Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the best places to visit while in Rwanda. This is among the few remaining tropical rainforests in Rwanda straddling its borders with Burundi, it is home to most of the primate species of Rwanda 13 of which can be sighted here, the national park is one of the biggest conservation areas in Rwanda said to have survived earth separation from ice age period, it is notable for the chimpanzee the primates have been scientifically proven to share up to 98% of the human DNA, they are characterized by their social behavior, intelligent and are herbivorous the angelic destination is elevated at 160 meters to 2950meters above sea level.
Nyungwe Forest National Park was established in 2004 as a way of protecting the critically endangered species, Nyungwe covers a total area space of approximately 1000square kilometers around which are natural forest, over 900 plant and tree species in the park, the flowering and growing lianas are common in the biodiverse environment, popular kinds like the giant lobelia, orchids, Mahogany, these act as habitat to several animal species 75 mammals are present in the park, primates present include chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, dents Mona monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, owl-faced monkeys, bush babies, there are over 300 birds in the forest 29 of which are endemics of the great Albertine rift valley region, example species include handsome francolin, Rwenzori batis, blue turaco, red collared mountain babblers, purple breasted sunbirds to mention a few.
Chimpanzee tracking is the main activity of the national park, it is most sought when it comes to chimpanzees off the park, the activity begins at the Uwinka Visitor Center beginning at 5:00 am to enable you to get to the center on time, chimpanzees live in troops of up to 100 members led by a male Alpha, tracking them takes 2-3 hours, look out through the trees as these do love to nest in the trees, they make a loud charter sound and are communicable, an hour is allowed while with the primates returning to respective lodges, tracking black and white colobus monkeys is quite adventurous as well, imagine a whole morning finding a troop of primates all tucked in black and white!
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a known haven of birds, it is habitat to over 300 bird species, most of which are endemics to the great Albertine Rift Valley region the activity is done by experienced guides through the well-distributed trails of the national park, except to spot different bird species like the great blue turaco, Rwenzori night Jar, yellow-eyed black flycatcher. Birding is best done during the dry season, however, each of the seasons presents its unique species as the wet season means fruits that attract many migratory species.
Canopy walk the trail is suspended over 50 meters across the strong trees, it is one in all the East African countries, the adrenaline activity is amazing as you will get to learn so much about the forest, there is a possibility of viewing primates from the above and birds of the forest. Nyungwe Forest National Park can be visited all year round but best during the dry season, it is approximately 6 hours drive from the Kigali International Airport. There is available accommodation in the national park ranging from the best budget to Luxury, for example including the One & Only Nyungwe House.