Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe forest national park is one of the protected areas for biodiversity conservation in Rwanda, it is located in Rusizi district in southern province, it is well known as the second most visited safari destination in Rwanda. Nyungwe forest national park covers 1019 square kilometres, the park was gazetted in 2004 so that the wildlife in Nyungwe forest can be protected like the primates and also protect the land which had been taken by encroachers because of the neighbouring communities, communities used to collect firewood, make charcoal and some of the wildlife was almost getting done due to poaching.
Attractions in Nyungwe forest national park
Vegetation
The vegetation in Nyungwe forest park is afro -montane tropical, due the altitude there are several types of vegetation like the baboo om medium altitude, papyrus swamps and grasslands at lower altitudes, and much of the habitat is a dense forest with trees and shrubs. And the forest contains about 1066 plant species some which are used as medicine, others are considered as endangered tree species like the brown mahogany and entandraphragma.
Primates
Nyuguwe forest national park has over 13 primate species like the chimpanzee, monkey of different types, baboons so visiting Nyungwe forest will give you a chance to see almost all types of monkeys you wish to see during your primate safari.
Birds
Nyungwe is home to 322 bird species and 16 of them are Albertine rift endemics like stripe breasted faced woodland warbler, Rwenzori turaco and many more that you can spot while in Rwanda.
Kimiranzovu waterfall
It is a beautiful spot for photographers and these falls are divided into two sections with one having waters falling on rocks and visitors to go through this water fall must accompanied by a guide because it is a bit challenging so a visitor cannot hike their alone and during the hike visitors will be able to see the flora and fauna and might spot some of the primates.
Activities in Nyuguwe national forest
When you visit Nyungwe national there are several experiences and activities one can enjoy and these include
Chimpanzee trucking
The chimpanzee trucking takes place in Cyamudongo forest, it is isolated so visitors must be aware of it and in case of any activity they should report on time and chimpanzee trucking can start from uwinka or kitabi centres so you need to be aware of where to go before you leave your hotel, and the activity takes about 2 to 5 hours in order to find the chimpanzee, though the trucking starts the visitors are advised to hike along with the porters in order to help them out because it is a bit challenging.
Monkey trucking
And the monkeys trucked include colobus monkeys and these monkeys are at Uwinka and Gisakura and this activity takes place only in the morning at Uwinka and at Gisakura it happens in the afternoon and other monkeys include Mangabey monkeys and these belong to the old-world monkeys to mention but a few.
Canopy walk
This is like a must activity to do while on safari in Rwanda, the canopy walk is 160 meters long and probably it is the longest in Africa which is 90m,45, and 25m above the ground so visitors are given are chance to select what they what according what they are comfortable with and all ages can do a canopy walk it takes in the morning and afternoon. While heading for the canopy walk visitors will hike along the Igishigishigi trial and it will take you like 1 hour and the canopy walk is 2 hours.
Hiking
Hiking is another interesting activity in Nyungwe forest national with over 22 hiking trails which lead to the scenic areas of the park to look at the beautiful things like birds, waterfalls, tea plantation, but there are main trials that begin from Uwinka visitor canter like kamiranzovu waterfalls hike, imbaraga trial that has 4 water falls to see and this lead you to Gisakura tea plantation and others trials that have medical plant species. Hiking gives you an opportunity to see different things at once.
Cultural experience
Visiting the Banda village will give you a chance to interact with residents, learn about their life styles and see how they are involved in conservation, this village has quiet number of people of most of them rely on natural resources and engage in suitable farming. During the visit to Banda village, you will an opportunity to participate in Rwandan cultural dance, basket weaving, beer brewing and many others.
Best time to visit Nyungwe national park
It can be visited all year round but the best time depends on what you want to do like the activities like visiting the primates, canopy walks, hiking it can best be done during the dry season, so generally the dry season is the best season to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Where to sleep when you are in Nyungwe National Park
While you at Nyungwethere is a variety of accommodations to consider and these include
Tree house
It one of the luxury resorts and private homes with the best facilities like swimming pool, it is located at the edge of the forest so the visitors will be enjoying the views of the Gisakura tea plantation near the eastern entrance gate.
Nyungwe house
It is the most lavish and luxurious resorts with exclusive services of an escape that you make you feel so good, and others include Nyungwe top view hotel, Kivu resort and many more.
