Nyungwe National Park is a World Heritage UNESCO site which was officially gazetted in 2005 by the Rwandan government. It is located in the southwestern province of Rwanda, near the Burundi border, 225 kilometres away from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. The park spans 1019 square kilometres, occupying five districts: Nyaruguru, Karongi, Rusizi, Nyamasheke, and Nyamagabe. It is largely covered by the Nyungwe forest, a tropical rainforest and home of primates.
What to see?
Nyungwe National Park is home to about 90 mammals, including the forest herbivores such as the antelopes, the bush pigs, giant hogs, and carnivores like the golden cats and wild cats, among others.
The forest shelters a variety of primate species, such as chimpanzees and Colobus monkeys, and the trees also accommodate a number of different bird species.
There are two waterfalls in the park: Ndambarare and Kamiranozu waterfalls, which support tourism activities such as hiking and nature walks.
What to do?
Chimpanzees are Nyungwe’s star attraction. The park is home to several habituated chimp groups, and chimpanzee trekking is offered daily prior to booking. This activity costs USD 1500 for foreign non-residents, USD 75 for East African residents, and USD 25 for Rwandan citizens.
Columbus monkey tracking:Nyungwe harbours the world’s largest community of black-and-white colobus monkeys in their natural habitat, numbering hundreds of individuals. These dramatic, long-tailed monkeys, with their striking black-and-white coats, are easier to observe than chimpanzees, and large troops often put on spectacular displays of leaping and acrobatics. This activity costs USD 40 for international tourists, USD 20 for foreign residents, and 5 US dollars for the Local residents.
Nyungwe’s canopy walkway is one of Rwanda’s most thrilling attractions. Suspended bridges at 50 metres above the forest floor, the 160-metre-long bridge offers a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy and its inhabitants. It’s a breathtaking experience and a completely different perspective on the forest. This activity costs USD 150 for international tourists, USD 75 for East African residents, and USD 25 for Rwandan citizens.
Where to sleep
Nyungwe National Park has a number of accommodation options, ranging from luxury to mid range to budget. The accommodations include Munazi Lodge, Uwinka campsite, and Uwinka Guest House. Gisakula campsite, Gisovu guest house( edit these accommodations)
How to get there
Kigali to Nyungwe is approximately 225 kilometres, which takes 5–6 hours. This park doesn’t have a specific gate for entrance because the highway crosses through the forest; however, there is a visitor centre at Uwinka along the main road in the middle of the park.
