Rwanda Top Destinations
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Overview
Getting there
What to see and do
Climate
Map
Overview
The Nyungwe rainforest is situated in the southwestern part of Rwanda, sharing its borders with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is widely regarded as the most well-preserved rainforest in the mountainous regions of Central Africa. Positioned between the Congo River basin to the west and the Nile River basin to the east, this forest plays a crucial role in the watershed. Notably, it is home to a remarkable 25% of Africa’s primate species, including a significant population of chimpanzees, making chimpanzee trekking a major highlight of the national park.
Established in 2004, Nyungwe Forest National Park spans an area of nearly 1000 sq km, encompassing rainforest, bamboo forests, grasslands, swamps, and bogs. Apart from its rich biodiversity, Nyungwe also serves as a vital water source for Rwanda and harbors numerous natural resources that are essential for the well-being of the country’s human population.
Getting there
By Road:
Nyungwe forest national park can be found in the southwestern part of Rwanda, in close proximity to Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is situated near the town of Cyangugu, approximately 225km away from Kigali, which can be reached by a 4-5 hour drive. The journey commences in Kigali, heading south, passing through various towns. One of the notable cities along the way is Huye town, located about 32km from Kigali. The road leading up to Huye town is relatively smooth, although it does have some sharp turns that require cautious driving. After covering a distance of around 200km, you will arrive at Nyungwe forest national park.By Air:
If you are in need of a faster mode of transportation, consider booking a flight with RwandAir. This airline provides domestic flights, including the Kigali-Kamembe route. RwandAir operates a minimum of 9 flights per week from Kigali to Kamembe International Airport. Kamembe airport is conveniently located just 32km away from Nyungwe Forest Lodge, where helicopter pickups are available. This arrangement can be quite convenient if it fits within your budget. Planning a trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park should not be a challenge if you plan it well. One way to simplify the process is by hiring a safari company to handle the arrangements on your behalf.
What to see and do
There are several popular activities to engage in while visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park. These include gorilla trekking, exploring the diverse primate species of Nyungwe, experiencing the thrilling Nyungwe Canopy Walks, and embarking on walking bird safaris.
Climate
Nyungwe Forest, situated at an elevation ranging from 2000 to 3000 meters, is a montane rainforest. Despite its tropical location near the equator, the forest’s altitude ensures a consistently pleasant temperature throughout the year. With an annual rainfall exceeding 2000 mm, the forest thrives in abundant precipitation. The temperature remains relatively stable at around 25°C, rarely dropping below 15°C during nighttime. This unique combination of ample rainfall, ample sunlight, and favorable temperatures contributes to Nyungwe Forest’s status as one of Africa’s most diverse habitats. It is home to approximately 300 bird species, with 26 being endemic, as well as around 100 other animal species. Additionally, the forest boasts thousands of plant species, including several endemic orchids.
Map
