Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect from each day in the itinerary I’ve provided for a two-day Nyungwe Forest National Park tour:
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Morning:
Start the day with a journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park. If coming from Kigali, you’ll drive southwest through scenic countryside.
Arrival at Nyungwe Forest National Park is usually around 10 am, depending on the departure time from Kigali. Check-in to your accommodation, which could be a lodge or campsite within the park.
Afternoon:
Lunch is provided at your accommodation or at a nearby restaurant.
Choose an activity for the afternoon. The most popular option is the canopy walk, a suspended bridge that offers a bird’s eye view of the rainforest. Other possibilities include birdwatching and colobus monkey tracking.
The canopy walk takes about 2 hours, while birdwatching and colobus monkey tracking can vary from 2-4 hours depending on how far the animals are. These activities usually end by 5 pm.
Return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation. Dinner is usually served between 7-8 pm.
Day 2: Trekking and Exploration
Early Morning:
Have breakfast at your accommodation around 7 am.
Begin your trekking adventure around 8 am. You have multiple options for trekking: chimpanzee tracking, hiking, and visiting waterfalls. You will have an experienced guide with you.
Chimpanzee tracking typically starts early, and you might have to hike for a few hours to find them. Keep in mind, you might only have a one-hour viewing window once you find them.
If you opt for hiking or visiting waterfalls, you can explore the beautiful forest, marvel at the scenery, and visit stunning waterfalls like Kamiranzovu or Isumo. Hiking trails range from easy to difficult, so there’s something for everyone.
Return to your accommodation around noon, just in time for lunch.
After lunch, you can choose to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings of the park or engage in another short activity, like birdwatching or exploring the park headquarters.
Departure is usually around 3-4 pm, depending on your schedule and departure location. You’ll head back to Kigali or your next destination, which takes around 4-5 hours.
Remember, this is a sample itinerary and can be adjusted based on your preferences, the availability of activities, and other factors.