Overview
Nyungwe National Park is one of the best preserved rainforests in Africa. It is found in Rwanda. It covers an area of about 970 km². It is known for its chimp trekking. It is a unique place to enjoy the Nyungwe National Park canopy walk. Here are reasons why you should visit the park.
Wildlife
Nyungwe National Park is known for its primates. It has more than 12 species. It is home to common chimps, olive baboons, Ruwenzori colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabey. It also has golden, red-tailed, vervets, L’Hoest’s, dent’s mona, and silver monkeys. The most common activity in the park is chimp trekking in Uwinka and Cyamudongo forests. The park is also home to more than 86 mammal species, 38 reptiles, and 32 amphibians.
The best time to enjoy chimp trekking is between June and September. The park has fig trees with fruits that attract these primates. Early mornings are better for easily spotting them. But there is a good chance of seeing them even much later in the morning. Just carry binoculars, hiking boots, rain gear, and water. Tourists from across the world visit Rwanda as it is home to a higher population of chimps.
Birdlife
Nyungwe National Park is perfect for bird-watching. It is home to a variety of species. Your guide will ensure that you spot various species by using sound. It is home to specials such as Rockefeller’s sunbird, red-collared babbler, and Albertine owlet. Other common species are Ruwenzori turaco, Black saw-wing, regal sunbird, and great blue turaco.
Bird watching in the park is good across the year. But the best time is between January to February and March to May. Birds tend to be vocally active making it easier to spot them. The park receives more rainfall in April. This may interfere with birding and other Nyungwe National Park activities.
Scenery
Nyungwe National Park is stunning. It has a suspended bridge with a great view of the forest cover. Canopy walking is one of the Nyungwe National Park activities. You can only enjoy such activities in Rwanda while on an East Africa safari. Nyungwe forest has many lovely landscapes such as open woodland, swamps, bamboo thicket, and marshes. It has many rivers that give it a scenic view.
Climate
Nyungwe Forest National Park has two seasons. The dry season is between June and September. This is the perfect season to engage in most of the Nyungwe National Park activities. Temperatures range between 11°C and 19°C. But it can still rain. Waterproof shoes and clothing are recommended.
The wet season is between October to February and March to May. Temperatures range between 11°C and 20°C. Activities such as hiking may become difficult. But is a good time to spot some bird species and take colorful photos.
FAQs About Nyungwe National Park
- Where is Nyungwe National Park?
Nyungwe National Park is within the southern and western provinces of Rwanda. It is about 54 km west of Cyangugu. Its coordinates are 2.4812° S and 29.2151° E. From Kigali to the park, it is about 220 km. But this depends on your location.
- Activities to do at Nyungwe National Park?
Tourists enjoy various activities in the park. The most popular activity is trekking chimps. Most tourists visit Rwanda to enjoy closer views of these beautiful primates. You can enjoy Nyungwe National Park canopy walking. It is a unique activity in East Africa. Other common activities are game viewing, bird watching, and enjoying the stunning views of the park.
- Which is the best time to visit Nyungwe National Park?
The best time to visit the park is during the dry season. This is between June to September. January to February is also a good time since it is a short dry season. But the park is open across the year.
- How to get to Nyungwe National Park?
You can get to Nyungwe National Park by road. From Kigali city, it takes about 5 to 6 hours to reach the park. From Rusizi, it takes about 1.5 hours. From Huye, it takes about 3 hours to reach the ark by road. You can also travel by air. There is a scheduled flight to a nearby airstrip. You can also book a chartered flight to the park