Frequently Asked Nyungwe National Park Questions

There are Frequently Asked Nyungwe National Park Questions, Nyungwe National park lies on the south Western side of Rwanda occupying about 1019 sq km of tropical forested land. This forested park lies between River Congo basin to the west and Nile basin to the East

The park came under government (Rwanda Development Board) protection in conjunction with African Parks in 2004. Nyungwe National Park’s outstanding biodiversity makes it exception with species like 13 primate species including chimpanzees, Dent’s Mona monkeys, Angola colobus, silver monkeys, blue monkeys to mention but a few.

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Over 275 bird species enjoy the park environs including the endangered Albertine endemics like Grauer’s Warbler, Kungwe Apalis and so many others

Nyungwe national park lies at an altitude of about 3000 meters above sea level providing home top over 85 mammals and more than 38 reptiles.

How To get to Nyungwe National park

By Road

A road trip to Nyungwe National park takes you about 5 hours from Kigali Airport. One the way you have optional stop overs to make. Some include Nyinza palace in Nyabisindu home for the former king of Rwanda, Gikongoro Genocide Memorial, National Museum, Arboretum, National Museum and so much more.

By Air

On request and advance booking, Rwanda Air offered charter flights from Kigali airport to Nyungwe National Park.

What Activities To Do In Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee trekking is the major activity in Nyungwe National Park with two groups of Chimpanzees still undergoing habituation. One group is in Uwinka while another in Cyamudondo though this part is on the periphery of the park within a tea plantation and Eucalyptus trees. Chimpanzee trekking here lasts from 2 hours to 3 hours depending on there mobility.

The forest fragment survived cultivators because of its location on steep slopes. This section hosts a small group of about 30 chimpanzees. The Chimpanzees in Cyamudongo are accessed from Gisaku Reception Center which is an hour’s drive on a bumpy dusty road.

Although these chimpanzees are still undergoing habituation, the fun of staying on your toes even when you locate the chimpanzees is a lovely experience adventure lover get. The chimpanzee permits are sold at Rwanda Developments boards at $90 per person per trek but can also be paid for online and present proof before Chimpanzee trekking.

Canopy Walk Over Nyungwe Forest

A suspension bridge is elevated over Nyungwe National Park for about 91 meters and about 50 meters above the forest canopy. This special hike is only found in Nyungwe National park in the entire East Africa. From Uwinka the main headquarters of the forest the canopy walk is about 90 minutes away taking the Igishigishigi trail.

The Canopy walk start 0900hrs each day giving you incredible forest views and tree filled undulating valleys. Lots of birds can be spotted flying over the huge canopy.  From the canopy lots of people have shares special life changing moments like proposals, birthday surprises and much more.

Birding in Nyungwe National park

Birding in Nyungwe forest National Park is worth adding to a Rwanda birders’ itinerary. This tropical forest lies on the Albertine graben sharing favorable environment to support a great birdlife.

During your Rwanda birding adventure, you may identify some Albertine endemics like Shelley Crimson wing, Kungwe Apalis, Rwenzori Turaco, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Malachite Sunbird, Dusky Tutle Dove to mention but a few.

Camping in Nyungwe National Park

Staying in the middle of nowhere and listen to the jungle calls on a camp is worth adding to your to do experience in Nyungwe National Park. The Uwinka Visitor Center has camping ground where you can pitch your tents, go to sleep with wild lullabies and wake up to bird calls from the jungle.

The site has a campfire point already set, wooden platform where to pitch the tent, toilet facilities and bathrooms.

Nature Trail Hike

Nyungwe National Park is endowed with relaxing natural scenery that you can enjoy on a 4 hour to 3 days trek. The forest has 130 km trails set up for hiking like the Igishigishigi trail, Congo Nile trail and Imbaraga trail which is the most taxing.

You need to prepare your trekking gears to enjoy the moments in the forest and keep memories to turn too over and over. A camera, hiking boots, energy bites, a pair of binoculars and so much more.

