Deep in the south west within the Albertine rift area is the Nyungwe National Park, home to the region’s largest and oldest remaining patches of mountain rain forest and a number o eco-systems form rain forest, bamboo, grassland, swamps and bog habitats. It protects one of the region’s largest and oldest remaining patches of montane rain forest and is home of 310 species of birds.
Nyungwe forest national park is one of the best national parks in Rwanda situated in the southwestern region along the border with Burundi. The park is contiguous with Kibira national park to the south and Lake Kivu and Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Located in the watershed between the of river Congo to the west and the basin of the river Nile to the east, the rainforest of Nyungwe is the most preserved montane rainforest in Central Africa.
Established in 2004, Nyungwe national park covers an area of approximately 1,019 square kilometres of bamboo, grassland, rainforest, bogs and swamps. The park has a wide range of animal species making it one of the best destinations in Africa. The forest of the park is situated in a region in which several largescale bio geographical zones meet and a number of terrestrial biomes provide high span of microhabitats for several animal and plant species. The park is a home to 13 primate species, more than 275 species of birds, 85 mammals, 32 amphibians, 38 reptiles and 1068 species of plants. Various animals of the park are restricted range species that can only be found in the Albertine Rift montane forests eco region in Africa.
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.
This park is the most important ornithological site in Rwanda. It is increasingly being sought out for the incredible birding opportunities, particularly the numerous Albertine rift endemics; the highest concentration found n any single park in Africa. There are more than 240 tree species, more than 140 colorful orchids, 1050 plant types, such as the giant lobelia. Of these plants 250 are Albertine rift endemics. Mount Bigugu is the highest mountain in the park, reaching an altitude of 2950m. Also with in the park, is the most remote source of the Nile.
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.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda
Looking for a perfect destination to have an up-close experience with the endangered chimpanzees on the African continent? Nyungwe National Park is one of the four national parks in the Rwanda that attract varieties of travelers especially nature lovers.
Congo Nile Trail
Biking through the Congo Nile Trial offers perfect opportunities to explore the park as a whole. As one meanders through the trail by bike, they are bound to encounter countless bird species, primates and other forest wildlife. It is also a perfect way to see all the beautiful tree and plant species that makes the forest so attractive to nature lovers. Camping is a must while biking through the trail. It is therefore important to carry along the right clothing, camping equipment, snacks and water.