Nyungwe National Park is an untouched natural rainforest that is filled with exciting biodiversity; one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rainforests with a high, dense canopy, and its believed to be one of Africa’s oldest forests, staying green even through the Ice Age, which explains its diversity. Nyungwe national park covers an area of about 1000 square kilometers of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs.
The forest is like a scene fairy tale with tall old mahoganies, ebonies, and giant tree ferns tower. Brightly colored birds flit around, butterflies are everywhere, and walking quietly you may encounter large forest residents.
Nyungwe National Park History
Nyungwe was turned into a national park in 2004 to build on Rwanda tourism besides the
The nation’s existing mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park make it worth its status because of its spectacular biodiversity. Inside the park, the Uwinka Visitors center gives more information about the historical background including its fauna and flora and nearby local culture.
What to see in Nyungwe
Nyungwe national park is home to habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primates species including a 400-strong troop of habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus, it’s also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammals.
This majestic rainforest is filled with nature and wildlife experiences for you to emerge yourself. Hiking or even biking the beautiful terrain, tracking the famous chimpanzees, experiencing the canopy walk, witnessing beautiful birds, and relaxing by waterfalls are just a glimpse of activities that Nyungwe offers. Cultural activities are also available around the forest.
Sounds and views collaborate to create a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. Exploring through the forest, travelers will witness the lush green mountains and cooling mist in a landscape that won’t be soon forgotten.
Where is Nyungwe National park?
Location Nyungwe national park is located in the Southwest corner of Rwanda bordering Burundi in the South and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west, near Lake Kivu. It is a 4-5 hours drive from Kigali city/Airport on great winding roads.