Birding safari in Nyungwe forest national park

Birding safari in Nyungwe forest national park : Nyungwe National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, covering 1,019 km2 of dense Afromontane forests, bamboo covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands. Nyungwe National Park is located in the south west of Rwanda on the border with Burundi in the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo in West on the shores of Lake Kivu. Nyungwe National Park has been in existence since 1903 and in 2004 it was then declared a National Park . The Nyungwe forest  is also rich in other wildlife, including duikers, golden cats, Klipspringer, impalas, Bushbucks, Buffaloes, Elephants, Bush pigs, Gant forest hog, Blotched serval, Carnival genet, Congo clawless, Mongoose, otter, serval, felis, black-fronted duiker, western tree hyrax, and many more, 13 primate species, including the famous chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys , butterflies .

Spotted species of bird in Nyungwe forest national park 

Bird watching in Nyungwe forest national park, a montane forest home with 322 bird species will offer you with some fantastic views of this amazing birds. So far 29 bird species are endemic to the Albertine Rift, 11 of the 23 gunea-Congo forest biome, montane birds and migratory birds among others. Among the birds that can be encountered by birders on birding safaris in Rwanda include Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-throated Alethe, Apalis argentea, Purple-breasted and Blue-headed, Kungwe Apalis Ruwenzori Apalis, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Alehe poliophrys, Stripe-breasted Tit Parus fasciiventer, Batis diops, Ruwenzori Batis, Caprimulgus ruwenzorii, Archer’s Robin-chat Cossypha archeri, Ruwenzori Nightjar, Dusky Crimson Wing, Handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Francolinus nobilis, Cryptospiza shelleyi, Cryptospiza jacksoni, Hemitesia neumanni, Red-collared Babbler, Kupeornis rufocinctus, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Melaenornis ardesiacus, Regal Sunbird, Neumann’s Warbler and Cinnyris regius. All of this and more may be spotted easily from the park’s well-maintained network of trails such as Kamiranzovu trail, Gasakura trail, Bigugu trail, Karambi trail among others  with the assistance of skilled bird guides.

On your lucky and patience birding, you may also get a chance to see Kivu Ground Thrush, and Willard’s Sooty Boubou Kungwe apalis. The Congo Bay Owl, Albertine Owlet, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Rockefeller’s Sunbird are possibly the uncommon bird species to spot Nyungwe’s forest .

Packing list for birding viewing safari in Nyungwe forest national park.

The essentials to consider on your birding safari in Nyungwe forest national park include  as birds guidebook, a pair of binoculars for spotting small and distant species, good camera with good lens and enough storage , enough drinking water and snacks, sunglasses, strong waterproof hiking boots, long stocks, walking stick, long-sleeved shirts to protect your hands from being scratched, a hat, rain jacket, backpack for carrying the items you will need while birding, first aid kit ,long trouser because you will be walking through the jungles with unpleasant vegetation  among others.

How to behave while on a birding safari in Nyungwe national park

• The way you behave while in the forest for bird viewing safaris greatly determine the number of birds you will spot in the forest. As it is known as a good birder nerve chases a bird or even blushing them from their hiding habitant.
• Control your movements while in the forest as your walking through the forest always be mindful of your moves, do not run aimless or even check out their nest.
• Recording and taking pictures of the birds is highly prohibited in the forest but so as not to scare way the birds, always switch off your cameras flash lights most especially in the breeding season
• Do not throw rush in the forest.
• Do not get close to the nesting colonies
• Always follow the rules and regulations given to you by the birding guide.

Other actives in Nyungwe forest national park.

Besides bird watching , Nyungwe forest national park offers other fascinating adventurous activities that most tourists who visit the national park engage in during the Rwanda wildlife safaris such as chimpanzee trekking where you will be able to spend almost one hour in the presences of this charming chimpanzees , canopy walks, tropical waterfall hike, nature walks, colobus monkey trekking where you will be able to spot different apes like blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, Mona monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey among others.

Where to say in Nyungwe forest national park

There are a number of accommodations in and near the national park where you can stay during the Rwanda birding safari. The accommodations are arranges from budget, midrange and luxury such as One & Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Forest lodge, Nyungwe top view Hotel, wilderness Sabyinyo, Emeraude Kivu resort and mantis Kivu Marina Bay, volcano rainforest retreat , Uwinka Campsite, Nyungwe Eco-Village, Nyungwe Nziza, Eco-Lodge, Chimpanzee Lodge, Kitabi Eco- Centre, Golden monkey Hotel, Gisakura Forest House among others.

How to get to Nyungwe forest national park.

When traveling to Nyungwe forest national park you can either use road transport or air transport means

By Car; Driving is the most popular option. The journey from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, takes approximately 6-8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The roads leading to the park are well-maintained, and the scenic views along the way are breathtaking. You can rent a car in Kigali or hire a driver to take you to the park. .

By Bus; if you prefer public transport, take a bus headed to Ruzizi from Nyabarongo Bus Park in Kigali. The bus will take you to Uwinka Center, which is the main entrance to the park. The bus journey may take a bit longer (around 8-10 hours), and buses can be quite full.

By Flight; for those short on time, consider taking a flight from Kigali to Kamembe Airport, located near Nyungwe Forest National Park. The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes, and there are several flights per week. From Kamembe Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.