Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe Forest national park is one of Africa’s most ancient montane rain forests, dating back to the last ice age. Covering 924,000 hectares, Nyungwe is Rwanda’s largest protected area. This park is most famous for its possession of 13 primate species including human kind’s closest relative – the chimpanzee. The forest is also home to a variety of bird and wildlife species.

Nyungwe forest habours a vast number of endangered primates featuring on the IUCN list including: chimpanzee, Rwenzori colobus, Silver monkey, golden monkey, Owl faced monkey, red tailed monkey, Dent’s Mona monkey, crowned monkey, Vervet monkey, Olive baboon, Grey-cheeked mangabey Nyungwe harbors four types of small nocturnal primates more closely related to the lemurs of Madagascar than to any other primates on the African main land. These species include bush baby and potto all which are very unlikely to be seen by tourists.

The forest is an important ornithological site with over 280 recorded bird species. Most Nyungwe birds are forest specialists and 26 are regional endemics whose range is restricted to a few forests along the Albertine Rift. Resident species include: paradise flycatcher, the red throated alethe, drab Chubb’s Cisticola, green pigeon. Forest specialists include: the great blue Turaco, forest hornbills, Ross’s Turaco, red – breasted sparrow hawk and white – headed wood hoopoe.

An extensive network of well-maintained walking trails leads through the forest to various waterfalls and viewing points. The Uwinka and the Colored trails pass through the territory of a troop of 400 habituated colobus monkeys. On the water fall trail the Angola colobus is common and so are the Rwenzori Turaco and black fly catcher. The Gisakura tea estate patch supports a resident troop of around 40 Rwenzori colobus monkeys. Kamiranzovu Trail leads to a relatively low-lying marshy area rich in orchids and localized swamp-associated bird species. Bigugu trail leads to the 2,950 m Bigugu peak, which is the highest point in Nyungwe national park. This trail should only be attempted by the reasonably fit walkers since it usually takes at least six hours to complete. For geographers a fresh water spring on mount Bigugu has further significance as possibly the most remote source of the world’s longest river.

Chimpanzee tracking and forest hikes are the commonest activities in the park. The forest trails are steep and often very slippery. Visitor’s dress code should mainly include: jeans, a thick skirt and good walking shoes. Water proof jackets or rain coats are useful during the rainy season and should be carried on this safari just in case.