Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most important area of biodiversity and has been rated the highest priority for forest conservation in Africa. Despite its huge biodiversity, Nyungwe is little known outside of East Africa. Nyungwe’s strongest drawcard is the chance to track chimpanzees, which have been habituated over the years to human visits. Another highlight is the simple pleasure of hiking along well-maintained trails over the lush, green valleys of the equatorial rainforest.
While chimps tend to garner most of the spotlight here, sightings of troops of other monkeys, including Angolan colobi, Dent’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys and diademed monkeys, are virtually guaranteed.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is sliced in two by the Huye–Cyangugu road. Visitors can access the park through either the Kitabi Booking Office or the Gisakura Booking Office, both of which lie along this road.
what to do while in Rwanda Nyungwe forest
Bigugu Mountain peak
Mount Bigugu trail
Mount Bigugu Trail: Mount Bigugu in Rwanda is located in the Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests. It is home to a quarter of Africa’s primate species (13 species of primates) have been recorded so far, including the chimp, which the International Union for Conservation of Nature considers to be an endangered animal species. The Nyungwe Forest is home to several trails where you can go on a safari tour and experience Rwanda in its natural state.
In Nyungwe Park, there are currently 15 nature trails marketed, each offering/including unique attractions and experiences. One of them is the Mountain Bigugu trail, which is famous for bird watching; the Congo Nile Divide trail, which marks the divide between the Nile and Congo rivers; the Musimu trail, which offers spectacular views of Lake Kivu; and trails around the volcanoes national park and Nyungwe Park. The Igishigishigi Trail leads to the Canopy Walk Way in Nyungwe Forest Park, as does the short Buhoro Trail and the difficult but strenuous Imbaraga Trail.
The Irebero Trail, which provides a distant view of Burundi; the Umuyowe Trail, which leads to the park’s waterfalls; and the Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail, which leads to the park’s marshes are also part of Nyungwe National Park.
Mountain Bigugu is both a physical and a mental challenge. It has a maximum elevation of 2,950 meters above sea level and a minimum elevation of 2,367 meters above sea level, making it ideal for those looking for a more challenging hike.
Mount Bigugu is a 6-hour, 13.2-kilometer-long trail that leads to a fantastic birding spot in the forest. The forest is home to 275 bird species, many of which are uncommon. The trail leads to Mount Bigugu, the highest point in Nyungwe National Park.
During the dry season, this trail is recommended for viewing the beautiful plants and small animals that live in the Nyungwe forest. I It flows through fiery flowers that continue all the way to the top, blending in with the Disa Robusta and other flora. At around 2,400 to 3,000 meters above sea level, you can also see the small lobelia petiolate plant.
Mt. Bisoke hike begins at 150 meters above sea level and climbs a steep slope for about one kilometer. The trail features a 3-kilometer flat section that makes hiking simple and enjoyable. From the top of this mountain, you will have a 360-degree view of Nyungwe Forest National Park. On a clear day, you can see Lake Kivu, the Congo mountains, and the Kabila National Park in Burundi. Visitors can enjoy hiking to Mount Bigugu, chimpanzee and monkey trekking safari, and mountaineering safaris after visiting Nyungwe National Park, an experience similar to mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or hiking to Mount Bisoke.
kitabi eco centre;
The Kitabi EcoCenter offers camping, food, great coffee and tea, gardens, and EcoTourism activities just minutes from Nyungwe Forest
Kitabi Eco-Center is located just 2 km from the Eastern entrance to Nyungwe National Forest. It sits atop Mount Kitabi, and offers one of the most spectacular, panoramic views in all of Rwanda: neat, terraced farms perched on endless hills; light green tea plantations; the dark green trees of Nyungwe Forest; and a seemingly endless sky. Neither words nor pictures can do it justice; you have to be here to experience it!
KEC combines camping, a restaurant, gardens, and EcoTourism activities with an ecologically-friendly mindset. There is even a replica of the King’s Palace here that you can explore
Nyungwe forest canopyway
Canopy Walkway
Suspended above a ravine in the lush montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, the canopy walkway provides an exhilarating perspective on the ancient treetops and wildlife.
The 160m long and 70m high suspension bridge is accessible as part of a guided tour along the Igishigishigi trail, or to those hiking the Imbaraga or Umuyove trails.
Having escaped the last ice age, the Nyungwe forest is a hotbed of biodiversity. Along the hour’s walk to the canopy walkway from the Uwinka Reception Centre, visitors will see countless butterflies, orchids and colourful birds, including many endemic to the region.
Thirteen species of primate live in Nyungwe, so a chance encounter isn’t out of the question, although those wishing to seek them out should opt for a dedicated primate visit.
The steep forested slopes have well-maintained footpaths, which can become muddy, especially after rain.
what to wear while in Canopy Walkway – Wear suitable footwear and take a lightweight raincoat
Cost
What is budget for Canopy Walkway – Guided tours are US $60 per person. Participants must be at least six years of age and children accompanied by adults
when to visit nyungwe canopy walk – The experience is open all year round, with more chance of rain in the afternoons
