Nyungwe is located in the southwest, covering an area of 1016 km across the majestic hills of southeast rwanda, nyungwe national park is the largest mountainous rain forest in central and east africa and one of the most ancient, dating back to before the ice age. The parks diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees and over 600. Attractions in nyungwe national park rwanda about rwanda. Despite its huge biodiversity, nyungwe is little known outside of east africa. Nyungwe became a national park in 2004 as rwanda sought to increase its tourism beyond the countrys mountain gorillas of volcanoes national park, and is certainly worthy of its status because of its spectacular. It also borders burundi in the south and the park is located near cyangugu town. Bwindi impenetrable national park nyungwe national park. Apparently, the drive from kigali had taken its toll and the initial boisterousness had subsided. This national park is also considered the largest afromontane protected area in rwanda without including cyamudongo and gisakura forest. How to get to nyungwe national park of rwanda nyungwe. A uniquely rich centre of floral diversity, the forest has more than 200 different types of trees, and a myriad of flowering plants including the otherworldly giant lobelia and a. In the southwest corner of rwanda, nyungwe forest national park is a vast untouched tropical rainforest with a high, dense canopy.
Nyungwe national park is one of the largest natural rain forests in east africa covering a total land area of about square kilometers with an elevation of. The country was also decidedly looking to expand its tourism sector and determined to grow tourist numbers at the time. Getting to nyungwe national park is a simple procedure as most of the roads are tarmacked well and the road networks are easy. In 1984, conservation and biodiversity studies were conducted in the area with research facilities set up at uwinka. Quite simply, nyungwe forest national park is rwandas most important area of biodiversity, with no fewer than plant species, species of primates, 75 species of other mammals, at least 275 species of birds and an astounding 120 species of butterflies. Nyungwe forest national park rwanda, chimpanzee trekking. Also, the buses to nyungwe national park come full, so if at all you are going to use public means, you will need to book your ticket in advance to avoid inconveniences. Mu rukerera rwo ku cyumweru tariki 17 werurwe abantu bitwaje intwaro baje mu murenge wa karambi uri hafi yishyamba rya nyungwe, bashimuta umuyobozi wumudug. Nyungwe national park rwanda primates trekking guide. Bradt rwanda has long been the goto guide for visitors to this historical and. Note that the guides in nyungwe national park are a must for all the hiking activities in the national park. Nyungwe forest national park travel rwanda lonely planet. If well planned, it shouldnt be hard getting to nyungwe national park or hire a nyungwe safari tour operator to arrange everything and be worry free. In conclusion therefore, nyungwe forest national park in the south west corner of rwanda is a best tourism destination.
Buy illustrated field guide to the plants of nyungwe national park rwanda. With virunga national park and eastern democratic republic of congo bradt travel guides. Brief facts on nyungwe forest national park rwanda location. Nyungwe forest national park nyungwe forest national park. Queen elizabeth national park is a medley of wonders. The park was established in 2004 so as to increase tourism in rwanda. The following list includes some of the plants that can be found in the park. Nyungwe forest national park was founded as a national park in 2004 and located in the south western corner of rwanda. The mubare gorilla group was the first to become available for tourism in uganda in april 1993. Nyungwe forest national park is one of the top rwanda tourist destinations that travelers can visit for different activities given that the park has quite a number of tourist attractions.
It is also referred to as the most important site for biodiversity in rwanda. It is an extension of kibira national park in burundi, lake kivu in the south and the democratic republic of the congo in the west. Nyungwe forest national park rwanda national parks. For further information on how to get to nyungwe forest park contact the rwanda development board.
Gazetted in 2000, nyungwe is rwandas newest and largest national park, extending across 1,000 square kilometres of mountainous southwestern burundi border region, where it protects the largest extant montane rainforest in east africa. During the colonial period, nyungwe national park was declared a national forest reserve by the german colonialists, in 1933. Illustrated field guide to the plants of nyungwe national park rwanda. It is located in the watershed between the basin of the river congo to the west and the basin of the. Nyungwe canopy walk in nyungwe national park, rwanda. Can we simply turn up and book a trip or must this be prearranged. This book covers about 650 species of vascular plants from nyungwe national park in rwanda. With plentiful activities and misty rainforest views, tourists would be remiss to skip this gem. With exciting safari adventures, chimpanzees and canopy walk adventures to offer, nyungwe forest national park is a remarkable safari destination in rwanda that should be visited by every traveler from around the world. Nyungwe forest national park rwanda attractions lonely planet. Nyungwe national park is another of the top national parks in rwanda that is frequented annually by travelers who would love to do chimpanzee trekking the biological diversity of nyungwe national park is possibly attributed to the fact that nyungwe national park is one of the oldest tropical rain forests on the african continent. Nyungwe national park butare 2020 what to know before. Facts on the history of nyungwe forest national park is that the park has existed for many years since 1903 when the german colonial government declared the park as a reserve and a colonial crown land of nyungwe.
