Night Walking Safaris in Nyungwe National Park

Night Walking Safaris in Nyungwe National Park

Did you know that Nyungwe National Park has the best night walking safaris in Rwanda? Nyungwe National Park is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda, along the border with Burundi, and is characterized by extensive rainforests. It contains Africa’s oldest rainforests and is the largest rainforest in Rwanda. The park is home to over 13 primate species and about 300 bird species, including 30 that are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley, along with various other forest wildlife. Among the wildlife, chimpanzees are the most recognized species that travelers often encounter on safari.

Night walking safaris in Nyungwe National Park offer a unique opportunity to explore the park’s nocturnal environment. Guided by an armed ranger, the journey begins in the evening around 5:30 PM, coinciding with sunset, followed by a briefing about the activity. This foot-based excursion lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, typically concluding around 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Night walking safaris immerse you in the experience of encountering various nocturnal wildlife within the park. Among these animals are flying squirrels, tree hyraxes, bush babies, pottos, Rwenzori nightjars, and many more. These species become notably more active at night than during the day.

What should I pack for night walking safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

During a night safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park, travelers pack various essentials. These include:

• Hiking boots
• Water bottle
• Rain jacket
• Torch
• Walking sticks
• Insect repellents
• First aid kit
• Hat and gloves.
• Long-sleeved clothing.
• Night vision cameras and binoculars.

What is a night walking safari permit cost in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

Travelers participating in safaris at Nyungwe Forest National Park must obtain permits. The fees for night walking safaris in Nyungwe are as follows: 150 USD for foreign non-residents and foreign residents, and 75 USD for East African residents. Note that these prices do not include the park entrance fees, which are payable separately on the day of the safari.

Guidelines for night walking safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park

When planning to participate in walking safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park, travelers should adhere to several important rules and regulations, including:

• No littering in the park during the safari walk.
• Listen to the guide’s instructions.
• Don’t go off the main trails of the park.
• Avoid using flash photography.
• No making loud noise during the walk.
• Always keep a distance from wildlife during encounters in the park.
• Always follow the guide’s lead during the safaris.

What other activities can one participate in at Nyungwe Forest National Park?

While participating in night walking safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park, travelers can also enjoy various other activities, including:

Chimpanzee trekking

One of the popular activities that travelers partake in at this park is chimpanzee tracking. Chimpanzees, which share about 98% of their DNA with humans, are among the largest primates in the park. Before encounters, the chimpanzees are habituated to human presence, which takes approximately two years in the jungle. The activity begins early in the morning with a briefing on what to expect, including the dos and don’ts of the encounter. To facilitate this experience, participants are divided into groups of eight, as each family or community of chimpanzees is visited by one group. The tracking experience lasts between 2 and 7 hours, culminating in a one-hour viewing of the chimpanzees in their habitat while maintaining a distance of 7 meters. To participate, you must obtain a chimpanzee trekking permit.

The cost of the chimpanzee permit in Nyungwe Forest National Park is 150 USD for foreign non-residents, 75 USD for foreign residents, and 25 USD for East African residents. Please note that the trekking permit cost does not include park entrance fees. Nyungwe Forest National Park has just one morning session, and the park is home to around three habituated chimpanzee families.

Canopy Walk

The canopy walk offers an exhilarating experience as you traverse a raised bridge approximately 200 meters above the ground. This exciting adventure connects you to various trails within the park, including the Canopy Walk Trail, Igishigishigi Trail, Umuyove Trail, Kamiranzovu Trail, and many more.

Accommodation in Nyungwe National Park

When planning a safari, travelers often wonder where to stay in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park features a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury. Notable facilities include Gisaruka Guest House, Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge, Golden Monkey Hotel, Nyungwe Nziza Hotel, and One & Only Nyungwe House, among others. Travelers need to book accommodations in advance to secure availability during their visit to the park.