Nyungwe forest national park

Nyungwe forest national park

The park is one of the most ancient, covering total areas of 1,000 square kilometers stretching across the hills in the south eastern part of the country. It has an altitude ranging between 1600m to 2950m above sea level and receives between 1800 to 2500mm of rainfall per annum.  In the park you will find Mt. Bigugu which is 2925M high and 13sq km of Kamiranzovu marsh.

Nyungwe Forest is the largest block of montane in East and Central Africa comprising of a diversity of flora and fauna including 13 species of primates make 25% of primates in Africa, such as chimpanzees, Acrobatic Angola Columbus, Vervet monkey, Silver monkey, Golden monkey, Owl-faced monkey, Grey-cheeked mangabey, three species of bush baby, Red-tailed monkey, Olive baboon and L’Hoest’s monkey. Chimpanzee tracking is the main activity in the park. Other animal include; Leopard, African civet, marsh mongoose, side stripped jackal, golden cat, Genet, slender, duikers, Congo clawless otter, tree hyrax and  flying squirrels. Nyungwe forest also has 120 species of butterflies and three species of horned chameleons contribute to the reptiles.  Floral attractions include the over 2000 species of trees and flowering plants such as the giant Lobelia and colorful orchids.

Over 300 bird species can be viewed in the park, out of which 24 species are restricted to montane forests positioned on the Alpine Rift. The star attraction specie of the birds is the great Blue Turaco. Other species of birds include the Ross’s turaco, Red-breasted sparrow hawk, Grey –cheeked hornbill, Regal sunbirds, Red-throated alethe, Ruwenzori batis, Kungwe apalis, Blue-headed and White-headed wood-hoopoe.

Amidst the forest undergrowth are numerous walking trails spread through out. A number of viewing points and water falls are spotted a long the network of trails spread through out. A number of viewing points and waterfalls are spotted a long the network trails. A long side the main road is a campsite and a rest house set amidst nature. The reserve is large and rich in biodiversity. So visitors will have to spend two or more days to explore the treasures of the jungle while trekking the Chimps, trail the canopy walk and visit to other interesting sites.

The beauty can be easily accessed from Butare (90km) and Cyangugu (54km) towns for excursions. It is 225 km from Kigali town.