Fascinating insights into Nyungwe Forest National Park
Fascinating insights into Nyungwe Forest National Park: Nyungwe Forest National Park stands as the oldest national park in the country and ranks among the oldest national parks on the African continent.Nyungwe National Park stands as one of the oldest tropical rainforests in Africa, spanning 1,019 km² of lush Afromontane forests, bamboo-clad slopes, expansive grasslands, vibrant wetlands, marshes, and heathlands. Nyungwe National Park is situated in the Albertine Rift Valley in the southwest of Rwanda, bordering Burundi to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, along the shores of Lake Kivu. Nyungwe National Park has been around since 1903 and was officially designated as a National Park in 2004. Nyungwe Forest National Park is surrounded by five districts: Rusizi district to the southwest, Nyaruguru district to the southeast, Nyamagabe district to the east, Karongi district to the northeast, and Nyamasheke district to the west.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a captivating realm brimming with astonishing biodiversity, featuring over 1,068 plant species that nourish a diverse array of wildlife, including more than 68 endemic species. Among its treasures, Mahogany stands out as a common plant, while over 200 tree species, including the renowned Miliantus holstii, grace the landscape. The park boasts 248 orchid species, alongside flowering plants and giant lobelia, all thriving in various vegetation zones, including sub-alpine areas dominated by shrubs and bamboo. Each year unveils new species, adding to the park’s allure. Additionally, it shelters the largest protected swamp in Rwanda, the enchanting Kamiranzovu swamp.
The park teems with an array of wildlife, featuring duikers, golden cats, Klipspringer, impalas, Bushbucks, Buffaloes, Elephants, Bush pigs, Gant forest hog, Blotched serval, Carnival genet, Congo clawless, Mongoose, otter, serval, Felis, black-fronted duiker, western tree hyrax, and countless others.
The park boasts an incredible array of biodiversity, showcasing breathtaking landscapes that captivate the senses. It is home to over 300 bird species, including 29 that are unique to the Albertine Rift. Among these remarkable birds are the Rwenzori Turaco, Albertine owlet, archer’s robin-chat, blue-headed sunbird, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, stripe-breasted tit, Ruwenzori nightjar, Shelley’s crimsonwing, strange weaver, Ruwenzori apalis, red-faced woodland warbler, Kivu ground thrush, Handsome francolin, Mountain masked apalis, Red-throated Alethe, Rockefeller’s sunbird, Regal sunbird, Purple breasted sunbird, and Red-collared babbler, to name just a few. There are several trails in the park where you can hike to spot these birds. The more trails you explore, the more birds you will discover. Given the dense forested landscape of the park, spotting certain species such as the Gigantic forest hornbill, paradise flycatcher, Great blue Turaco, and Red-throated Alethe can be quite challenging. Therefore, it is advisable to venture out with an experienced guide who can help identify the various species present.
Nyungwe Forest boasts a vibrant array of 13 primate species, with chimpanzees being the most sought-after during treks. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of the elusive golden monkeys, while the park is renowned for its abundant colobus monkeys. Other fascinating species include the Ruwenzori colobus monkey and the grey-cheeked mangabey, making this forest a captivating destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The colobus monkeys can be spotted in large troops, sometimes numbering as many as 300 individuals. As you follow the lively colobus monkey groups, you are bound to encounter other monkeys during your journey. These could feature the L’ Hoest’s monkey, the Owl-faced monkeys, the Mona monkey, and the blue monkey.
Fascinating insights into Nyungwe Forest National Park
Tree-top stroll
Nyungwe Forest National Park features a stunning canopy that rises between 50 and 200 meters above ground level. This breathtaking elevation inspired the Rwanda Development Board, a tourism organization in Rwanda, to construct a metallic walkway—the first of its kind in East Africa and the third in all of Africa. The canopy walkways in Nyungwe Forest National Park offer an exhilarating experience, stretching 1 kilometer long and soaring 70 meters above the ground. This remarkable walkway is the longest of its kind in the region and ranks third in length across the African continent.
The forest serves as an ideal spot for hiking safaris in Rwanda, featuring 13 trails that invite exploration for durations ranging from 1 to 8 hours. Along these paths, you can encounter a diverse array of plants, trees, birds, primates, and other wildlife. Nyungwe National Forest features rugged terrain, numerous waterfalls, and an incredible array of wildlife, making hiking in this forest a thrilling experience. Hiking in Nyungwe Forest offers an extensive network of stunning trails suitable for adventurers of all skill levels. In addition to being one of the oldest forests in Africa, hiking in Nyungwe Forest leads you past countless waterfalls, stunning viewpoints, and the intriguing source of the Nile, which has sparked much debate. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, exploring Nyungwe Forest presents delightful shorter routes like the canopy walkway and the scenic trails surrounding Kamiranzovu Swamp. These trails include the Igishigishigi trail, Isumo trail, Bigugu trail, Karamba trail, Irebero trail, Uwinka trail, Ngabwe trail, Umuyove trail, Congo Nile divide trail, Rukuzi trail, Muzima trail, and Umugota trail, among others.
The park presents a variety of outdoor activities for travelers, including visits to tea plantations and cultural experiences in the nearby communities. Here, you will discover the distinctive lifestyle of the Rwandan people who inhabit the area surrounding the park. The experiences in Nyungwe Forest National Park are incredibly fulfilling and memorable!
In Nyungwe Forest National Park, you will discover an impressive array of accommodation options that cater to every taste and budget. From opulent retreats to cozy, budget-friendly lodgings, each choice promises to enhance your experience in this remarkable destination, including the exquisite Nyungwe House, known for its unparalleled luxury. This accommodation is uniquely positioned, seamlessly integrated with the breathtaking Nyungwe, as there is nothing separating the lodge from the enchanting forest. The services here are unmatched, and the scenery featuring Nyungwe monkeys adds an element of excitement to the experience. It provides travelers with tea plantation tours and engaging activities such as community walks and tea estate encounters. Additional facilities include the Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Emeraude Kivu Resort, and Gisakura Visitors Center, among others.