Nyungwe Forest National Park is a must-see location for Rwandan tourists. Nyungwe is a mountainous region with elevations ranging from 1600m to 2950m above sea level, as is much of Rwanda. Nyungwe receives an average of 1800mm-2500mm of rainfall and 15°C temperatures per year. This is an ideal mix of weather and climate conditions for plant growth.
It is hardly surprising that Nyungwe has the biggest montane forest covering on the African continent, spanning 970Km2. Temperatures are lowest during the rainy season, which lasts from September to May, and sunlight is scarce. The dry seasons, which last from June to August, are characterised by high temperatures and low rainfall, as is the brief time between December and January.
Location of Nyungwe
Nyungwe Forest National Park is located 225 km south of Kigali City and shares boundaries with Kibira National Park in Burundi. Since the early 1900s, Nyungwe has been designated as crown land, home to over 260 types of trees and plants, 100 species of orchids, and huge lobelias. Nyungwe was eventually designated as a national park in 2004 due to its growing ecological value. Nyungwe is the ideal postcard destination for the adventurous traveler on a tour of Rwanda looking for cool spots with peaceful corners to explore and discover the authentic beauty of Africa’s environment.
Attractions of Nyungwe Forest National Park
Mammals and Primates
The Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to around 75 mammal species. Thirteen of these are primate species. Because Nyungwe is a rain forest and an enclosed environment, most mammals are rarely seen save for foot prints, waste droppings, and other indicators. Leopard, African civet, duikers, tree hyrax, Genet, golden cat, serval cat, and side-stripped jackal are among the notable creatures that live in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Primate species are more noticeable and appealing to tourists visiting Rwanda. Chimpanzees, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Silver monkeys, Ruwenzori colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Golden monkeys, Owl-faced monkeys, and Den’t Mona monkeys are among the remarkable sightings on a journey across Rwanda. Chimpanzees are the most popular mammal species among safari visitors to Rwanda’s Nyungwe forest. Chimpanzee tracking tours depart every morning to explore, traverse the dense forests, and spot chimpanzee groups feeding. You can participate in several tours designed to observe nyungwe primates.
primates
Bird Species: Nyungwe forest is an Important Birding Area in Rwanda, with over 275 bird species recorded. Nyungwe is Rwanda’s premier birding safari site for spotting uncommon woodland bird species. White-headed wood hoopoe, Ross’s turaco, Kivu ground thrush, Ruwenzori turaco, Ruwenzori batis, Olive and Elliot’s woodpecker, and Kungwe apalis are among the uncommon bird species that may be seen only in Nyungwe forest.
Hiking Safaris
Nyungwe is a renowned Rwanda tourism site for trekking safaris. Rangers accompany travellers on Rwanda safaris as they explore the Nyungwe wilderness via a well-marked path system. The 13-kilometer Kamiranzovu route is an amazing jewel of pure marsh, with various species producing incredible sounds and scenery. The Congo-Nile trail system, which is about 230 km long and takes a few days to complete, allows hikers on tours into Rwanda more time to explore and find new wilderness experiences. Hiking Mt Bigugu 2,925m provides hikers on Rwanda tours with an exhilarating combination of physical activity, thrilling experiences, adventure, and enjoyment all in one.
Landscape Viewing
Nyungwe’s terrain is intriguing and eye-catching in its own distinctive way. Nyungwe is a famous site for Rwanda tours and photographic excursions. No location provides better prospects for front-page photography than a bridge dangling 70 meters above earth in the forest. The bridge allows visitors to see and photograph species concealed in the forest canopy from a high elevation.
Cultural Tours
The trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park allows visitors to Rwanda to connect with, explore, and learn about the traditional institutions and lifestyles of the indigenous Rwandan people. Many travellers on a Rwanda trip stop in Butare, 90 km from Kigali, to see and explore the ethnological museum, which preserves Rwanda’s past. The historic Rwandan King’s Palace at Nyanza is located nearby. Many safari visitors to Rwanda visit both locations to have a better understanding of Rwandan cultural traditions. There are opportunities to arrange trips to individual indigenous community homesteads to connect with and share life experiences with indigenous Rwandans. During such cultural tours, visitors can experience, learn, and participate in music, dancing, storytelling, herbal medicine, local beer making, hunting skills, and other traditional activities.
