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Nyungwe National Park Rwanda flag

Nyungwe National Park - Rwanda Wildlife Destination

14 Tours 1 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$950PP

Overview

Situated in the South West corner of Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is a lavishly biodiverse mountain rainforest region. This excellent park is believed to be probably the most established rainforest in Africa, evidently staying green even through the Ice Age. The park is home to the chimpanzee, as well as 12 other species of primates. Nyungwe National Park likewise contains more than 300 bird species and 75 vertebrate species. Here, guests might appreciate picturesque hiking or biking safaris, canopy walks, chimpanzee tracking and relaxing by a tranquil waterfall, to name just a few interesting activities.
Mount Bigugu is the park's most elevated point and offers incredible vistas of the surrounding regions. From certain parts of the park, you can see the majestic Lake Kivu, one of Africa's incredible lakes. Surrounded by river Kongo toward the west, and the Nile toward the east, Nyungwe holds 66% of Rwanda's water and makes beautiful environments inside its grasslands, bogs and swamps.

High Season
June to September
Best Time to Go
October to February

Pros & Cons

  • The biggest mountain rainforest in Central Africa
  • A wide variety of animal and plant species, a considerable lot of them endemic
  • Home to 13 types of primates, including chimpanzees
  • 130km network of hiking trails
  • Canopy walk offering sightings of rare species living in the treetops
  • The primary route takes away from its wilderness appeal
  • Generally high charges for each activity
  • Chimpanzee trekking isn't pretty much as simple as in Tanzania or Uganda

Map in Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park map

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Wildlife & Animals

The Nyungwe forest has a wide variety of animal species, focusing on it for protection in Africa. The forest is situated in an area where a few huge biogeographical zones meet and the assortment of terrestrial biomes gives an incredible range of microhabitats for various types of plants and animals.

Chimpanzee

Chimpanzee

Common
Angola Colobus

Angola Colobus

Rare
Bushbuck

Bushbuck

Occasional
Golden monkey

Golden monkey

Rare
L'Hoest's Monkey

L'Hoest's Monkey

Rare
Vervet Monkeys

Vervet Monkeys

Rare
Olive Baboon

Olive Baboon

Rare
Duiker

Duiker

Rare

Wildlife Highlights

A total of 85 mammal species have been recorded in Nyungwe Forest, however, most are exceptionally mysterious and rarely experienced. Tracking Nyungwe's habituated chimpanzees is a superb activity in the park. Another feature is the unusually enormous troops of Rwenzori colobus, counting up to 350 individuals. Another 12 primate species are available, including l'Hoest's monkey, dim-cheeked mangabey and red-followed monkey. A few antelope varieties in the park incorporate the mysterious bushbuck and the extremely uncommon endemic race of Weyns' duiker.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is during the Wet season from October to May as the chimps are easier to locate at that time. In the Dry season, they will endeavour further into the forest interior, making them harder to follow. The Dry season from June to September is best for general hiking, as the paths are simpler to explore.

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Birds

Nyungwe Forest has more than 275 species recorded and is also perceived as an IBA (Important Bird Area) by Birdlife International. Forest birding is never simple, yet the wide roads going through the parks offer an incredible vantage point into the canopy. Of explicit interest are the numerous Albertine Rift endemics (birds confined to the Albertine Rift). Three birds unrecorded somewhere on the eastern side of the Albertine Rift are the Albertine owlet, red-nabbed windbag and Rockefeller's sunbird.

Regal Sunbird

Regal Sunbird

Common
Congo bay Owlet

Congo bay Owlet

Common
Rwenzori turaco

Rwenzori turaco

Common
Long-crested eagle

Long-crested eagle

Common

Best Time for Birding

In Nyungwe Forest, Birding can be done around the year with some admonitions. At the end of the Rainy season, Breeding activity is at the top. From May to June & July to September, many birds are taking care of their fledglings and staying silent. In January & February, they will be vocal again and can be spotted easily. Since most of the birding depends on calls, the Best time to visit is from January to June only. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

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Best Time to Visit – Nyungwe National Park

The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is during the Wet season from October to May as the chimps are easier to locate at that time. In the Dry season, they will endeavour further into the forest interior, making them harder to follow. The Dry season from June to September is best for general hiking, as the paths are simpler to explore.

High Season
June to September
Low Season
March to May, October and November
Best Weather
June to September
Worst Weather
March and April

June to September (Dry Season)

  • General trekking & hiking is easier in this season
  • Skies are brilliant, with basically no rain
  • Few chances for spotting Chimpanzees
  • For spotting, some special bird species will be tricky at this time

October to May (Wet Season)

  • Best time for Chimpanzee trekking as they have plenty of food
  • Forest birding is at its best and migratory birds are present
  • Rain can make forest trails difficult
  • It may rain for quite a long time

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