Unravel the sights and delights of Africa’s largest and oldest surviving tropical afro-montane forest on this short 3 days Nyungwe Forest National Park tour. Get a chance to track chimpanzees – mankind’s closest relatives, enjoy the canopy walk and possibly sight a wide range of bird species during our 3 days Nyungwe Forest National Park tour. Soak up the jaw-dropping views and remarkable sights while you appreciate the beauty of mother nature in this raw and undiscovered gem.
At 1,000 square kilometers, Nyungwe Forest National Park is the largest tropical afro-montane forest that has survived through the last ice age hence making it the oldest in the African continent. It is known for sheltering about 86 mammal species, over 320 bird species that include 27 endemic to the Albertine Rift region as well as 43 reptile species and butterflies and Amphibians.
Highlights:
- Take a canopy walk through Nyungwe Forest.
- Track the endangered chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
- Watch different species of birds including the forest and Albertine Rift endemics.
Brief Itinerary:
- Day 1: Kigali City to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Day 2: Tracking chimpanzees and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Day 3: Departure: Nyungwe Forest- Kigali City.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Kigali City to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Today, you will have a wonderful time being transferred from Kigali City to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Before this 5-6 hours’ journey, you will be briefed by a representative from Scenic Luxury vacations on the trip and wish you a safe trip.
You will drive through the quiet and clean streets of Kigali, heading towards the southern province while taking in views of the beautiful hills. Make a stop at the Ethnographic Museum in Butare and Nyanza Palace Museum, for a quick cultural and historical experience. Lunch will also be enjoyed around the town of Butare before continuing on the journey.
The cool breeze, sounds of chirping birds and monkeys breaking tree branches will be a sign that you are arriving to your final destination. So, get checked-in at the Lodge, settle-in and enjoy the different Lodge amenities and facilities.
Accommodation:
- One & Only Nyungwe House (luxury).
- Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge (midrange).
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
Drive time: 5-6 hours.
Day 2: Tracking chimpanzees and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
This is the day you will discover more of Nyungwe Forest National Park, appreciate its diversity and understand why it is a treasure trove in Rwanda. Get your early morning breakfast and meet your driver for a private transfer to the Park headquarters at Uwinka.
You will leave the Lodge with a healthy packed lunch, camera, binoculars and enough drinking water. Attend briefing provided by the Park rangers and make sure to listen carefully to the guidelines to be followed.
Between 8:00 and 8:30am you will start the walk through Nyungwe forest slowly while sighting unique attractions and listening to information provided by rangers. Take another 1-4 hours walking through the forest before the chimpanzee community is finally sighted. Spend only one hour observing and photographing the Great Apes and later with the help of the Park ranger find a nice place to enjoy your packed lunch.
After resting and partaking of your packed lunch, you will join the 160-meter long canopy walkway that stands about 50 meters above the forest floor. Here, you will have the best views of the forest and pay keen attention as primate species and birds can be sighted during this 2 hour walk. Later, you will retire to your Lodge for a shower and dinner, while reminiscing about the memories of chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk.
Accommodation:
- One & Only Nyungwe House (luxury).
- Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge (midrange).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Activities of the day: Chimp trek and canopy walk.
Day 3: Departure: Nyungwe Forest – Kigali City
After a delicious breakfast, make way to the beautiful City of Kigali for last minute shopping and later departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast.
Drive time: 5-6 hours.
3 Days Nyungwe Forest National Park Tour Includes:-
- Chimpanzee trekking permit.
- Canopy walk permit.
- Park entry fees.
- Cultural tour at Butare Museum and Nyanza Palace Museum.
- Bottled water.
- Road transfer by comfortable land cruisers.
- 2 nights’ accommodation in only the best Lodge with rich views of the forest.
- Services of an experienced driver for all the three days.
- Relevant government taxes.
Excludes:
- Expensive wines, spirits and cigarettes offered at the Lodge.
- Rwandan visa if required.
- Insurance cover.
- Flights (domestic and International).
- Laundry fees, souvenir shopping and other expenses of personal nature.