Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the biggest national parks that have boosted the tourism industry of Rwanda as a nation, generating millions annually. Nyungwe is well known for chimpanzee tracking/trekking (Rwanda chimpanzee safari destination). This has been the main activity carried out in Nyungwe Forest. The National Park has only two chimpanzee groups habituated in it. The smaller one of 30 chimpanzees is tracked in Cyamudongo Forest, while the larger group, with about 60 chimpanzees, is also habituated.
Nyungwe Forest is Africa’s largest Afro-Montane Forest, and another famous activity in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the Canopy Walk, where travelers hike to the top of the trees and walk on hanging bridges to admire the beauty of the forest.
The forest is located southwest of Rwanda, towards the border with Burundi, south of Lake Kivu, and west of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nyungwe National Park is found in the District of Rusizi, located in the southwestern part of Uganda. Uwinka serves as the park’s headquarters, which is about 219 km and a 4-hour drive away. Nyungwe Forest National Park, established in 2004, is home to over 1,000 animal, bird, and plant species. It is a crucial conservation area in Africa and one of Rwanda’s top safari and tour spots.
Biodiversity and Features
Nyungwe National Park, part of the Albertine Rift, features endemic fauna and flora. It contains about 1,068 plant species, over 200 tree species, and 248 orchid species. Additionally, Nyungwe has 85 mammal species, including 13 primates, 300 bird species (29 endemic to the Albertine Rift), and diverse landscapes like swamps, marshes, bamboo thickets, heath, and open woodland. It is home to the black-and-white colobus monkeys and well-habituated chimpanzees in Cyamudongo and Gisakura forests. Visitors can enjoy over 130 km of trails for various fitness levels and activities like canopy walks.
Canopy Walk and Other Activities
Nyungwe offers a unique canopy walk that provides stunning aerial views of the forest. The park has three reception centers—Kitabi (near the entrance), Uwinka (center), and Gisakura. While the park lacks hotels, camping services are available, including a tented area at Uwinka.
Environmental Importance
Nyungwe plays a significant environmental role, contributing 75% of Rwanda’s water. Rivers from Nyungwe flow west into the Congo River and east into the Nile River. The furthest source of the Nile, according to researchers, is in Nyungwe.
Brief History
Nyungwe Forest became a colonial reserve in 1903 under German rule. However, its size was reduced in 1958 and 1973 due to fires, poaching, and deforestation. Many elephants and buffaloes were killed by 1975. Research facilities were rebuilt after the 1994 genocide, and in 2004 the area was officially declared a national park.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Two habituated chimpanzee groups are located in the park—one in Uwinka and another larger group in Cyamudongo Forest. Trekking distances and altitudes vary, but a typical trek covers 4.2 km with an altitude gain of 240 m. The trek involves walking for about an hour and exploring treetops for chimps, monkeys, and birds.
Essentials for Trekking
For a successful trek, visitors should bring binoculars, rain gear, hiking boots, water, and snacks. Walking sticks are provided for better grip. Cyamudongo Forest is one of the top chimpanzee trekking sections in Nyungwe.
