees in about two hours from the starting time while other have spent more time.

Finding the chimpanzees depends on factors like the location of there feeding area, in case of a fight for supremacy, death of a community member, pace of fellow tourists, weather conditions prevailing in the days and much more.

Tourists are requested to hold some level of patience and also open there minds to other interesting features in the forest.

Note that you may hear the chimpanzees before you locate them as they keep communicating in loud voices. They love beating tree trunks may be to alert other of your presence so do abide by the rules of chimpanzee safari as explained to you by the ranger guide. These primates operate a spy network which helps there communities to get information prevailing in the forest.

When you locate the chimpanzees only one hour is allowed with them so that they can carry on with the running of there day today life.

What is the age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park?

12 years and above is the age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking involves walking in the jungle which has some harsh conditions that a child below 12 years may not with stand. When you locate the chimpanzees, they may try to tease there visitors especially those that are quite timid so children below 12 years may not be in position to stand this.

Locating the chimpanzees may take some time and yet children get tired so fast.

How Dangerous Are Chimpanzees In Nyungwe National Park ?

Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park are not dangerous they are habituated to be in human presence for atleast one hour. Although they are semi-habituated chimpanzees, they can with stand humans for the time allowed.

In nature chimpanzees are human’s closet cousins amongst wild animals and also during extreme drought may feed on small mammals but they are not a scare to humans. You need to follow the rules of chimpanzee trekking so that you donot offend there primates in there home.

When angry chimpanzees may show signs like hooting, throwing fruits, pull grass around them and so much more. it is not all the time that you notice such behavior that the chimpanzees are out to hurt you. Wait for the ranger to establish the root cause of the matter.

Sometimes the chimpanzees are just teasing you, or there is community feud or they are playing and much more. Follow the advice given by the ranger guide so that you can be able to complete the chimpanzee trek. Some of this drams is a once in a life time experience

What is the cost of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park Rwanda?

The cost of chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda varies with package you select but the cost of the chimpanzee permit which is at the moment $150 per person is universal to all packages.

To get a quotation for the chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda, some of the items we consider include number of safari, days people travelling with, time of booking the safari and others.

You need to purchase the chimpanzee trekking permit for Rwanda in advance as these are limited for conservation reasons. If you wish to do chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda during the peak season, consider securing the logistics that support this Rwanda safari in advance before they sell out.

Can I combine chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda?

A combo of chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda is like break and butter.  Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the major safari activity of the country which happens in Volcanoes National Park. from Nyungwe national Park, the drive to Volcanoes national Park mat last about 4 hour to 5 hours going past lush green shaded slope of highlands.

The gorilla and chimpanzee trekking tour in Rwanda gives you the best primate experience of the country.

At Arch safaris And Tours, we can customize or tailor your Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking itinerary to soot your interests and within your holiday time in Africa, Need help Contact us