Safari activities in Nyungwe National Park: There are various safari activities that can be carried out from this famous national park which is located in southwestern Rwanda, on the border with Burundi, Nyungwe Forest National Park is famous for being home to chimpanzees and hence the chimpanzee trekking is one of the best safari activities in the park
The national park is home to numerous wildlife with over 13 primate species, more than 300 bird species, 1068 plant species, 85 mammal species, 32 amphibian, and 38 reptile species making the national park a great safari destination to visit.
In this article, we get to learn about some of the safari activities that are carried out in the national park that sightseers should not miss to try out while at the destination and they are as below;
Canopy Walks
Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda is the only destination in East Africa with a canopy the best way to explore and enjoy serene views in Nyungwe forest is to use the Canopy walk though it can be scarily for the timers but very rewarding, and you have nothing to worry about because it’s very safe. The 60-meter-high strong steel bridge is built on the tree tops to give tourists outstanding views of the birds, primates, and endless forest. The activity takes about 2 hours and visitors go for briefings at the visitors center in Uwinka. A canopy walk at Nyungwe promises an unforgettable experience in Rwanda’s dense forests, birds, and wildlife.
Explore waterfalls
Isumo Waterfall is one of the famous or known among others which is located close to the luxury Nyungwe House. To reach this waterfall, you will go through the Isumo Waterfall Trail. The Isumo waterfall squeezes through a narrow section of rock before plunging down and continuing deep into the forest as a stream. The reward for such a difficult hike is the amazing sounds, cool breezes, and views of the dense forest. As you retreat back to your hotel you will have many more opportunities to see insects, birds, frogs, and some of the primates of the forest.
Bird watching
Nyungwe National Park is home to over 300 bird species recorded within the Park ranking it as the best place or a paradise for Birdwatchers in Rwanda. Nyungwe Forest homes about 26 endemic to the Albertine rift, visitors are able to spot the Apalis argentea, Archer’s Robin-chat, Dusky Crimson Wing, Grauer’s Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Kungwe Apalis, Large blue Turaco, Ruwenzori Apalis, Ruwenzori Batis, Ruwenzori Nightjar, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Neumann’s Warbler and Sunbirds. Bird watching doesn’t require a specific time because by the time you enter the gates of Nyungwe you are welcomed by the sounds of birds and them rolling above you.
Nature walks
experience walking in Nyungwe trails in dense forests and lush vegetation, there are different trails for forest hikes and exploring in Nyungwe National Park. The main trails in Nyungwe include the Bigugu Trial, Ngabwe Trail, Canopy trail, Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail, Congo Nile Trail, Bigugu Trail, Igishigishigi Trail, Karamba Birding Trail, Irebero Trail, Isumo waterfall Trail, Imbaraga Trail, Umugote Trail, Muzimu Trail, Rukuzi Trail and Umuyove Trail. The most popular trails are Bigugu and Igishigishigi trails.
Climbing Mount Bigugu
Mount Bigugu is found within the Nyungwe forest. It is 2950 meters above sea level. The peak offers stunning views of the vast forest and distant Virunga mountains/volcanoes such as Karisimbi, Bisoke and Muhabura.
Cultural and Community Visit
The people of Rwanda have a unique culture and there are countless opportunities to experience it while on a tour of the Nyungwe forest. The best place to start is to visit places like the Kitabi Cultural Village or Banda Community Village. You can also attend performances by the Cyamudongo cultural troupe or friends of Nyungwe.
Primates viewing
Nyungwe National Park is one of the best places to spot different magnificent primates in Rwanda. The most amazing animal species after the chimpanzees include duikers, golden cats, duikers, Klipspringer, impalas, Bushbucks, Buffaloes, Elephants, Bush pigs, Gant forest hog, Blotched serval, Carnival genet, Congo clawless, Mongoose, otter, serval, felis, black-fronted duiker, western tree hyrax is the Rwenzori and Angola Colobus. About 400 Angola Colobus are semi-habituated in the park.
Visiting the Gisakura Tea Plantation
This activity can be done in the evening or after completing your other activities in the park. It is suitable for tea enthusiasts and those who appreciate the beauty of nature. One can visit the processing plants or go directly to the plantation and learn how tea is grown, harvested, and processed.
