Nyungwe National Park is located in south western Rwanda in a town called Cyangungu near Lake Kivu and near the border with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park currently occupies 970 km² of land and started as a forest reserve in 1903 before becoming a full National Park in Rwanda more recently.
Nyungwe forest is the parks most valuable resource. It is the largest remaining montane forest in Africa and has been in existence since the Ice Age period. Nyungwe Forest is believed to be one of the sources of the great River Nile. Because of the alternating mountainous, hilly and flat terrain in the park, the plant diversity is amazing. Over 1,060 plant and tree species can be found in the park with the taller tree species like the Carapa, Cyathea manniana, Engtandophrama, Newtonia and the Prinaria exelsium standing at heights of 1,900m above sea level. Species like the Balthacaria, Hagenia Syzygium, Macaranga and Podocarpus thrive at heights of 2500m and above. The Sub Alpine vegetation consisting of Shrubs and Bamboo like the Podocarpus, Erica johnstoni and the Phillipia live at heights of 2,950m above sea level. Other vegetation species like mosses and ferns are found throughout the forest.
Because of the rich variety of plant and animal life in the forest, the government of Rwanda has used significant resources with support from other conservation organizations to position the park into one of top tourist attractions while on a safari in Rwanda.
Despite the fact that Nyungwe National Park Forest has stayed green even during the Ice Age, it is one of the Oldest in Africa. Nyungwe covers an area of 1000km2 and is most known for its beautiful and untouched mountain Rain Forest.
Nyungwe National Park.Known for being a home for Chimpanzees in Rwanda, Nyungwe National park is also home to over 12 different primate species. This includes a 400 strong troop of Habituated Rwenzori Black and white Colobus Monkeys. Apart from primates, the Park is also a home to over 300 bird species including 16 endemics. It is also home to 75 species of Mammals.
Nyungwe has a variety of Wildlife, nature and also a diversity of habitats for you to explore. One can choose, to hike, bike, track chimpanzees, listen to the birds sing, and also appreciate the beautiful views of the water fall. Not forgetting the souring communities that one can visit to explore the different culture of Rwanda.Nyungwe National Park
Tourism based initiatives have been launched in Nyungwe National Park in order to enhance the preservation of Rwandan culture. Projects have been developed in a number of villages to include; Kitabi Cultural Village and Banda villages located close Nyungwe National park. The Villages feature a campsite, plus a restaurant and it offer day trips that bring the Rwanda culture to the people. It also offers home stays. For those interested in Rwanda history a model kings palace is the best place to go.
Vegetation and Conservation Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park has the largest block of montane forest in East Africa. The Forest boosts 140 different species of orchids. The forest is also home to 200 different species of trees also including medicinal plants. The most notable medicinal plants include; the East African Satinwood and California Bayberry that have served as remedies for ages.
Nyungwe National Park A Community based management system has been used for years to conserve the forest. This is where by The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has collaborated with local communities to establish ways of conserving the beauty of Nyungwe forest. Some of the activities carried out to conserve this rain forest include; tourism development, awareness campaigns and policy development. Nyungwe Forest was gazetted into a national park by the Government of Rwanda in 2005. This was due to the fact that there where many people involved in its management. They have devised a management plan along with the WCS to regulate areas for conservation, tourism and sustainable harvesting.
The sounds and picturesque sites of Nyungwe Forest intertwine to create a unique wildlife experience. Are you looking to do a Rwanda safari in Nyungwe National Park? Trek through the forest in search for chimpanzees, Colobus Monkeys or Birds.
Clients can visit Nyungwe anytime of the year, however hikes /treks are much more easier during the drier Months. Clients interested in tracking gorillas and Golden Monkeys visit Volcanoes National Park