Travelling to Nyungwe Forest National Park, 230 kilometres south of Kigali City, is a wonderful trip in its own right. Many travellers stop in Butare for a cup of organic coffee on their 6-hour drive. A well-paved road system connects Kigali to Nyungwe Forest across picturesque scenery. Charter helicopter flights to Nyungwe forests are available for travellers on a Rwanda trip who have limited time or want to explore and discover Rwanda in a premium setting.
Accommodation at Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe Forest Lodge
This is a top destination for travellers on a Rwanda safari into the Nyungwe forests, located 3 kilometres from the Nyungwe Forest National Park tourism booking office. The resort is a mix of wilderness and luxury, situated on the outskirts of both the Nyungwe forest and the Gisakura tea plantation. The lodge emanates beauty from every angle. The lodge’s 22 rooms are exclusive, comfortable, and furnished with exquisite decor and all travel comforts, including warm showers, flat TV screens, cable channels, and more. Cable television is available in the lounge, mini bar and all rooms, and stable internet access is provided by WI-FI throughout the hotel. There is a beautiful relaxation and treatment room, a Jacuzzi in one of the suites, a large swimming pool with views of the forest canopy, an exercise area, and a gym. Clients who enjoy nature can dine on the deck, and room service is offered for those who require more solitude and convenience. The resort features a conference and business centre for corporate retreats, and car rentals and luxury private transportation are available upon request. The grounds are immaculate and large enough to facilitate landings for rented helicopter rides.
Gisakura Guest House
This is an excellent choice for budget travellers on a safari to Rwanda, nestled in the Gisakura tea estate on the outskirts of the Nyungwe Rainforest. The guesthouse is located on Rusizi, previously Changugu Road, and is a suitable resting location for tours that involve public transportation. Some rooms are private, with running water and warm showers, while others have common bathrooms. The evening fireplace is a popular gathering place to mingle and discuss Rwanda safari memories, as well as enjoy favourite drinks while watching a cultural entertainment group. The lodge has reliable WI-FI, and the guesthouse may provide private transportation upon request. Gisakura guesthouse is located 2 kilometres from the Nyungwe Tourism Office and is an excellent starting point for trips into Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge.
This gorgeous eco-friendly lodge is located on Kitabi Hill, 6 kilometres from Nyungwe’s tourism offices. The lodge includes large, well-kept lawns for outdoor activities, as well as breathtaking views of the rainforest and tea estate. The resort offers a blend of simple urban facilities in a forest setting. There is reliable WI-FI, laundry service on request, private car rental, bike rental, and bicycle safaris with simple credit card payment.
Nyungwe Topview Lodge
This resort is situated on top of a hill, 5 minutes’ drive from Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is gorgeous from every angle and provides visitors to Rwanda with clear views of the Nyungwe forest and tea fields. The lodge opened in 2011 with the goal of providing the finest of Rwanda safari luxury and maximum happiness on travel in a totally African environment. All rooms are private, with warm baths and balconies that overlook the rainforest. The lodge offers a large dining room, lounge and outside bar on a deck, where tourists can capture every unexpected sighting from the rain forest.
The grounds are immaculate and spacious enough for leisure, children’s games, and outside services. Travellers gather here in the evening to sip chilled drinks around the fireplace and swap Rwanda safari stories while watching a live traditional band performance. The lodge has reliable electricity and Wi-Fi throughout. The lodge offers private transportation to anyplace in Rwanda for a cost, and travellers on a Rwanda tour can schedule all activities in Nyungwe at the reservations desk.
One and Only Nyungwe House
This is a typical example of a luxury and splendour safari camp, located 3 kilometres from the Nyungwe Forest National Park entrance. The safari camp features luxury individual wooden huts with a modest African style. Everything about this resort is distinctive and appealing. It provides the ideal location for any Rwanda visit. Each cottage is outfitted with a flat-screen TV with cable service, free WiFi, and air conditioning. The lounge, bar, restaurant and dining area are tastefully decorated with an African flavour. There includes a health and fitness club, a spa, and a unique swimming pool with views of the Nyungwe rainforest. The hotel features a helipad for guests who want to explore and discover the beauty of Rwanda in a more comfortable and luxury manner. Travellers who want to explore Rwanda outside of the Nyungwe forests can rent a private car from the hotel.
