Best time to Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe forest seats at an elevation of between 1,600 meters and 2,950 meters ( 5,600 feet and 9,700 feet) above sea level. The tempratures here range between 0 – 30 degrees C (32-85 degrees F, average daytime temperature: 15.5 degrees C (60 degrees F) with up-to 1800-2500 mm of rainfall per year.
Nyungwe Forest experiences two rainy seasons; September – November and March – May. The drier months are June to August, with a slightly shorter dry season typically in December/January.
When is the best time to visit Nyungwe forest ?
The best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National park in southern Rwanda would be in the drier season Months of June to August and or December to January. Even though June – August or Dec – January are categorically referred to as drier months, it still does rain in Nyungwe almost all year round – remember its a tropical rain forest.
Top Things to do & See in Nyungwe Forest national park
Primate safaris in Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe is an ideal destination for lovers of primates, with 13 different species living here, and most visitors will go for at least one tracking experience, the most popular of which is chimpanzee trekking. Starting very early in the morning, chimps are tracked in groups of eight and as with the mountain gorillas, you will have just one hour in their company once they’ve been located. Sightings aren’t as reliable or as clear as gorillas however, since they often remain in dense forest, but their engaging playfulness and human-like characteristics make the long day worthwhile.
Trekking in search of grey-cheeked mangabey and Rwenzori colobus monkeys is also on offer in Nyungwe Forest, the latter of which can be found here in troops of several hundred. And there’s no need to trek far to see l’Hoest’s monkeys – you will often see them ambling along the roadside as you drive past.
- Best time To Visit Nyungwe for Chimpand other primate trekking
Forest hiking trails in Nyungwe
Over 130 kilometres of hiking routes have been created in Nyungwe Forest National Park, allowing visitors to explore its interior and its fascinating habitats. Walking in Nyungwe is excellent, with trails lasting from one to eight hours. The beautifully named Igishigishigi Trail is one of the shortest hikes yet includes East Africa’s highest canopy walk with spectacular views across Nyungwe Forest, while the 6 hour Bigugu Trail leads you to the highest mountain in the Park at 2950m.
- Best time to Visit Nyungwe for Forest Hiking.
- Best Hiking Trails in Nyungwe forest Park.
Birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest
The birds in Nyungwe Forest National Park are spectacular. Around 310 species reside here, although as in most tropical forests, you’ll have to look hard for them. Giant hornbills, great blue turacos and red-breasted sparrowhawks are amongst the specials, of which 27 are endemic to this section of the Albertine Rift Valley.
- Best time to Visit Nyungwe Forest for Bird Watching.
