Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park has existed for years, since 1903 when the German Colonial government declared the park a reserve and a colonial crown land of Nyungwe.

However, in 1958 and 1973, the national park was reduced in size by the fires, poaching of animals, and deforestation, and the park was reduced to 150 sq km. A large number of elephants were killed during the stay in 1975. Buffaloes were also killed. In 1984, there was a population growth of about 400 colobus monkeys that lived in the forest in groups.

There was a setup of research facilities in Uwinka; however, during the genocide in 1994, there was a destruction of all the facilities in Uwinka.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is approximately 1,020 sq km, with an altitude of 1,700m-2960m.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is found in the District of Rusizi which is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda. Uwinka is the park’s headquarters, taking a distance of about 225 km, which might an approximately 226km and 4 4-hour drive.

Nyungwe National park therefore is found in Rusizi district, after the destruction of the tourists facilities in the 1974, there was a restoration of the facilities which started in 1995, until 2004 when the park was declared as a national park by this time Rwanda was listed among the top tourist destinations and during this period there was a tourist increase sector.

Rwanda protects and conserves the natural resources of the national park.

Which district is Nyungwe Forest National Park in?  Rusizi district is home to the park as well as Africa’s great river on the east side of the Nile, and the western part to Congo.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in south southwestern part of Rwanda. The park borders Burundi in the south, Lake Kivu, which is near the Democratic Republic of Congo, which lies to the west of the country.

Nyungwe National Park is a mountainous rain forest with a variety of biodiversity, protecting the oldest and largest patches of montane rain forest with over 400 species of birds, Albertine Rift endemics. The park also inhabits over 300 bird species,200 orchids,2000 plant species, and it’s home to Mount Bigugu, one of the highest mountains in the park that reaches an altitude of 3000m.

There are over 15 primate species that include monkeys, chimpanzees, spotted geckos, reptile species, butterflies, and chameleons that experience more during the hike in the forest.

Activities and attractions at Nyungwe Forest National Park

The primate trek includes chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking, and many more. There well well-informed tourist guides that are trained to guide through the forest in the natural habitat of Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Birding

Nyungwe Forest National Park is inhabited by over 400 bird species in the tropical forest, which include the Red-breasted Sparrow Hawks, Blue Turacos, Giant hornbills, and many other 30 endemic.

Hiking

Hiking through the beautiful terrain to trek the chimpanzees and experience an unforgettable safari tour.

Canopy walk

The canopy walk is at a height of about 50m, and the ground level is 200 meters long, where you have a chance to see the birds, monkeys, trees, reptiles, and many more. Explore the green mountainous mist landscape while on a safari in Rwanda.

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Monkey trekking

Other than Chimpanzee trekking, monkey trekking is a great opportunity to encounter see a number of Golden monkeys, Ruwenzori colobus monkey, L’hoests, Silver monkey, and owl faced monkey, red tailed monkey, Dent’s Mona monkey, crowned monkey, Velvet monkey, and Olive baboon black and white colobus and many more.

During the trek have a chance to see the Bush pigs, Tree Hyrax, Giant forest hogs, several wild cats, Golden cat, Duiker, Leopards, African civet, and mongoose, and many more.

Orchid ogling

See some of the 200 species of orchids, some of which are endemic. Nyungwe of is one of the national parks in the world which inhabits a wide variety of orchids.

Guided nature walks

Nyungwe forest has trailheads where one can enjoy the nature walk adventure.

Accessibility

It takes 230 km from Kigali the capital city of Rwanda, approximately 5 hours drive, on your way to Nyungwe National park have a chance to see the Nyanza Kings palace at Nyabisindu, the kings palace giving insight about the Kingdom of Rwanda, Craft shops, National museum, Craft shops, arboretum, Gikongoros genocide memorial these not to be missed.

Accommodation options around Nyunngwe Forest National Park

There is a variety of accommodation to sleep in, including Nyungwe Forest lodge, Uwinka rest house, Gisakura Guest house, and ORTPN campsite.