A LUSH, SECRET FOREST WITH 1000’S OF SPECIES

Little known outside of East Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a treasure waiting for your discovery. One of Africa’s most stunning and oldest rain forests, not to mention its largest, this almost primeval carpet of lushness virtually explodes with its biodiversity.

Come here to experience over 1000 plant species, 13 different types of primates, 75 species of mammals,  275 species of birdlife, and a rainbow of 120 types of butterflies coloring the forest.

Famous for its rich eco-system, a big draw to the park is its population of chimpanzees and the chance to track them. You’ll find chimp communities here of up to 100 individuals living in highly cooperative groups. But chimpanzees are just the beginning of primates you’ll discover in the park. Spend some time tracking the troops of Colobus monkeys found here, set off by their long, white silky hair. The Colobus lives in troops of up to 300 individuals.

While moving over the park’s well-maintained trails you’ll likely see an assortment of its many other primate populations like the L’Hoest’s monkey, Owl faced monkey, Dent’s monkey, grey-cheeked mangabeys, vervet monkey, and olive baboon.

But the park also offers an enticing variety of wildlife – look for larger mammals peering through Nyungwe’s dense forest such as the serval cat, mongoose, otter, and leopard. Birdlife includes the Rwenzori Turaco, sunbirds, wagtails, African crowned eagles, hornbills, and the red-collard babbler.

Another big draw to the park is the chance to traverse high through the trees on the Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walkway. The 160 m (524 ft) long and 70 m (229 ft) high canopy is the first in all of East Africa and affords a bird’s eye (and perhaps monkey’s eye) view of the dense and colorful jungle below. You’ll be at tree-tops level with the high-flying wildlife and enjoy a perspective few get to experience.

One of the most wonderful aspects of Nyungwe is the collection of excellent walking trails. Few national parks offer so many choices to explore on foot – choose from six color-coded trails ranging from the 2km (1.2 mi) long Buhoro Trail to the 10 km (6.2mi) Imbaraga Trail, wending through forested slopes.

About Nyungwe Forest National Park

The Nyungwe rainforest is the best-preserved mountainous rainforest in Central Africa. The park was created in 2004 with an area of 970 sq. km (374 sq mi), consisting of rainforest, grassland, bamboo, and marshes.

Climate:

Being near the equator, the park’s temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year. But because of its elevation, the climate is on the cool side. Look for daytime highs of 20°c/68°f, with cooler temperatures at night of about 11°c/51°F.

Location:

Nyungwe Forest is in southwestern Rwanda, approximately 225 km (139 mi) from the capital of Kigali.

When to go:

The best time to visit is during the dry season that runs from June to September and also from mid-December to mid-February. During the rainy season, the park’s excellent system of trails can become extremely slippery.

Operating Hours:

The park is open from 6 am to 4 pm.

Getting there:

By road – you can book a tour with Pride Drive Tour Solutions from Kigali.

 

Discover Nyungwe Forest National Park

Blessed with an incredible diversity of plant, bird, primate, and mammal species, Nyungwe is a verdant paradise, an important destination on any wildlife safari. Where else could you be serenaded with over 120 species of colorful butterflies?  This park will amaze you with its biodiversity and breathtaking scenery.