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Standing high above the canopy on a long suspension bridge, with bird calls interspersed with the howls and shrieks of primates and an expanse of resplendent hills all around, it’s easy to get transported to a prehistoric era. In Nyungwe National Park, chimpanzees, along with other primates and hundreds of species of birds, find a rich habitat in one of Africa's oldest rainforests. Those visiting this pristine mountainous region are rewarded with a truly rare opportunity to experience primal nature bursting with life.
Located in southwestern Rwanda in the heart of the Albertine Rift, Nyungwe is the largest remaining forested tract in the country, stretching 100,000 hectares. High altitude Afromontane forests, wetlands, grasslands, bamboo-covered slopes, and waterfalls boast diverse flora and fauna. The region feeds two of the world’s largest rivers, the Nile and Congo, and provides a majority of the country’s fresh water.
Designated as a national park in 2004 and now under the management of both African Parks and Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Nyungwe is a conservation area providing safe haven for 13 species of primates (nearly 25% of all primates of Africa), including chimpanzees, the rare L’Hoest’s monkeys, and colobus monkeys. Mammals such as serval cats, mongoose, and tree hyrax, with many indigenous to the region, can also be found in this ancient forest.
The highlights of a Nyungwe visit include the Canopy Walk suspension bridges and tracking primates. However, there’s plenty more to see while taking in the beauty and serenity of this surreal atmosphere on a week-long trip. Those gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park can easily add a visit to Nyungwe. Keep reading to find out some of the best things to do in Nyungwe National Park.
Canopy Walking
Three suspension bridges, 200 feet above the forest floor and spanning more than 550 feet, provide unparalleled views of the rainforest and mist-covered hills in the distance. With just enough space for one person to pass, each bridge is definitely not for those with a fear of heights; those who can overcome it are rewarded with a bird’s eye view of a thriving rainforest amidst the clouds, set against the backdrop of the deep blue sky or the setting sun.
The walkway is accessible from the Igishigishigi trail, and visitors are accompanied by guides. The starting point is at the Uwinka Visitor Center, which has a coffee shop serving beverages along with delicious meals for pre and post-hiking. The trail is short and relatively easy, but the return is a bit steep. Keep in mind that the high elevation (5,200 to 9,000 feet above sea level) could impact those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Payment for the canopy walk goes directly to the management of the national park.
Chimpanzee Trekking
An estimated 600 chimpanzees live in the forest-dominated national park. There are three habituated groups in Mayebe, Gisovu, and Cyamudongo, and these great apes can be observed on a guided trek through the forest. The trails are not for novice hikers, as they tend to be rocky and muddy. Porters are available for hire to help hikers through the thick jungle.
“The part that made it so challenging was dealing with the mud and having to literally pull my feet out of the sopping wet earth with every step,” says Jamie Albert of Los Angeles, who visited the park earlier this year. “Hiring a porter was definitely a wise decision, as my porter helped me keep my balance when I probably otherwise would’ve fallen down.” But ultimately, for Albert, seeing the chimpanzees was an unforgettable experience well worth the effort, and the best part was learning more about them by the knowledgeable guides. “We observed them swinging around and snacking. I remember feeling like I was in a Planet Earth episode, but without a screen separating me from the wildlife”.
Because chimps cover long distances throughout the day, expect the trek to begin in the early morning and last the entire day. Along the way, hikers may encounter other forest dwellers, such as golden monkeys that are endemic to the Albertine Rift, Black and White Angolan colobus monkeys, red-tailed and owl-faced monkeys, and olive baboons.
To keep the chimps and other primates safe from poaching and encroachment from agriculture, the park enforces strict laws to safeguard endangered animals. Community development strategies include engaging with local communities, not just for the sake of tourism-generated revenue but also for the protection of the species. The park’s eco-rangers program recruits local residents (and, in some instances, former poachers) to become unarmed rangers to work with the park’s law enforcement program. Eco-rangers started working in April 2022 and have since helped remove more than 3,000 snares.
Hiking And Night Walking
Nyungwe boasts 15 well-maintained trails to take in the stunning ancient forests, rugged landscapes, waterfalls, and biodiversity of animals and avian species. Those wishing to enjoy a day of hiking need to book ahead of time and will be accompanied by one of the professional national park guides. Nyungwe has a Community Freelance Guide Programme as part of the community engagement program, which trains residents passionate about guiding hikes within the park, giving them a chance to benefit from tourism.
For stunning waterfalls, hikers have two options. The 55-foot Kamiranzovu waterfall is the park’s biggest and joins the river towards Lake Kivu. The waterfall hike begins at One&Only Nyungwe House, a luxury One&Only property surrounded by a tea plantation. The hike is four miles round trip and takes approximately four hours.
Ndambarare waterfall is an option for those seeking a leisurely walk through the flat terrain of the tea fields, followed by a romp through a lush forest. Catch the trail starting at Gisakura Visitor Center, and return to the office for a cup of coffee or tea on the wooden terrace overlooking the forest. Buy some locally made souvenirs and branded clothing at the gift shop. The trail to the waterfalls is close to five miles round trip.
In the spring of 2022, Nyungwe started offering night walks to spot nocturnal species. Participants get an opportunity to view the tree hyrax, flying squirrel, and bush babies. The experience is offered daily from 5:30 pm, and the walk ranges from one to three hours.
Bird Watching
Pack your binoculars, cameras, and bird books for an incredible forest bird-viewing experience and to check off some bucket list sightings. The region is home to 340 bird species, 30 of which are endemic, and 120 species of butterflies. Set out on hikes with professional guides to spot birds such as the red-collared mountain babbler, Ruwenzori turaco, dwarf honeyguide, Waller’s starling, Black and White casqued hornbill, and black-billed turaco.
For those with patience and dedication, there’s a remote chance of spotting the Albertine owlet and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Before setting out, be sure to pick up Wild Rwanda, written by one of the continent’s top birding experts, Christian Boix, among others.
Accommodations
There’s no better way to immerse oneself in the surreal rainforest atmosphere and wake up to the sounds of the jungle than by camping. Both Uwinka and Gisakura Visitor Centers offer campsites for those looking to hike the surrounding areas. Uwinka has two campsites, and Gisakura has six, and both locations have toilets and a shower. In the near future, expect an ecolodge in the park as well as a guest house at Gisovu.
For those looking for more luxurious accommodations, the One&Only Nyungwe House resort is a great option. Set on a working tea plantation, the resort offers secluded wooden villas that are spread out and feature floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the park’s lush surroundings. The design of the resort comes from the environment as well as Rwandan culture. Guests can take part in cultural lessons such as Imigongo making (the traditional art of geometric paintings from natural materials).
At the resort’s Imigongo-inspired bar, guests can enjoy drinks such as tea-infused gin and tonics and Gisakura Lemon Leaf cocktails with tea from the plantation. One&Only Nyungwe House has an infinity pool, fitness center, and a One&Only Spa. Stop by the Go Kigali Boutique to bring home a lovely souvenir to home a piece of Nyungwe.