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Nyungwe National Park:  Tourist Information 
Primate and Bird Nirvana       

“The mountains are Africa’s Galapagos Islands – islands enriched by golden monkeys, gorillas and iridescent sunbirds, by giant lobelias, everlasting flowers, Ruwenzori turacos and all the questions they raise. They deserve greater recognition, protection and study than they have received so far.”

- Jonathan Kingdom, renowned biologist, in his award-winning book Island Africa.

Nyungwe National Park, extending for almost 1000km² across the majestic hills of southeast Rwanda, is the largest ‘island’ of montane forest remaining in East or Central Africa: a rich and ancient centre unparalleled biodiversity and natural wonders. Transected by the surfaced road between Butare and Lake Kivu, Nyungwe and its array of forest inhabitants are also uniquely accessible to casual visitors.

Approach Nyungwe along the main road, and you will initially be struck by the forest’s glorious sense of expansiveness; a lush verdant swathe across the mighty hills that roll like gigantic green waves towards the distant horizon. Paradoxically, when you follow the walking trails within Nyungwe, it is the intimacy of the rainforest that most impress: the closed canopy overhead, the towering trees and delicate ferns that line the steep gorges, the mysterious calling and rustling of birds and monkeys hidden deep in the greenery.

Recently accorded national park status, Nyungwe is rightly celebrated for the rich variety of its flora and fauna. At least 200 different types of tree are found in the forest, along with hundreds of different flowering plants, including wild begonia, more than 100 species of orchid, and sensational giant lobelias. Of the large mammals, primates are the most visible, with 13-recorded species representing 25% of the African primate checklist. Of particular interest is the Angola colobus – delightfully acrobatic arboreal monkeys that move in troops of several hundred – and an estimated 500 chimpanzee, often seen from the forest trails during the rainy season. Other primates likely to be encountered over the course of a visit are L’Hoest’s monkey, vervet monkey, olive baboon, grey-cheeked mangabey, and red-tailed monkey.

            Home to more than 275 bird species, Nyungwe is the most important birding site in Rwanda. Most alluring to ornithologists are 24 Albertine Rift endemics – birds whose range is restricted to a handful of montane forests between southern Uganda and northern Burundi – a list that includes the spectacular Ruwenzori turaco, secretive red-chested alethe, and several iridescent sunbirds. Equally remarkable are the perpetually honking giant hornbills that crash through the forest canopy, and the stunning great blue turaco – an outlandishly blue, red and green bird most often seen gliding from one tree to the next in procession.

Far from being the sweaty tropical jungle one might expect, Nyungwe lies at elevation of between 1600m and 2950m, and enjoys an agreeable cool climate. An extensive network of well-maintained forest trails lead to various waterfalls and viewing points. A comfortably rustic rest house and perfectly situated campsite lie alongside the main road, and the reserve can be readily visited as a day trip from smarter hotels in the towns of Butare and Cyangugu. Nyungwe does, however, deserve more time: anybody who wants to track chimps and see several varieties of smaller primate will need two days there – and dedicated birdwatchers might never want to leave this magical forest!