Nyungwe Forest National Park is most charming for its primates: 13 species in all, including humankind’s closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L’hoest monkey and hundred-strong troops of the pleasantly acrobatic Angola Colobus.
The most important ornithological site in Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park hosts 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 brooks from tree to tree in a procession.
Extending for 1,000 square kilometers 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.
The Forest is a uniquely rich centre of flowery diversity, with more than 200 different types of tree, and countless flowering plants including the other-worldly giant lobelia and numerous colorful orchids. A wide network of well-kept walking trails leads through the forest to various waterfalls and viewing points.
A comfortably rustic rest house plus a campsite conveniently lie alongside the main road, and day trips from the towns of Butare and Cyangugu can be arranged easily.
At least two days are however needed for anybody who wants to track chimps and see varieties of smaller primates. Dedicated birdwatchers will love it here!
Activities in Nyungwe Forest
This one of the biggest tropical rain forests in East Africa and offers several activities which include:
- Chimpanzee trekking,
- Nature walks,
- Butterfly watching,
- Canopy walks,
- Bird watching and more.