A beautiful rainforest filled with healing herbs, mischievous chimpanzees, fluttering butterflies and exotic colourful birds awaits visitors to Nyungwe National Park. Covering more than 1,000 square kilometres, one of Africa’s oldest forests in the south-west corner of Rwanda is a beautiful natural paradise for chimpanzees and other primates, more than 300 species of birds and 75 different types of mammals.
It’s a magical experience for that once-in-a-lifetime trip which you will never forget. You can hike or bike through the beautiful scenery while marvelling at the wildlife and take a break at one of the rainforest’s incredible waterfalls. Throughout the trip, you will see lush green mountains and amazing flora and fauna.
Get to Know Man’s Closest Wild Relative
There are about 400 groups of chimpanzees, including two wild communities where guests are welcomed – at Cyamdungo and around Uwinka. This makes chimpanzee tracking a popular pastime in Nyungwe. A great time to visit is when the trees are in full bloom in summer, according to Rwanda Tourism.
Going on a gorilla trekking holiday is an amazing way to get to know man’s closest wild relatives, but you’ll need to be ready for an early start, as dawn is the best time to see these glorious creatures. About a quarter of all Africa’s primates, including the grey-cheeked mangabey and Ruwenzori colobus monkeys, have made their home here, and you will discover why during your forest hiking trail in the Nyungwe Forest.
It’s also a fabulous place for bird-watching, and you may come across great blue turacos, giant hornbills or red-breasted sparrowhawks as you make your way through the national park.
Enjoy the Views on the Igishigishigi Trail
Rwanda is known as the land of 1,000 hills, so where better to enjoy East Africa’s highest canopy walk? The Igishigishigi trail is 70 metres above the valley floor and is held together by aluminium poles and rope. Conquer this and you will be rewarded with incredible views of the rainforest, according to a CNN article.
You can also try some of the natural cures from the healing plants in the forest and support the local economy by buying honey. Whatever you do, a trip to the Nyungwe National Park will be filled with unique experiences.
