Birding safaris

According to Birdlife International, Nyungwe National Park has over 300 bird species of which 27 can only be found in the Albertine region. From the Albertine Rift endemics to the Forest endemics, the species include the Archer’s Robin-Chat, Barred long Tailed Cuckoo, Blue Turaco, Chapin’s flycatcher, Doherty’s Bush Shrikes.

Bird Watchers in Rwanda can also sight the grey-chested Kakamega, Handsome Francolin, Lagden’s Bush Shrikes, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Purple Throated Sunbird, Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Rwenzori Double Collared Warbler, Rwenzori Nightjar, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, White Bellied Robin-chat, White Headed Wood Hoopoe and the Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher. The Karamba Trail, Uwinka Trail, and Umugote Trail are the best birding trails in the park.

Biking through the Congo Nile Trail

The Congo Nile Trail passes through Nyungwe National Park allowing visitors to bike through this particular section.  The Congo Nile Trial offers perfect opportunities to explore the park as a whole. As one meanders through the trail by bike, they are bound to encounter countless bird species, primates, and other forest wildlife.

It is also a perfect way to see all the beautiful tree and plant species that makes the forest so attractive to nature lovers. Camping is a must while biking through the trail. It is therefore important to carry along the right clothing, camping equipment, snacks, and water.

Nature walks and Hikes

There are 13 hiking trails in Nyungwe national park.  Covering 130km and can be done within a week.  The main trails are 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 which provides views of DR Congo and Lake Kivu as well as the Islands. It takes you to the highest peak in Nyungwe Forest Park.

The Igishigishigi( Great Blue Turaco) trail covers a distance of 2km with remarkable views of the Nyungwe forest canopy, beautiful wildflowers, occasional monkeys, and several birds. The total time on this trail is between one and two hours depending on one’s interests.

Fitness is needed to enjoy your nature walk because the terrain is unpredictable. Look out for primates, birds, butterflies, rivers, insects, and much more.

Visiting Isumo Waterfall

Embark on the Isumo Hiking Trail in the park which is 10.6 kilometers long and is moderate in difficulty and be hiked within 4 hours. The hiking involves descending downhill with views of a small stream flowing before continuing into densely vegetated and steep rainforest Ravines passing through slippery and steep areas of the park after which you descend to a very dense part of the forest before seeing the waterfall.

The Izumo waterfall squeezes through a narrow section of rock before plunging down and continuing deep into the forest as a stream. Look for primates, birds, and butterflies, and get in tune with nature through the amazing sounds, cool breezes, and views of the dense forest.

Visiting the Gisakura Tea Plantation

Get to visit the processing plants or go directly to the plantation and learn how tea is grown, harvested, and processed. You may get 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.

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. There are always opportunities to buy souvenirs (local crafts and art pieces).

Where to stay in Nyungwe Forest National Park

One & Only Nyungwe House

The lodge was formerly Nyungwe Forest Lodge but is now under the One & Only hotel group. It’s located in the middle of a tea plantation with 6 high-end wooden villas and 22 Luxury rooms. This lodge offers magnificent views of the Nyungwe Forest and the tea plantations. The lodge does not only offer the most comfortable rooms but is also the best place for tracking primates in the park including chimpanzees.

Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge

Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge is found in Kitabi and is a mid-range and standard option that has 10 spacious rooms that reflect the traditional African style with grass-thatched roofs and modern comfort. The area around the lodge has good biking trails and bikes can be rented on arrangement.

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

The best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park

Late June through early September is the dry season and high season at Nyungwe Forest. The trails are less slippery which is ideal for hiking and exploring the walking trails.

For bird watching, the November-April months tend to attract migratory birds. December to February is the best time for birding as there are fewer showers of rain. In May and June; the food supply is abundant and it is the main nesting season.

Getting to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe National Park is approximately 225 km (140 miles), or four to five hours driving, from Kigali. Alternately, you can fly into Kamembe Airport, a half-hour drive from the park’s western edge, and get picked up by the lodge.

What to bring for the chimpanzee trekking

Waterproof hiking boots, Sun hut, Sunscreen, Insect repellent, Trousers or Pants, and long-sleeved shirts.