Night Walking Safari in Nyungwe National Park – Discover the Forest After Dark

When the sun sinks behind Rwanda’s rolling hills and mist settles over the treetops, Nyungwe National Park transforms into a completely different world — mysterious, quiet, and alive with nocturnal sounds. While the park is best known for its daytime chimpanzee treks and canopy walks, the Night Walking Safari offers visitors a rare and intimate glimpse into the hidden life of this ancient rainforest after dark.

This experience reveals an entirely new side of Nyungwe — one where glowing eyes peer through the undergrowth, tree frogs sing in chorus, and the forest hums with secret rhythms that only the night can reveal.

A Unique Experience in One of Africa’s Oldest Rainforests

Nyungwe National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda, is one of the oldest and most biodiverse rainforests in Africa, stretching across more than 1,020 square kilometers. Its thick canopy, lush vegetation, and varied altitudes create a perfect haven for both diurnal and nocturnal species.

The Night Walking Safari is a guided adventure that lets visitors explore this pristine ecosystem under the moonlight — when the forest’s nocturnal residents take over. It’s an enchanting journey through mist and shadow, accompanied by expert park rangers who interpret the subtle signs of life most travelers never see.

What to Expect During the Night Walking Safari

Starting the Adventure

The experience begins at sunset, typically around 6:00–7:00 PM, at the Uwinka Visitor Centre, Nyungwe’s main entry point. After a short briefing, visitors are equipped with flashlights and headlamps, then escorted by armed rangers into the forest.

Each walk lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, covering short and safe trails that have been carefully selected for night exploration.

The Atmosphere – Magic in the Dark

The feeling of stepping into Nyungwe after sunset is unforgettable. The air is cool and heavy with the scent of moss and earth. The trees loom tall, their trunks fading into darkness, and every rustle or chirp hints at hidden life.

Your footsteps fall softly on damp leaves as fireflies flicker in the distance. The sounds of nocturnal creatures — frogs croaking, crickets calling, and owls hooting — weave together into a natural symphony. It’s a deeply sensory experience, blending mystery, tranquility, and awe.

Wildlife Sightings

Although you won’t encounter large mammals like chimpanzees or monkeys (they’re asleep at night), the forest comes alive with smaller nocturnal wonders. Some of the species you might spot include:

• Bushbabies (Galagos): Tiny primates with large eyes, known for their quick leaps between branches.

• Tree hyraxes: Small, furry mammals that resemble rodents but are surprisingly related to elephants.

• Nightjars: Camouflaged birds that glide silently through the darkness.

• Owls: Including the African wood owl and Rwenzori nightjar.

• Chameleons and reptiles: Perfectly still, blending into the foliage until the light catches their color.

• Frogs and toads: Especially active near streams, their calls echo through the forest.

• Fireflies and glow-in-the-dark fungi: Adding a magical sparkle to the rainforest floor.

Every walk is unique, and part of the thrill lies in the unpredictability of what the night might reveal.

Guided Interpretation and Safety

Experienced guides share fascinating facts about Nyungwe’s nocturnal ecology — explaining how animals adapt to darkness, how plants communicate through scent, and how predators and prey coexist under the moonlight.

Safety is carefully ensured: rangers accompany each group, trails are clearly marked, and all participants carry reliable lighting gear.

Who Can Join the Night Walk

The Night Walking Safari is suitable for most visitors with moderate fitness levels. Children over 12 years old are typically allowed, and group sizes are kept small (usually a maximum of six people per guide) to maintain intimacy and minimize disturbance.

It’s an especially rewarding activity for photographers, birders, and nature enthusiasts who wish to experience Nyungwe beyond the ordinary.

When to Go

The Night Walking Safari is available year-round, but the best time to enjoy it is during the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) when trails are less muddy and visibility is better.

During the wet seasons (March–May and October–November), the rainforest becomes lush and vibrant, though rain showers may occasionally shorten the walk.

What to Bring

• A good flashlight or headlamp (provided by guides but bring your own if possible)

• Long-sleeved clothing and trousers to protect from insects

• Hiking boots or closed shoes with good grip

• A light rain jacket – Nyungwe’s weather can change quickly

• Insect repellent

• Camera (no flash, to avoid disturbing wildlife)

• Binoculars for keen-eyed observers

Cost and Booking

Night Walking Safaris are organized by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and managed from the Uwinka Visitor Centre.

• Night Walk Fee: Approx. USD 40–60 per person (subject to change).

• Booking: You can reserve through RDB offices, your lodge, or licensed tour operators.

It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as slots are limited for small groups.

Where to Stay

There are several accommodation options near Nyungwe that make it easy to enjoy both day and night experiences:

• Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House – ultimate comfort amid tea plantations, offering guided night walks and fine dining.

• Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel – panoramic views over the forest canopy.

• Budget: Gisakura Guest House – friendly, affordable, and close to the park gate.

All lodges can assist with arranging night walks, permits, and transfers.

Why You Should Try the Night Walking Safari

Most visitors experience Nyungwe during the day — hearing chimpanzees call, seeing colobus monkeys leap, and walking the famous canopy bridge. But the Night Walking Safari offers something more intimate: a quiet communion with the forest’s heartbeat after dark.

It’s a rare chance to experience nature in its purest form, guided by the sounds of the night and the glow of your lantern. The feeling of wonder and humility you’ll carry back from this journey is unlike any other.

Conclusion

A Night Walking Safari in Nyungwe National Park is a poetic exploration of Rwanda’s wilderness after dusk — a slow, mindful encounter with the unseen world that awakens when daylight fades. It’s about discovery, curiosity, and listening to the rhythm of life that thrives in the shadows.

For travelers seeking something truly unique and soulful in 2025, the night walk in Nyungwe offers a glimpse into the forest’s most secret moments — where silence speaks, and every sound tells a story.