Extending for 1,000 square kilometers across the majestic hills of southeast Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is the largest block of mountain 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 different types of tree, and a myriad of flowering plants including the other-worldly giant lobelia and a host of colorful orchids.
Nyungwe is most alluring for its primates: 13 species in all, including humankind’s closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L’Hoest’s monkey and hundred-strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angola colobus
The most important ornithological site in Rwanda, Nyungwe harbors almost 300 bird species of which two dozen are restricted to a handful of mountain forests on the Albertine Rift. The avian highlight of Nyungwe is the great blue turaco – an outlandish blue, red and green bird which streams from trees.
An extensive network of well-maintained walking trails leads through the forest to various waterfalls and viewing points. A comfortably rustic rest house and perfectly situated campsite lie alongside the main road, and the reserve can readily be visited on organised Rwanda safaris as well as day trip from the towns of Huye and Cyangugu.
Facts about Nyungwe Forest
Area: 970 square kilometers (378 square miles), the largest single forest blocks in East Africa.
Elevation: Between 1,600 meters and 2,950 meters (Between 5,600 feet and 9,700 feet).
Temperature range: 0-30 degrees C (32-85 degrees F, average daytime temperature: 15.5 degrees C (60 degrees F).
Rainfall: 1800-2500 mm per year (71-78 inches).
Rainy season: September to May.
Dry Season: June to August, with several dry weeks in December/January.
Highlights:
- The nyungwe national park lies within five districts; Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru and Karongi.
- Hikes can be arranged from the Giovu tea plantation, if you book in advance with a guide Uwinka visitor centre.
- The Nyungwe National Park is home to 310 bird species, 13 primate species, including chimpanzee and more than 1068 plant types, of these 140 are orchids.
Things to See & Do
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.
There are 13 primate species, including habituated chimpanzees, a number of mammals and a large variety of other species within the park, comprising of hundreds of butterflies, a small number of snake species, due to the altitude but several colorful lizards and species of chameleon. There is much to be seen and experienced on a number of magnificent hikes offered in the park.
A uniquely rich centre of floral diversity, the forest has more than 200 different types of tree, and a myriad of flowering plants including the other-worldly giant lobelia and a host of colourful orchids.
Nyungwe is most alluring for its primates: 13 species in all, including humankind’s closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L’Hoest’s monkey and hundred-strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angola colobus.
The most important ornithological site in Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park harbours almost 300 bird species of which two dozen are restricted to a handful of montane forests on the Albertine Rift. The avian highlight of Nyungwe is the great blue turaco – an outlandish 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. A comfortably 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 – and dedicated birdwatchers might never want to leave!
Things to Do in Nyungwe Forest
Chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe forest national park
Nyungwe national park is a home to two chimpanzee families that are habituated for tourism purposes. One of the families is located in Cyamudongo section and the other is found around the area of Uwinka. The forest is a home to about 400 chimpanzees which you will encounter during trekking experience. The encounter will be a great a chance for you to learn more about the daily lifestyles of the species like feeding, breastfeeding, playing, defending and many more. Chimpanzee trekking experience begins with a pre-trek briefing at the park headquarters and after proceed to the rainforests so as search for the endangered species and once allocated, you be will be allowed to spend a maximum of an hour in their presence.
During chimpanzee trekking experience, spot other primate species including the silver monkeys, red tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkey, Angolan colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and owl faced monkey, golden monkeys, L’hoest monkeys and many others.
Note: For one to take part in Chimpanzee trekking experience in Rwanda, he/she must possess a trekking permit that costs US$150 per person.
Aside Chimpanzee trekking experience, there are other activities to enjoy during the trip to the amazing Nyungwe forest national park. Among these activities include;
Nature walks and hikes
Nyungwe national park is one of the best destinations for hikers having extensive and steep landscape for hiking experience. These tails are different in length and offer a panoramic view of the scenery of the parks. Among the hiking trails in the park include Congo Nile divide trail, The Igishigishigi tail, Karamba trail, Umugote trail, Umoyove trail, Uwinka trail, Irebero trail, Imbaraga trail, Bigugu trail, Isumo trail, Muzimu trail, Kamiranzovu trail, Ngabwe trail, and Rukuzi trail.
Best time to visit Nyungwe forest national park
Nyungwe forest national park can be visited anytime throughout the year but the best time is during the dry months of between June and October and from the months of January to February. This is the best time since the surfaces are always dry thus making the process of hiking through the rainforests in search of the endangered chimpanzees and other primates easier.
Accommodation in Nyungwe national park
Nyungwe national park has a wide a range of accommodation facilities which are both comfortable and affordable to every guest. These rooms range in budget, midrange and luxurious rates. Among these accommodations include One & Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe top view lodge, Emeraude Kivu Resort, Gisakura guest house and many others.