Primate walk

Nyungwe National park is a biodiverse park harboring various monkeys species including the Angolan Colobus monkeys which no longer exist in Angola , Dent’s Mona monkey, Hamlyn’s monkey, Rwenzori colobus, red tailed monkeys, golden monkeys, silver monkeys to mention but a few.

Water Falls Visit

The forest is a water catchment area with a number of rivers traversing it some creating dazzling water falls. The most outstanding is Kamiranzovu Water fall and this name locally means “swallowing an Elephant”

The falls derive its name from the Kamiranzovu Swamp which feeds it. During nature hikes, the falls beautifully come into view at the end.

Which Accommodations To Book In Nyungwe National Park

Staying within and outside Nyungwe National park gives you chance to enjoy its incredible views. A wide range of accommodation facilities are available based to your budget. They are graded according to Luxury accommodation facilities, Moderate accommodation facilities and Budget accommodation facilities.

Some accommodations in Nyungwe National park include Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisaku Guest House, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Nyungwe House, Gisaku Family Hostel and others.

What Is The Best time to Visit Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is open for tourist visits all year round although the drier months June to September are more vibrant. The chimpanzee feed closer to the ground since the ground is drier and trails less covered by under growth.

Many birds breed more during dry seasons in this park providing more chance to keen birders to identify different species. The birds are also busy constructing nests to take them through the wet seasons so the park has bird fiesta all day long.

What To Pack For Nyungwe National Park Safari

Rwanda is generally a generally cold hilly country so most of its safari activities include hiking. You need to pack the right gears for a safari to Nyungwe National park

Hiking boots to use when moving on slopes with less difficulty as the soils are humid and slippery in wet areas.

• A pair of binoculars for better view of far ranging attractions like birds, monkeys, chimpanzees and others.
• Insect repellants to protect your body from stinging insects that roam the forest all day long.
• Garden gloves to give you a tighter grip on creepers especially during the trek to locate the chimpanzees in Nyungwe National park
• Water bottle to add drinking water for rehydrate during tiresome hikes in the forest.
• Toiletries just in case your hotel or lodge doesn’t provide any
• Warm rain proof wear like poncho because the forest gets cold especially the rainy seasons.
• Long sleeved shirt and trouser because the forest has biting insects that may affect your skin
• A light water proof bag to keep your belongings together and safe from dripping water off the leaves.
• A camera to store memories of your experience in Nyungwe National Park. And a fully charged spare battery to exchange with when one runs low.
• Some cash to change into local currency if you want to carry out any transactions like buying souvenirs, hiring a porter, tipping and so much more.

What Are The Dos And Don’ts Of Nyungwe National Park

• No feeding the chimpanzees because they are wild animals that must look for there own meal.
• Spitting on the vegetation is prohibited because this is food to primates in the forest
• Dumping wraps or any other waste damages the natural setting of the forest so no dumping. Rwanda is also pro-ecotourism and very strict with throwing garbage any were so keep the environment as clean as you find it.
• In case you wish to ease yourself, ask the ranger guide to dig a hole for you about 30 meters deep and cover everything beyond recognition.
• Do not smoke or eat while in front of the chimpanzees. They may be tempted to grab it yet they are wild animals that must search for there own meal.
• Only one hour is allowed to be with the chimpanzees so that they can be left free to eat.
• Try not to surround the chimpanzees because this makes them feel ambushed.
• In case you wish to sneeze or cough do it away from the chimpanzees in order not to spread any infections to them. Volunteer to stay behind in case you catch any infectious illness like flu, Covid-19 just before chimpanzee trekking.

What Is The Age Limit For Chimpanzee Trekking In Nyungwe National Park

The age limit for chimpanzee trekking is 12 years in Nyungwe National park. This is because of the nature of the trek to locate the chimpanzees. The topography has volcanic work that created ridges and soft volcanic soils that are slippery. Even the chimpanzees keep you moving when you locate them because they are still under habituation.

Children below 12 years may not adhere to the forest conditions and steepness of the way. They get tired so quickly.

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