Background Information
Nyungwe Forest National Park which is situated in the majestic hills of southwestern Rwanda, is the largest ‘island’ of montane forest remaining in east and central Africa. This rich and ancient center of unparalleled biodiversity and natural wonders is uniquely accessible to the casual visitor.
Nyungwe is celebrated for its rich variety of flora and fauna. There are at least 200 tree species found in the forest, along with hundreds of different flowering plants, including wild begonia, more than 100 species of orchid, and sensational giant lobelias.
Of the large mammals, primates are the most visible, with 13 recorded species. Of particular interest are the Angola Colobus – delightfully acrobatic arboreal monkeys which move in troops of several hundred – and an estimated 500 chimpanzee. Other primates one might encounter are L’Hoest’s monkey, silver monkey, velvet monkey, olive baboon, grey-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkey.
Nyungwe is also home to more than 275 bird species, making in the region’s most important birding site. They include the spectacular Rwenzori turaco, the secretive red-chested alethe, and several iridescent sunbirds. Equally remarkable are the perpetually honking giant hornbills that crash through the forest canopy, and the stunning great blue turaco, an outlandishly blue, red and green bird.
Nyungwe lies at an elevation of between 1,600 metres and 2,950 metres. It has an extensive network of well maintained forest trails leads to a number of waterfalls and viewing points. A comfortable rest house and perfectly situated campsite lie alongside the main road, and the reserve can be visited as a day trip from smarter hotels in the towns of Butare and Cyangugu.
Where to find Nyungwe Forest National Park
About Nyungwe Forest National Park:
This forest is home to 25% of all of Africa's primates, including a large population of chimpanzees, which produce the national park's main attraction: chimpanzee trekking. Nyungwe Forest National Park was established in 2004 and covers an area just under 1000 sq km of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs.
Getting there:
From Rubavu or Karongi-Kamembe to Nyungwe: or those who love adventure and have enough time to spare, this is the best option to reach Nyungwe and Explore Lake Kivu at the same time while enjoying a boat ride, interacting with locals, islands view.
For the those who want to have their safari as quick as possible, they can opt for travelling by air. Getting to Nyungwe by air transport is very quick and fascinating as your able to view rwanda from above.
What to do:
Memorable and photogenic moments include walking up to the Isumo waterfall or along the Canopy Walk suspension bridge. Tea plantations border the edges of the park, with a habituated troop of Ruwenzori colobus monkeys at Gisakura as well as forest fringe birds. Botanists will marvel at the 1,068 plant species and 140 orchids. The birdwatching is among the best in Africa with 322 birds species including Red-collared Babbler and 29 other Albertine Rift Endemic species. Butterflies are also a common sight, with at least 120 species. There are 75 known mammals in Nyungwe, such as the cerval cat, mongoose, congo clawless otter and leopard to name but a few. Many tend to be shy so sightings are luck of the draw.
When to go:
Rainfall defines the seasons in Rwanda. There is a ‘long rainy season’ that lasts from March until May, during which time the rain is heavy and persistent. June to September brings the ‘long dry season’, which maintains some cloud cover and might bring rare, light showers. The short rains follow in October and November before a short dry spell returns from December to February. The best time for a gorilla trekking safari is in the dry seasons when the hiking conditions are ideal.
