Nyungwe Forest National Park is the largest remaining
tract of forest in Rwanda and is nestled in the southwest of the country,
bordering Burundi. Nyungwe Forest National Park contains the largest
remaining tract of montane rainforest in East Africa. Montane rainforests are a
rare and unique ecosystem, found only in mountainous areas above 1,000m/3,281ft
within the tropical belt. Nyungwe forest
is
also one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, covering 1,019 km2 of
dense Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands.
The park feeds two of the world's largest rivers, the Congo
and the Nile, and provides 70% of the country's freshwater. The park is
regarded a regional biodiversity hotspot, supporting 1,068 recorded plant
species, 322 bird species, 75 known mammal species and 13 different primate
species. Its spectacular mountainous topography and unique biodiversity make
this park globally unique, and have helped it emerge as one of Africa's most
extraordinary tourism destinations. The main attraction is primates including chimpanzees.
Another highlight is the suspended canopy walk, offering a bird's eye view into
the dense forest.
Nyungwe Highlights:
-
A
quarter of all of Africa's primates,13 species, can be found here,
including the common chimpanzee.
- A
birder's paradise with around 300 recorded species, nearly 30 of which are
endemic to the Albertine Rift region.
- High
species diversity and endemnism of plants, birds, and mammals
- Incredible
hiking opportunities with 15 different trails throughout the park
