Nyungwe Forest National Park - Rwanda Travel
Nyungwe Forest National Park, renowned for its primate safaris, is situated in the southwestern region of Rwanda, adjacent to the border with Burundi. This expansive mountain rainforest is inhabited by various primate species, including chimpanzees, owl-faced monkeys, and colobus monkeys, among others. A highlight of the park is the Canopy Walkway, which forms part of the Igishigishigi Trail; this elevated suspension bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and forests. Additionally, visitors may want to explore Kamiranzovu Marsh, known for its diverse birdlife, beautiful orchids, and a picturesque waterfall.
Nyungwe Forest - Rwanda Primates and Self-drive Tours
Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in Rwanda, is recognized as one of Central Africa’s oldest rainforests, a status attributed to the efforts of the Rwandan government. Established in 1903, the park was initially designated as a game reserve by the German colonial administration.
There are two primary routes to reach Nyungwe in the Southern province. The first option is a longer direct route from Kigali, passing through Butare, Nyamagabe, and Kitabi, which, despite its length, offers a rewarding journey. The second route is more suitable for those coming from Volcanoes National Park or traveling along the Kivu belt, as it leads through Gisenyi and Karongi. Additionally, visitors can opt for a 45-minute direct flight from Kigali to either the Lodge or Kambembe airport.
Nyungwe National Park is a vital habitat for 13 species of primates, accounting for 25% of all primate species found across Africa. The park boasts a remarkable diversity of wildlife, having documented over 300 bird species, including 30 that are unique to the Albertine Rift, as well as 1,068 plant species, 85 species of mammals, and 38 species of reptiles. Many of these species have a restricted range, being confined to the montane forests of the Albertine Rift ecoregion. Notably, Nyungwe contains a greater number of endemic species than any other forest surveyed in the Albertine Rift Mountains. The forest, which ascends to an elevation of 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), is particularly important for its populations of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and Angola colobus (Colobus angolensis), the latter of which has faced extinction in Angola due to severe hunting pressures.
Primate species include;
- The common chimpanzee,
- Ruwenzori colobus monkeys,
- L’Hoest’s monkeys,
- silver monkeys,
- The golden monkey,
- Hamlyn’s monkeys,
- red-tailed monkeys,
- Dent’s mona monkeys,
- vervet monkeys,
- olive baboons,
- and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
Self-drive Tours to Nyungwe National Park
Self-drive safaris in Nyungwe National Park are feasible, similar to other locations in Rwanda. It is essential to check the schedule for activities and the availability of entry permits, particularly for the chimpanzees in the Cyamudongo forest. While the main roads within the park are paved, certain areas require specialized vehicles for access. For those interested in observing chimpanzees, we recommend using a 4×4 SUV, as the roads can be quite difficult, especially during the rainy season.
4x4 Land Cruiser - Rwanda
The 4×4 Land Cruiser stands out as one of the top SUVs for embarking on safaris to Nyungwe Forest. It is an ideal choice for four travelers looking to explore Rwanda on a self-drive adventure.