Tucked away among tea plantations set on rolling slopes, Nyungwe Forest is the largest and best preserved rainforest on the African continent and one of the most magical places in Rwanda.
Covering an area of just over 1,000 km2, Nyungwe is the largest forest in the country and one of the region’s most important sites for biodiversity. Historically victim to unsustainable harvesting and illegal poaching and mining, a combined effort by the Rwanda Development Board and Africa Parks have seen wildlife protected, sustainable tourism and engagement with local communities to create employment and education.
Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Its waters feed both the Congo and the Nile River, and provide a large portion of Rwanda’s fresh water. Home to over 1,100 plant species, the dense, Afromontane forest harbours rare orchids, butterflies and over 310 varieties of bird. It’s also a haven for 13 types of primate, including Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees.
On a clear day, you’ll enjoy vast views across to the Democratic Republic of Congo and up to the Virunga mountains. The National Park is bordered by fragrant tea estates: the Gisakura Tea Plantation is particularly beautiful with the added bonus of tours and tastings.
Reasons to visit Nyungwe
One of the finest sights in Rwanda is the view from Nyungwe’s Canopy Walk. Suspended 70 metres from the ground, you walk a cable bridge spanning 160 metres, suspended beneath trees resplendent with life. A gentle two-hour walk to reach the bridge and enjoy the magnificent views, it’s a great way to begin your exploration of the ancient forest.
Chimpanzees are one of Nyungwe’s principal attractions. Inhabiting an annex to the Park called Cyamudongo, this 19 sq. metre portion survived only because it was too steep for cultivation and the dirt tracks are only accessible in vehicles with four-wheel drive. Visiting this area of Nyungwe is a dawn affair: heading out before 5am, you’ll climb into the forest to see the chimps while they breakfast.
Avid birders might argue that Nyungwe’s main attraction are the wealth of species living in this lush landscape, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics. The forest is alive with birdsong, especially March through to May, and the Park’s specialist guides will help you to identify each of the species’ distinctive calls. You’ll need to keep your eyes peeled to spot some of the rarer birds amongst the dense vegetation and several foot trails – Imbaraga, Umuyove and Kamiranzovu – offer the best opportunities. Be on the lookout for the Kivu ground thrush, the Red-throated alethe and the Regal sunbird. A pair of decent binoculars will serve you well here.
How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park
It takes some little planning to visit Nyungwe National Park. Located about 230 km from the capital, Kigali, it’s a five hour drive along winding tarmac roads. Alternatively, there is a public bus to Rusizi (you would disembark and Uwinka or Gisakura reception centres) or, arriving in style, a nearby helicopter pad.
Open daily from 07:00 until 17:00, you’ll need a permit to enter the National Park and engage a guide. You’ll also need a permit to visit the chimpanzees; visits are restricted to only two groups at one hour each day, so this needs to be booked in advance. To stay overnight, there are some camping spots near Uwinka, a handful of mid-range hotels nearby or out-and-out luxury at the One&Only’s Nyungwe House.
Our Rainforest Safari journeys through both Nyungwe and its northern sister Virunga, offering you the chance to experience two uniquely preserved pockets in this Land of a Thousand Hills.
Or, to get the most from each of Rwanda’s beautiful National Parks, with their focus on sustainable tourism and local engagement, why not join us on the ultimate wildlife adventure The National?
