Nature Walks in Nyungwe

Nature walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park are not just a stroll through the tropical rainforest, but also an incredible journey in one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests, offering a chance to encounter a variety of animal species and appreciate the beauty of Nature. Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the western part of Rwanda and is renowned for being the home of chimpanzees and other rare primate species, as well as a variety of bird species.

Guided nature walks in Nyungwe take you through a variety of the park’s attractions, including green canopies, hidden waterfalls, wildlife, and different species of birds, offering an immersive and refreshing experience on your Rwanda safari, whether you are a bird lover, nature lover, or photographer. Guided nature walks in Nyungwe National Park offer an unforgettable adventure.

Nyungwe National Park offers more than 130 kilometres of well-maintained hiking trails, with each presenting unique features of the park’s ecosystem. These trails range from difficulty and duration, from easy strolls to strenuous hikes.

In this blog, we take you through some of the popular trails for nature walks in Nyungwe national park, other activities to do in Nyungwe, best time to visit the park, where to stay, how to access the park and away and best travel trips as well as other necessary information you need to know about Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Igishigishigi Trail

Igishigishigi Trail is Nyungwe’s most popular trail, renowned for canopy walks that are suspended 50 meters above the ground. The Igishigishigi trail covers about 2.1km, taking visitors about 1.5 hours on a return trip that offers panoramic views over the forest canopy and different wildlife species, including birds.

Kamiranzovu Waterfall Trail

Kamiranzovu Waterfall Trail is one of the most famous trails by travellers seeking nature walks on a Rwanda Safari. The trail stretches up to 6km, taking you through the park’s largest swamp and other stunning attractions of the park, such as Kamiranzovu Swamp. The swamp is renowned to be the last place where elephants of the park were sighted, thus the name “Kamiranzovu”

Imbaraga Trail

The Imbaraga Trail is one of the oldest trails in the park that offers a more challenging hiking experience but yet rewarding with a variety of attractions. This is most preferred by adventure lovers and photographers, stretching up to 10km, taking about 5 hours, with various attractions such as Bururi River, Bururi Valley, Uwinka ridge, big giant trees and other beautiful waterfalls.

Bigugu Trail

This trail is named after the park’s highest point, Mount Bigugu, standing at 2950 meters above sea level. Bigugu Trail offers a perfect opportunity for hikers. Visitors can have a chance to spot a variety of animal species as well as different birds.

What to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking: While the park consists of several wildlife species, it is renowned for chimpanzees, which offer an exciting experience of getting up close to their habitats. Beyond nature walk safaris, Chimpanzee trekking is the most popular activity of the park that allows visitors to learn more about the lifestyle of the chimpanzees as well as capture stunning shots. Visitors are granted 1 hour of experience.

Bird Watching: Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to over 300 bird species, including 29 endemic species. Birders can have a chance to spot a variety of bird species, including the Rwenzori turaco, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Kungwe Apalis, Red-collared Mountain babbler, Regal sunbird, Archer’s robin-chat, Dusky crimsonwing, Great blue turaco, Stripe-breasted tit, Yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Shelley’s crimsonwing, Black-and-white casqued hornbill, Blue-headed sunbird, and the Mountain sooty boubou, among many other Albertine Rift endemics and forest specialists.

Wildlife viewing: Nyungwe National Park is home to a variety of fascinating animal species including chimpanzees, L’hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, Angola colobus monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, golden cats, bush pigs, forest duikers, serval cats, and civets, as well as numerous species of squirrels, bats, and other small forest mammals that thrive in its dense and ancient rainforest.

Cultural Tours: Enjoy a chance to experience the traditional lifestyle of the locals around the park as well as tour the Gisakura Tea Estate, which is in the proximity of the park. The cultural tour offers a chance to learn about the culture of the local people and participate in a variety of cultural activities such as tea picking, processing and cupping.

Where to stay in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park offers various accommodation facilities ranging from Luxury to more affordable facilities, depending on the choice and preference of the traveller. These offer a unique blend of nature and comfort, making for a good guest experience. Some of the accommodation facilities include;

One & Only Nyungwe House: The lodge is a luxury facility consisting of 22 suites with en-suite bathrooms offering a perfect blend of comfort and nature. One & Only Nyungwe offers world-class services, gourmet cuisine and tailored nature experiences.

Gisakura Guest House: The facility is located in the western part of the park, consisting of 12 self-contained chalets. The lodge is a perfect base for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park and also offers other wildlife experiences such as nature walks and cultural experiences.

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is one of the luxury accommodation facilities that offer a perfect balance of nature and comfort, with breathtaking views overlooking the dense tropical rainforests. The lodge consists of a lounge area, ample parking, and well-trained staff.

Best Time to Visit Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park can be visited at any time of the year, depending on what particular activities to do there. However, the best time to do nature walks is during the dry season, which runs from June to August and December to February. During this time, the weather conditions are favourable and predictable for outdoor activities such as nature walk safaris.

In conclusion, Nature Walk safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park allow visitors to slow down and experience the rhythm of the rainforests, as well as a chance to spot other animal species, whether you are a seasoned hiker, a photographer, a birder or a curious traveller.