Rwanda's Nyungwe National Park
Africa's Largest Montane Forest and its Rich Biodiversity
Aug 15, 2008
Nyungwe National Park is an area of over 1000 square kilometres of montane rain forest in south western Rwanda, 4-5 hours drive from the capital, Kigali. It ranges in height from 5,200 - 9680 feet.
This variation in altitude, and Nyungwe’s position between the different bio-geographical zones of Tanzania, the Ethiopian region and the Congo basin make it one of the richest areas of biodiversity in central Africa.
Nyungwe’s Montane Rainforest
Nyungwe’s mountains and foothills, riven by steep valleys and rushing waterfalls, include a huge range of micro habitats. These vary from tall canopied forest, and thickly wooded areas of shorter trees and scrub, to bamboo forest, marsh and open herbaceous slopes. They contain:
- At least 240 different tree species ranging from the 180 foot tall Umuyove (Entandrophragma excel sum) and the scarlet flowered 130ft Umushishi (Symphonia globulifera) to the beautiful purple-pink flowered 50ft Ikera (Dichaetanthera corymbosa).
- 140 orchids - best seen in the Uwinka orchid garden.
- Innumerable lesser plants including peppers, tree ferns, no less than ten different species of Impatiens - the gardener’s Busy Lizzie - and two giant Lobelias, one growing over 6ft high.
Nyungwe’s Bird Species
There are over 275 species of bird in Nyungwe of which at least 24 are only found in the Central African Highlands. Among the most spectacular are;
- Three different species of Turaco (Ruwenzori, Black-billed and the brilliant Great Blue Turaco with its black crest and green breast).
- Two Hornbills (Black and White Casqued, and Crowned).
- Thirteen sunbirds, including the stunning Purple-Breasted Sunbird.
- The Cinnamon-Breasted Bee Eater.
Nyungwe's Chimpanzees and Monkeys
Twenty percent of all African primate species can be found in the Nationa Park, including:
- Chimpanzees.
- Black and White Colobus
- Grey-cheeked Mangabeys
- L'Hoest's or Mountain Monkeys
- Owl Faced Monkeys
- Mona Monkeys
- Blue Monkeys
- Golden Monkeys
- Red Tailed Monkeys
- Vervet Monkeys.
- Eastern Needle-clawed Galagos.
- Greater Bushbabies.
- Olive Baboons.
Park visitors (in groups of up to ten) can join organised treks to habituated groups of Colobus, Mangabeys, Blue Monkeys and Chimpanzees.
Other Animals in Nyungwe
There are four species of squirrel, but large animals such as pig and duikers are less numerous, and less frequently seen, than the primates. However, civet, cerval and even leopard may be spotted by night with a light.
Butterflies and other insects abound.
Nearby Attractions
On the western boundary, around Gisakura, the forest gives way to low rolling hills carpeted with bright green tea plantations. The visitor centre will arrange visits to the nearby tea factory.
From Uwinka there are splendid panoramic views of both the Virunga Mountains and Lake Kivu.
Visiting Nyungwe
There is a daily park entrance charge of US$20, and passes may be bought at either the Gisakura Visitor Centre on the western boundary or at the Uwinka Visitor centre at km 90 on the Butare-Cyangugu park road. There are additional charges for primate safari treks or guided treks on the excellent network of well signed trails.
Although the park is best enjoyed on foot, much can be seen from the main Butare-Cyangugu road or the Rangiro road (4x4only).
Nyungwe enjoys an average year round temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season extends from October to May, with some dry periods in December/January.
Accommodation
There is simple but clean accommodation in the Gisakura guesthouse, and campsites at Uwinka, on Mount Bigugu, and on one of the forest trails. Campers must take their own water.
Additional Information Sources
Rwanda University's Rwanda Gateway.
Rwanda Tourist Office (ORTPN)
 |
 |
 |
 |
