Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzee Tracking, Canopy Walk, Colobus Monkeys, Birding in Rwanda

Extending for 1,000 square kilometres across the majestic hills of southeast Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is the largest block of montane forest in East or Central Africa, and one of the most ancient, dating back to before the last Ice Age. A uniquely rich centre of floral diversity, the forest has more than 200 types of trees and a myriad of flowering plants, including the otherworldly giant lobelia and a host of colourful orchids.

 

Nyungwe Forest is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda and was gazetted as a National Park in 2004. Nyungwe Forest National Park covers a total area of 970 km². The park is located 225 km from Kigali, 90 km from Butare, and 54 km from Cyangugu. Nyungwe forest has an altitude range of 1600-2950 m above sea level, with temperatures varying between 0 °C and 30 °C; average daily temperatures are 15 °C. The Rainfall received ranges between 1800 and 2500 mm per year. The rainy season is from September to May. Dry season from June to August, with some dry weeks in December and January.

Tourist Attractions – Nyungwe National Park- Rwanda

The main features and attractions in Nyungwe forest include the following.
  1. Largest montane rain forest remaining in Africa – (Forest walks and primates trekking).
  2. Mt. Bigugu (2925M) – (Mountain Hiking)
  3. Kamiranzovu marsh (13 Km)
  4. In the vicinity of the Cyamudongo community forest, with a resident population of Chimpanzees.
  5. 260 species of trees and shrubs (Nature walks)
  6. Over 100 species of orchids and giant lobelias.
  7. More than 275 species of birds recorded, including the Ruwenzori turaco, Ross’s turaco, Grey-cheeked hornbill, Red-throated alethe, Red-breasted sparrow hawk, White-headed wood-hoopoe, Kungwe apalis, Ruwenzori batis, Blue-headed and Regal sunbirds.
  8. 13 recorded species of primates (25% of Africa’s total), including Chimpanzee, Ruwenzori colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, Silver monkey, Golden monkey, Owl-faced monkey (C.hamlyni),Red-tailed monkey, Den’t mona monkey, Vervet monkey, Olive baboon, Grey-cheeked mangabey, and three species of bushbaby.
  9. Leopard, golden cat, serval cat, side-striped jackal, Genet, African civet, and slender and marsh mongoose represent the carnivores.
  10. Other mammals include three species of duikers, two species of flying squirrels, tree hyrax, and Congo clawless otter.
  11. 120 species of butterflies.
  12. Reptiles, including three species of horned chameleons.

 

Canopy Walk - Nyungwe National Park Rwanda

Canopy Walk – Nyungwe National Park Rwanda

Tour Activities in Nyungwe National Park

  1. Bird walks.
  2. Primate trekking.
  3. Excursions to Kamiranzovu Marsh.
  4. Excursions to Lake Kivu and Gisakura tea factory.
  5. Scaling Mt Bigugu(2925M).
  6. Photography.

On your way to or from Nyungwe if you have time, you can stop briefly at the following places:

  1. Nyabisindu to visit the Nyanza King’s Palace, the capital of ancient Rwanda Kingdom.
  2. Butare visit the Museum, University, cathedral, arboretum and the curio workshops.
  3. Genocide memorial of Murambi.
  4. The Cathedral of Kabgayi and the adjacent small enthnographic museum. Kamageri’s Rock (Uratare rwa Kamageri)- on the roadside after Ruhango towards Gikongoro.