Activities to do in Nyungwe.
Nyungwe forest National Park is renowned as a chimpanzee trekking destination due to its high population of Chimpanzees, however, this park offers a range of other many activities that travelers can explore including, Famous canopy walks, nature walks, bird watching, visiting the tea plantations among other many activities that can be explored while in 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. Golden Monkeys are also present in Nyungwe through not habituated.
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 I can be scarily for the first 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 centre in Uwinka. A canopy walk at Nyungwe promises an unforgettable experience in Rwanda’s dense forests, birds and wildlife.
Bird watching: Nyungwe National Park is home to over 300 bird species recorded within the Park ranking it 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 your welcomed by the sounds of birds and them rolling above you. However does who want to spot birds in a unique way can always opt to go on a canopy walk where different bird species are spotted in clear serene views.
Nature walks and Hikes: experience walking in Nyungwe trails in dense forests and lush vegetation, there are different trails for forest hikes and exploring in Nyungwe National Park. For visitors who would want to complete all the trails, they would have walked for about 130 kilometres so make sure your fit enough before you attempt the trails. 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.
Explore waterfalls in Nyungwe forest: Isumo Waterfall is one of the most 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.
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. All these groups showcase the rich culture of the people of Rwanda through dance, drama, and storytelling.
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. You may even be offered an opportunity to join in picking tea and putting it into a basket. The area around the estates has amazing scenery of the forest and Mount Bigugu on the horizon.
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.
