NYUNGWE FOREST

Home of Rwanda’s sole remaining chimpanzee

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Exceptional for it high level of biodiversity and numerous endemic species, Nyungwe National Park is composed of lush tracts of rain forest set high up on fertile mountain slopes. It is one of Africa’s most ancient forests and the home of Rwanda’s sole remaining chimpanzee population.

The Nyungwe forest has a wide diversity of animal species, making it a priority for conservation in Africa. The forest is situated in a region in which several large-scale biogeographical zones meet and the variety of terrestrial biomes provides a great span of microhabitats for many different species of plants and animals.

The park contains 13 different primate species (25% of Africa’s total), 275 bird species, 1068 plant species, 85 mammal species, 32 amphibian and 38 reptile species. Many of these animals are restricted-range species that are only found in the Albertine Rift montane forests ecoregion in Africa. In fact, the number of endemic species found here is greater than in any other forest in the Albertine Rift Mountains that has been surveyed. The forest, which reaches its maximum altitude of 3000 meters above sea level, is of particular interest for the presence of colonies of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes – Blumenbach, 1775) and Angola colobus (Colobus angolensis – Sclater 1860), the latter now extinct in Angola for the intense hunt to which they were subjected.

Best time to travel to Nyungwe Forest

Rwanda can be visited any time of the year, but the best time us during the long dry season from June to September and the shorter dry periode between December and February.

Wildlife

Nyungwe forest is home to 75 different species of mammals with most of these being small and or nocturnal making it difficult for sighting. Chimpanzees are the main attraction in Nyungwe forest with chimp trekking happening daily early morning. The forest is also home 12 other primates, including colobus monkeys, l’hoest’s monkeys, mangabeys and red-tailed monkeys.

Special interests? Talk to us and we can include these in your itinerary.

WHAT TO EXPERIENCE

National parks & highlights

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WHERE TO STAY?

African Travels will send you to the most beautiful and unique accommodations in Africa. They are not only runned by excellent staff, they also give back to the local community and operate as eco friendly as possible. Located in the most beautiful locations, they will contribute to the your ultimate safari experience.

From tented safari camps to luxury boutique hotels. We will make sure they tick all the boxes!

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Mantis Akagera Game Lodge- Rwanda

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Mantis Akagera Game Lodge in the Akagera National Park, the only Big Five Reserve in Rwanda, offers guests an exceptional wildlife experience

Singita Kwitonda Lodge – Rwanda

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Kwitonda Lodge shares a 1.2km border with Volcanoes National Park – the only lodge within such close proximity of the park.

Magashi – Rwanda

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Magashi Camp is situated in Akagera National Park and has six stunning tents, overlooking beautiful Lake Rwanyakazinga.

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