Nocturnal walks in Nyungwe Forest introduce you deep into the different habitats in search of nocturnal species. This is a distinct experience from the usual day-guided walks. Night/nocturnal walks were recently introduced adding to the numerous exciting experiences already existing in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nocturnal Walks in Nyungwe
Nocturnal walks are conducted with the lead of experienced Nyungwe Forest National Park. The search for nocturnal animals begins at 5:30 pm and takes visitors about 2-3 hours to have a round trip. A nocturnal walk takes you deep into the lush rainforest exploring the hidden gem of Nyungwe at night with headlights.
On a guided nocturnal walk, expect to enjoy the inspirational sounds in the forest and a close view of animals. Some of the sightings to expect to enjoy on the nocturnal walk include flying squirrels, tree hyrax, bush babies, pottos, and nightjar birds like Rwenzori nightjars. It is during the night when the majority of nocturnal species become active.
How long does a nocturnal walk in Nyungwe take?
A nocturnal walk in Nyungwe can last for 3 hours. Visitors on nocturnal tours are accompanied by experienced park guides who take the lead in this adventure as you search for your favorite night species.
Best time to go for nocturnal walks in Nyungwe Forest
Nocturnal walks in Nyungwe Forest can be done at any time of the year. The dry months come with favorable weather conditions, which makes them the ideal time to go night walking –that is from June, July, August to September, and December, January to February.
The normal night walk in Nyungwe begins at 5:30 pm, and you enjoy the sunset in the jungles. By 8:00-9:00 pm, your guide will lead you back to the safari lodge for relaxation and a night stay. The park guide will be equipped with a spotlight or torchlight and if you are a birder, you may need to have your spotlight too.
Other experiences to combine with a night walk in Nyungwe forest
Nyungwe Forest National Park features plenty of other exciting experiences which you can incorporate into the night/nocturnal walking tours. They include day-guided nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, colobus monkey tracking, and hiking (available hiking trails worth exploring include Karamba, Bigugu, Gisakura, Kamiranzovu trail, Buhoro trail, Igishigishigi trail, Muzimu, Congo Nile divide trail, Rukuzi, Ngabwe trail, Imbaraga trail), canopy walks, tea plantation tours, and birding.
Where to stay for Nocturnal Walks in Nyungwe.
Nyungwe is a complete destination with a range of lodging options: budget, midrange, and luxury. Budget lodges, Camping at Uwinka, Gisakura Guesthouse: midrange lodges –Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Golden Monkey Hotel, Nyungwe Nziza Eco-Lodge Kitabi, and Rwiza Village: Luxury lodges –One&Only Nyungwe House and Mantis Kivu Marina Bay, So near this pristine forest.
Getting to Nyungwe for Nocturnal Walks.
By road: you will take about 5-6 hours’ drive starting from Kigali city. You drive towards the Southern Province via Huye/Butare where a lunch break can be made or you can spend some time exploring the historical and cultural sites. By air, book flights to Nyungwe and flights using Akagera Aviation. Akagera Aviation provides charter helicopter transfers to different destinations, Nyungwe National Park inclusive.