Found in the southwestern part of Rwanda is Nyungwe Forest National Park, a Park that is occupied by the largest part of the remaining tract of montane rainforest in East Africa.
It occupies a total area of 1015 square kilometers. Its central ridge divides the two largest drainage systems in Africa (Nile & Congo River).
Nyungwe is home to the source of the World’s longest river in the slopes of Mount Bigugu.
This protected area is liked by travelers for many reasons. One of them is its rich biodiversity which consists of over 120 butterfly species and more than 1050 plant species.
Apart from flora, Nyungwe is home to vertebrate fauna including 38 reptiles, 85 mammals, 310 species of birds and 32 amphibians.
Moreover, Nyungwe houses over 13 species of primates including the Chimpanzees. The Park’s population of chimps is estimated to about 1000 individuals.
Other common primate species here are L’Hoest’s monkeys, Ruwenzori colobus, Olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, Silver monkey, Angola Colobus and red-tailed monkeys.
Activities done in the Park
Chimpanzee Tracking
While in Rwanda, Nyungwe is the place to go for these human-closely related primate species. Part of the chimpanzees are habituated and available for the tracking excursions.
Tracking sessions are done in groups. Tourists are advised to keep voices at low tone and move slowly while in the Jungle.
These primates are very sensitive. Therefore if you scare them you are most likely to miss seeing them in the Jungles.
Canopy Walk
Canopy walk is another highlight for a trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
This walkway suspended amid higher slopes and giant trees is about 200 meters long and 40 meters high.
Before the walk, tourists ascend and descend the valleys and hills in the Jungles up to the starting point.
From this point you are briefed about the walk and after it starts. This expedition is scary but rewarding with sweeping views of tree tops, rolling hills and towering volcanoes in DR Congo.
Bird Watching
For birders, Nyungwe Forest National park is a top birding hotspot for you. It has over 310 bird species, 27 of which are Albertine Rift Endemic.
Rare species that are not found anywhere else appear on the eastern side Albertine rift. You can see plenty of them while on canopy walk.
Some of the species to spot are red-faced woodland warbler, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, mountain masked apalis, francolins, Ruwenzori Turaco and sunbirds.
Hiking Expeditions
Other than birding Nyungwe is perfect for guided hiking expeditions.
It stars different hiking trails that wind through the dense Jungles and rolling hills in the Jungles. These trails are Bigugu, Ngabwe, Kamiranzovu, and Isumo trail.