NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Nyungwe Forest National Park is the largest remaining tract of montane rainforest in East Africa; Nyungwe extends for 1,015km2over the mountainous southwest of Rwanda, forming a contiguous forest block with Burundi’s 370km2 Kibira National Park.

Nyungwe is a remarkable rich center of biodiversity. More than 1,050 plant species, 250 Albertine Rift Endemics and 200 orchids, along with at least 120 butterfly species. The vertebrate fauna includes 32 amphibians, 38 reptiles, 85 mammals and 310 bird species of which about 15% are Albertine Rift Endemics.

Primates found in Nyungwe national park

At Nyungwe, primates are the main attraction, 13 species are present including chimpanzee with a population estimated at 500-1000 which is usually tracked at a short notice or even the sound they make in the jungle, several other monkeys are readily seen; including the L’Hoest’s monkey and Acrobatic Ruwenzori colobus

Silver monkey,

Golden monkey,

Owl-faced monkey/ Hamlyn’s monkey

Grey-cheeked mangabey,

Red-tailed monkey,

Vervet monkey,

Olive baboon,

Dent’s Mona Monkey

Blue Monkey

Angolan Colobus Monkeys

Other mammals found in Nyungwe national park

Giant Forest Squirrel – Protoxerus stangeri
Mountain Sun Squirrel – Heliosciurus rwenzorii
Boem’s Squirrel – Funisciurus boehmi
Lord Darby’s Flying Squirrel – Anomalurus darbianus
Giant Forest Hog – Hylochoerus meinertzhageni
Bush Pig – Potamochoerus larvatus
Tree Hyrax – Dendrohyrax arboreus dorsalis
Lestrade’s Duiker – Cephalophus weinsi lestradi
Black-fronted Duiker – Cephalophus nigrifrons
Yellow-backed Duiker – Cephalophus sylvicultor
Leopard – Pantera pardus
Golden Cat – Profelis aurata
Serval – Leptailurus serval
Wild Cat – Felis silvestris
Side-striped Jackal – Canis adustus
African Civet – Viverra civetta
Two-spotted Palm Civet – Nandinia binotata
Genet Servaline – Genetta servalina
Large-spotted Genet – Genetta tigrina
Slender Mongoose – Herpestes sanduneus
Marsh Mongoose – Herpestes paludinosus
Ichneumon Mongoose – Herpestes ichneumon
Congo Clawless Otter – Aonyx congca

Birds and Bird watching  in Nyungwe National park

Great blue turaco in Nyungwe forest

Nyungwe is also highly alluring to birders, botanist and keen walkers, with its 130 network of walking trails and the only sight for suspended canopy walk, the park features few tourist itineraries, because the forest trails require a lot of stamina than Volcanoes National Park.

Nyungwe forest is home to about 300 species of birds with 16 endemics, 27 Albertine rift endemics, and 121 forest species. The bird species include;

Great Blue Turaco – Corythaeola cristata
Ruwenzori Turaco – Tauraco johnstoni
Black-billed Turaco – Tauraco schuetti
Ross’s Turaco – Musophago rossae
Black and White Casqued Hornbill – Bycanistes subcylindricus
Crowned Hornbill – Tockus alboterminatus
Crowned Eagle – Stephanoaetus coronatus
Forest Buzzard – Buteo oreophilus
Handsome Francolin – Francolinus nobilis
Olive Pigeon – Columba arquatrix
Cinnamon-breasted Bee-eater – Merops oreobates
White-headed Wood Hoopoes – Phoeniculus bollei
Blue-Headed Sunbird – Nectarinia regia
Stuhlmann’s Sunbird – Nectarinia afra stuhlmanni
Black-headed Waxbill – Estrilda atricapilla
Olive Thrush – Turdus olivaceus
Slender-billed Chestnut Wing Starling – Onychognathus tenuirostris theresae
White-necked Raven – Corvus albicollis
African Saw-wing – Psalidoprocne pristoptera
Mountain Wagtail – Motacilla clara
Cape Wagtail – Motacilla capensis
Red-throated Alethe – Alehe poliophrys
White-starred Robin – Pogonocichla stellata
Equatorial Akalata – Sheppardia aequatorialis

Insects in Nyungwe forest national park

Butterfly in Nyungwe forest national park

Butterflies are the most charismatic invertebrate species in all of Nyungwe. There are over 120 identified species, forty of which are endemic to Nyungwe. On a sunny day the forest is full of brilliant patches of color.

Perhaps the most notorious invertebrate species is the driver ant, Dorylus spp. These ants travel in huge colonies and often move in columns guarded by larger ants with pinchers. Vibrations cause the guards to seek out the source of the movement and attack.

These ants are important carnivores in the forest. One study at Kibale Forest in Uganda found that the total ant biomass in a given area was larger than that of the mammalian carnivores. The ants also devoured more prey by weight than large carnivores.

Amazing nature walks in Nyungwe forest National park

On a nature walk in Nyungwe forest

Nyungwe forest has steep landscape and extensive network of hiking trails making it a perfect destination for hikers. The trails are different in length, ease of hiking and features; you are therefore advised to ask the ranger guides for advice on which trail to take according to the attractions you are seeking. The trails are through a diverse landscape and represent the most scenic way of exploring the forest. Below are some of the trails you can choose to take on while hiking in the forest

Congo – Nile divide trail is a 227 km trek for experienced hikers which lasts several days to hike through. However one can choose an option for one-day hike of part of the section. The main attraction on this trail is the varied landscapes and communities along the route. There are campsites where you will overnight but you do have to bring your own camping equipment. As for basic supplies, there are shops along the trail where you can purchase these.

The Igishigishigi trail covers a distance of 2km with remarkable views of the Nyungwe forest canopy, beautiful wild flowers, occasional monkeys and several birds. The total time on this trail is between one and two hours depending on ones interests. All participants must be at least six years of age and adults must accompany children.

Karamba trail is a good birding spot in Nyungwe, which is flanked by numerous fern trees located on the former gold mine site, market and army camp.

Umugote trail is great for primate viewing and bird watching in Nyungwe forest with views of ridges, flowers, and butterflies. On a clear day you can see Kibira national park in Burundi.

Umoyove trail also known as Mahogany trail takes you to the waterfall for a relaxed time as you stroll by the parks tallest trees.

Uwinka trail is a difficult hike but a beautiful place for bird watching.

Irebero trail This trail provide views of Lake Kivu and two of the highest peaks in Nyungwe national park.

Imbaraga trail is 10km geared towards experienced hikers. Hikers will have views of waterfalls, a refreshing sight after a long hike.

Bigugu Trail provides views of the DR Congo and Lake Kivu as well as the Islands. It takes you to the highest peak in nyungwe forest park.

Isumo Trail will get you to experience the beautiful tea fields – you can even plan to get involved in picking tea and follow through the entire process until it gets to your cup. You will also enjoy the view of the biggest waterfall in Nyungwe national park.

Kamiranzovu Trail brings you close to most of the waterfalls, wetland and swamps.

Muzimu Trail takes you through eucalyptus and pine forests.

Ngabwe Trail leads to a lovely picnic and camping site

Rukuzi Trail takes you through chimpanzee spotting locations and village views

Hotel and lodges in Nyungwe forest national park

One & Only Nyungwe House

One and only Nyungwe house

Nestled within a working tea plantation at the edge of the pristine Nyungwe Forest National Park, this luxury lodge is one of the most upscale hotels in Rwanda. Plus, it gives you easy access to the park’s population of chimpanzees, monkeys, and other wildlife.

Nyungwe top view lodge

Nyungwe Top view lodge

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