Chimpanzee in Nyungwe

Overview

Nyungwe National Park is one of the most important and biodiverse rainforests in Africa, located in southwestern Rwanda. It covers over 1,000 square kilometers and is one of the oldest rainforests on the continent. The park is renowned for its extensive network of trails that offer visitors a variety of hiking experiences, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks with each trail having its unique features, including waterfalls, views of the forest canopy, wildlife, and scenic landscapes. Nyungwe is a vital conservation area for the protection of tropical rainforest ecosystems and endangered species. Efforts to protect this environment include anti-poaching measures and sustainable tourism practices to ensure that the park remains a haven for wildlife.

Nyungwe National Park is known for its incredible biodiversity which includes primates, birds, and rich plant life. The park is home to 13 species of primates including chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, baboons, colobus monkeys, and l’hoest’s monkeys, and more; over 300 birds with the 27 Albertine rift endemics like great blue turaco, Ruwenzori turaco, red-collared mountain babbler, dusky crimsonwing, handsome spurfowl, stripe-breasted tit, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, mountain masked apalis, blue-headed sunbird, grauer’s swamp warbler, purple-breasted sunbird, regal sunbird, Abyssinian ground thrush, kungwe apalis, black saw-wing and many more, butterflies, reptiles and plant species. The park contains several unique habitats, including swamps, bamboo forests, and montane rainforests which support the beautiful flora and diverse fauna.

Rwanda offers stunning canopy walks, the most famous being in Nyungwe National Park, and is a major highlight of the park. Nyungwe National Park is renowned for its extensive network of trails that offer visitors a variety of hiking experiences, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks. Each trail has its unique features, including waterfalls, views of the forest canopy, wildlife, and scenic landscapes.

The Igishigishigi trail is one of the most popular and accessible trails and has the famous canopy walkway. The trail is 2.1km and is covered in 2-3hours depending on the pace set and is a moderate trail suitable for most visitors including beginners as it gently ascends through the rainforest though not too steep. The main attraction of the trail is the suspended canopy walkway which is 160 meters long and sits 70 meters above the ground. Tourists will walk through the lush montane forest, which is home to a variety of plant species, including giant ferns and beautiful orchids. The area is also rich in birdlife, and you may spot primates like colobus monkeys in the trees plus excellent views of the hills of Nyungwe.

The trail is one of the shorter and easier trails in the park making it ideal for those who have limited time or desire a less strenuous hike and it’s also family-friendly.  The dry season of June to September or December to February is the best time to hike the Igishigishigi Trail, as the forest paths are easier to navigate without the rain. The Igishigishigi Trail provides an unforgettable rainforest experience with minimal effort, perfect for those looking for a leisurely yet breathtaking walk through Rwanda’s natural wonders.

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