Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda
Nyungwe forest is the largest block on the montane forest in East and Central Africa. The forest extends for 970 square kilometers across the majestic hills of southeast Rwanda. The forest harbors over 200 different tree species making it a must-visit destination while on your safari in Rwanda. There are giant lobelia and a host of colorful orchids.
Nyungwe National Park does, however, deserve more time: anybody who wants to track chimps and see several varieties of smaller primate will need two days there – and dedicated bird watchers might never want to leave! Chimpanzees and other primate tracking is the major component of Rwanda safaris organized by tour operators around Kigali.
Over 13 species are found in Nyungwe forest including chimpanzee, as well as the handsome LHoests monkey and hundred-strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angola Colobus. The most important ornithological site in Rwanda, Nyungwe forest harbors almost 300 bird species of which two dozen are restricted to a handful of montane forests on the Albertine Rift.
The avian highlight of Nyungwe National Park is the great blue turaco – an outlandish blue, red, and green bird which streams from tree to tree like a procession of streamlined psychedelic turkeys. The park is paradise of different primates.
Recently, Nyungwe opened a canopy walk, the only one of its kind in East Africa. This is a vantage point to view the incredible biodiversity of this rare forest. The canopy walk opens at a time when Rwanda is being recognized as a top 10 global travel destination.
Getting there:
Nyungwe National Park is located in the southwestern part of the country, about 5 hours drive from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. On your way from Kigali, there are some important tourist sites to visit and these include The Nyanza King’s Palace, Murambi Genocide memorial museum, and Rwanda National Museum in Butare (Huye).
By Air, Nyungwe National Park can be accessed by a flight from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airstrip, located 90 minutes drive from Nyungwe National Park.
Lodging:
A wide variety of accommodation options available in Nyungwe National Park for all classes depending on your budget. These cater to budget travelers, mid-range, and high-end/luxury travelers. They include Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Gisakura Guesthouse, and Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel, not forgetting the Peace Guest House near DR Congo border.
For more information about Nyungwe National Park tours and Rwanda safari packages, contact African Jungle Adventures by Email to info@rwandasafarigorilla.com, or visit www.rwandasafarigorilla.com/gorilla-safaris.html
