Nyungwe forest national park is one of Rwanda’s protected parks located in the south western part of Rwanda just about 5-6 hours’ drive from the capital Kigali.
It covers an area of about 1,000 square kilometers across the majestic hills of Southeast Rwanda. The park is known as the largest block of montane forest in East or Central Africa, and perhaps one of the most ancient, dating back to before the last Ice Age. It holds an exclusively rich center of floral variety, the forest is said to host more than 200 different types of tree, and a numerous flowering plants including the other-worldly giant lobelia and a host of colorful orchids which are rarely seen elsewhere.
Wildlife in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is most commonly known for its primate species, it houses over 13 species of primates all including humankind’s closest living relative the chimps which shares almost 98% of human genes, other primates include the handsome L’Hoest’s monkey and hundred-strong troops of the pleasantly acrobatic Angola colobus, baboons, civet monkey, mona monkeys the most important ornithological site in Rwanda.
Not only primate species, Nyungwe forest national park also harbors almost 300 bird species many of which can’t be seen elsewhere in the world and two dozen are restricted to a handful of montane forests on the Albertine Rift.
The most commonly inhabited in the park is the great blue turaco – an unusual blue, red and green bird which streams from tree to tree like a procession of streamlined psychedelic turkeys. An extensive network of well-maintained walking trails leads through the forest to various waterfalls and viewing points and birding watch is guided by well-trained guides who will take you through the activity. A securely rustic rest house and perfectly situated campsite lie alongside the main road, and the reserve can readily be visited as a day trip from the towns of Butare and Cyangugu.
Nyungwe does, however, deserve more time: anybody who wants to track chimps and see several varieties of smaller primate will need two days there. Chimps are fabulous fun to watch when playing on fruitful trees or tree blanches, chimp tracking time is unpredictable since chimps are wild animals they move freely in their natural habitat and meeting them depends on where they last spent their night from or according to food location.
The track sometimes can last from 1-7 hours and ounce they are met only one hour is strictly allowed staying with them – and dedicated birdwatchers might never want to leave!, however canopy walks one of its kind activity is a must not to miss safari activity while at the park as it offers more chance to view various species of primate and birds just meters from your head.
Recommended:
Rain Jacket, Umbrella and scarf as it rains almost throughout the year.
Come with Hiking/trekking boots, Warm clothes
Walking sticks this is always provided by the lodge or at the park headquarters
Accommodations in Nyungwe Forest National Park
The park has a variety of accommodation which range from budget, mid range to luxury and high end. Some of these accommodations include; Nyungwe forest lodge, Nyungwe top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guest House
