Activities that are popular in Nyungwe Forest in 2025
Due to its large chimpanzee population, Nyungwe Forest National Park is well known as a chimpanzee trekking destination. However, travelers can also enjoy a variety of other Rwanda Safari activities while in Nyungwe, such as famous canopy walks, nature walks, bird watching, and visiting tea plantations.
Seeing primates: One of Rwanda’s greatest locations to see several amazing primates is Nyungwe National Park. Duikers, golden cats, Klipspringer, impalas, Bushbucks, buffaloes, elephants, bush pigs, Gant forest hogs, blotched servals, carnival genets, Congo clawless, mongoose, otter, serval, felis, black-fronted duiker, and western tree hyrax are among the most remarkable animal species, second only to chimpanzees. The park is home to about 400 Angola Colobus that are semi-habituated there. Although they are not habituated, golden monkeys can also be found in Nyungwe.
Canopy Walks: The only place in East Africa having a canopy is Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park. The canopy walk is the greatest way to explore and take in the tranquil vistas of Nyungwe Forest. It can be frightening for first-timers, but it’s also highly rewarding, and you shouldn’t worry because it’s really safe. Built on top of the trees, the 60-meter-tall, sturdy steel bridge offers visitors breath-taking vistas of the birds, primates, and unending forest. During this roughly two-hour Rwanda Tour activity, guests attend briefings at the Uwinka Visitors Center. A canopy walk in Nyungwe promises a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with Rwanda’s lush forests, wildlife, and birds.
Birdwatching: Nyungwe National Park is home to more than 300 bird species, making it one of Rwanda’s top destinations or a birdwatcher’s dream. 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 are among the approximately 26 endemic species found in Nyungwe Forest that are found there. There is no set time to go bird watching because you are greeted by the sounds of birds rolling overhead as soon as you enter Nyungwe’s gates. But if you want to see birds in a different way, you can always take a canopy walk, where you may see a variety of bird species in peaceful, unobstructed surroundings.
Hiking paths in dense forests and rich vegetation can be found in Nyungwe National Park. There are many trails for forest hikes and exploration. Before attempting the trails, make sure you are fit enough because tourists who wish to finish all of the trails would have to walk 130 kilometers. The Bigugu Trail, Ngabwe Trail, Canopy Trail, Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail, Congo Nile Trail, Karamba Birding Trail, Irebero Trail, Isumo Waterfall Trail, Imbaraga Trail, Umugote Trail, Muzimu Trail, Rukuzi Trail, and Umuyove Trail are among the primary routes in Nyungwe. The Bigugu and Igishigishigi paths are the most well-traveled.
Discover the Nyungwe Forest’s waterfalls. Near the opulent Nyungwe House is the Isumo Waterfall, one of the most well-known. The Isumo Waterfall Trail will lead you to this waterfall.The Isumo waterfall plunges down and continues as a torrent deep into the forest after squeezing through a small patch of rock. The breathtaking noises, refreshing breezes, and views of the deep forest are the reward for such a challenging trek. You will have more chances to spot insects, birds, frogs, and some of the forest’s primates as you head back to your accommodation.
Activities that are popular in Nyungwe Forest 2025
Cultural and Community Trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park Visit: While on a Rwanda primate tour of the Nyungwe forest, there are numerous opportunities to learn about the distinctive culture of the Rwandan people. Visiting locations such as the Banda Community Village or the Kitabi Cultural Village is the ideal way to get started. Additionally, you can see performances by Nyungwe’s buddies or the Cyamudongo cultural ensemble. Through storytelling, theater, and dance, these ensembles all highlight Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.
Going to the Gisakura Tea Plantation: You can do this in the evening or after you’ve finished your other park activities. It is appropriate for tea lovers and people who value the splendor of the natural world. To discover how tea is cultivated, collected, and processed, one can either visit the processing facilities or visit the plantation directly. You might even be given the chance to assist in selecting tea and placing it in a basket. The forest and Mount Bigugu in the distance provide breathtaking views of the area surrounding the properties.
Climbing Mount Bigugu: The Nyungwe forest is home to Mount Bigugu. The elevation above sea level is 2950 meters. The peak provides breathtaking views of the far-off Virunga mountains and volcanoes, including Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Muhabura, as well as the expansive forest.
