Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, and the largest expanse of forest in Rwanda, covering 1,019 km2 of dense Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands. The park feeds two of the world’s largest rivers, the Congo and the Nile, and provides a significant portion of Rwanda’s freshwater. Over 1,100 recorded plant species, 345 bird species and 85 known mammal species, including 13 of Africa’s primates – notably, chimpanzee, Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys – are found in this exceptional landscape.
In this beautiful green forest – one of the oldest rainforests in Africa – rushing streams, sun-starved valleys, tree-filled mountains, dappled savannahs and extensive swamps create a home for myriad species. Nyungwe is a wonderful option for visitors wanting to see some of Rwanda’s spectacular endemics, its 13 primate species, and of course, to experience a chimpanzee trek to view one of its semi-habituated troops. It is also a place of active adventure, with hiking and cycling trails, exciting Canopy Walkway, and the enchanting Ndambarare and Kamiranozu waterfalls. Nyungwe is also a birder’s paradise with around 300 recorded species, 30 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift region.
Nyungwe National Park can be visited all year round however the best time for game viewing is during the dry season that runs from June to September as the vegetation is thin offering clear views of the animals and many of the water sources have dried up which leads to most of the animals congregating around the few available sources of water.
Nyungwe National Park receives plenty of rain throughout the year. This, combined with the high altitudes, means that the climate is very wet and cool. Due to the forest’s close proximity to the equator, temperatures stay constant year-round. During the day, temperatures are around 20°C/68°F and it cools off at night to about 11°C/52°F.
Nyungwe is a biodiversity hotspot bursting with life. In the heart of the Albertine Rift, it is the largest high-altitude montane forest in East and Central Africa. One of the oldest rainforests in Africa and the largest expanse of trees in Rwanda, its large tracts of montane forest are interspersed with marshland, dappled savannahs and deep valleys, harbouring exceptional numbers and diversity of fauna and flora. Aside from 13 primate species, more than 1,000 plants, over 90 mammals and 300 bird species have been recorded, many of which are endemic and found only here. Nyungwe is the watershed between the Congo and Nile Rivers; some believe it is home to the Nile River’s most remote source, a stream that originates on Mount Bigugu, the highest point in the park.
Nyungwe forest national park is located in South western Rwanda, close to the Lake Kivu and Democratic Republic of Congo, with the Burundi border in the south. It is located near Cyangugu town, about 225km and a 4-5 hour drive from Kigali. You can either drive to the park from Kigali, or fly there. You can’t walk there though, that would take an extraordinary amount of drive and time. With 225km to cover from Kigali to the Nyungwe forest, you will need a good functional car to make good time. You can either go by bus or hire a car in Rwanda.
Nyungwe Forest has 300 bird species and 27 of them are endemics and are part of the species that are found in the forests of the albertine rift. For example the Grauer’s Warbler which is an albertine rift endemic hat can be found within the mountain swamps like the Kamiranzovou within Nyungwe Forest. you can also find both the Rwenzori Turaco and the large blue Turaco, in addition to different types of sun birds like the purple breasted and the blue headed sun bird commonly found in flowering trees that can be seen during the guided Nyungwe birding Tours.
