Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s largest and most important with spectacular biodiversity. The rain forest is apparently claimed to be the most preserved in the entire Central Africa. The park covers an area of approximately 970 kilometers square of rain forest, bamboo, grassland, swamps and bogs. The park is home to 13 primate species, 275 bird species, 1068 plant species, 85 mammal species, 32 amphibian and 38 reptile species, and 120 species of butterfly. Many of the species are restricted range species that are only found in the Albertine Rift montane forests. The primate fauna include; Rwenzori colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, silver monkey, golden monkey, the owl face monkey, red tailed monkey, vervet monkey, the olive baboon, the grey checked Mangabey and the three species of bush baby.
The forest is one of the best areas for hiking with over 20km of well preserved walking trails winding through the rain forest vistas, waterfalls and marshlands. Most travellers usually combine a visit to Nyungwe with Rwanda gorilla tours experience in Volcanoes National Park. Nyungwe National Park is a top destination that one shouldn’t miss on any Rwanda safari
One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift.
With 15 trails, along with various other activities, visitors can choose to sample the delights of the forest or indulge themselves for a week or more in one of Africa’s most stunning forests. Primate tracking tops most visitors list, but it’s worth lingering alittle longer for those with time to relax and take in the primal atmosphere. Botanists will marvel at the 1068 plant species and 140 orchids. The birdwatching is among the best in Africa with 322 bird species including Red-collared Babbler and 29 other Abertine Rift endemic species. Butterflies are also a common sight with atleast 120 species.
There are 75 known mammals in Nyungwe, such as the cerval cat, mongoose, congo clawless otter and leopard to name but a few.