It also borders burundi in the south and the park is. Nyungwe national park entrance fees activity prices. You will be able to visit the kings palace museum which based in nyanza district, southern province 88 km from kigali city. From the east side of the nyungwe forest comes also one of the bra. History of nyungwe national park antioch university. However, between the years of 1960 and 1970, fire outbreaks and human activities like poaching of animals like the buffaloes which initially were habitats of the forest and deforestation destroyed the forest cover hence nyungwe lost about 15%. Book your tickets online for nyungwe national park, butare. Nyungwe national park entrance fees differ according to which activities you are going to do and in which national park you are going to visit. The park was established in 2004 and covers an area of approximately 970 km2 of rain forest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs. The lodge is the only five star establishment within the nyungwe national park area.
It is blessed with many unique natural, cultural, historical and man made features for every traveler to get a great and memorable experience. Explore iconic nyungwe national park at your own pace with one of our expert guides planning out your ideal hike. Bird species in the park are white tailed blue flycatcher, red collared mountain babblers, ruwenzori turaco, purple breasted sunbirds, dusky crimson. Rwanda, nyungwe national park is the largest block of montane forest in east or central africa and one of the most ancient, dating back to before the last ice age. Nyungwe forest national park was established as a national park in 2004 and the forest is a home to over animal, bird and natural species. Although volcanoes national park in northwest rwanda gets all the gorillarelated attention, nyungwe national park is a spot to contend with. Nyungwe is an incredible park on the western border of rwanda with a large amount of activities for tourists including nature walks, a canopy walk, bird watching and intense hikes.
Located in south western rwanda, just a 45 hour drive from kigali the rwanda capital, this park is. Nyungwe forest safaris, tours and holiday packages. The book further provides a survey of the vegetation of nyungwe and a short history of the. You cannot possibly run out of things to do when you visit this park. On the way to nyungwe visit the kings palace in nyanza huye and the museum of butare. Nyungwe forest national park is rwandas most important area of biodiversity and has been rated the highest priority for forest conservation in africa. It is probably the best preserved rainforest in the mountains throughout central africa. It is located in the watershed between the basin of. Butare too hosts the national university, a beautiful cathedral and a botanical garden.
Nyungwes strongest drawcard is the chance to track chimpanzees. Nyungwe national park is located in the south western part of rwanda bordering burundi, lake kivu and the democratic republic of congo. Book now book we use cookies to help us offer you the best online experience. Nyungwe national park is an untouched natural rain forest that is filled with exciting biodiversity the nyungwe forest probably is one of the best preserved montane rain forest in central africa.
History of nyungwe forest national park rwanda safaris. Nyungwe rainforest is in southwestern rwanda bordering burundi along the south with lake kivu and the democratic republic of the congo to the west. Personally i put nyungwe forest as the number one in uniqueness. Nyungwe national park lies in southwest rwanda, partly abutting the burundi border. Birds, nyungwe forest national park is a habitat of about 300 bird species with over 120 forest species, 29 species endemic to the albertine rift and 16 endemics to nyungwe forest national park. You can also find over 300 different bird species, many butterflies, orchids, 75 mammal species including the primates, and there have also been the sightings of the. Nyungwe forest is part of the albertine rift and belongs to the most species rich areas harbouring 47 local endemics as well as 218 albertine rift endemics among flowering plants. Nyungwe forest history of nyungwe national park nyungwe forest is hundreds of thousand years old and peoples presence can be traced back to about 50,000 years ago. As a result this flight will offer you scenic views of nyungwe forest and tea plantations. It has been rated the highest priority for forest conservation in africa and its protected area covers one of the oldest rainforests.
Or you can opt to fly by helicopter with akagera aviation directly to the one and only nyungwe house. Nyungwe forest is hundreds of thousand years old and peoples presence can be traced back to about 50,000 years ago. Here is the source of the river nile and an encounter with our closest relatives the chimpanzees. Nyungwe national park one of africas oldest rainforests, nyungwe national park is home to around 500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species. Established in 2004, nyungwe sits right next to rwandas burundian border and includes an array of rainforest, grassland, swamps, and bamboo forests. Illustrated field guide to the plants of nyungwe national. Nyungwe forest national park rwanda information, facts and. Bwindi was gazetted as a national park in 1991 and declared a unesco natural world heritage site in 1994.
The country was also decidedly looking to expand its tourism sector. It lies in a tea plantation on the edge of the nyungwe closed canopy rain forest and comprises of 20 luxurious rooms and two presidential suites with 2bedrooms luxurious suites, one with a jacuzzi, each equipped with private decks with views overlooking the vast forest terrain. Nyungwe forest national park covers an area of kms 2 stretching to. Later the population started becoming high around nyungwe from a different parts of the country. Nyungwe forest national park is located about 225km or 5hour drive away from kigali city rwandas capital. A large, ancient rainforest in the mountains brimming with different kind of primate species, among which chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Having received official nationalpark status in 2004 and a great deal of support from the world conservation society, nyungwe forest national park is now. Kigali city tour history minded city tour of kigali. Getting to nyungwe national park nyungwe forest national park. Besides the chimp treks and monkey treks, while in nyungwe you can book yourself a walk on east africas first treetop canopy walk and the third in africa. Nyungwe national park is home to many medicinal plants. Nyungwe is declared a forest reserve, first by the german colonial government then by the belgians, with restrictions on clearing. Visitors come for chimpanzee treks, but the rainforest also offers some of africas best birdwatching, more than 100 species of orchid and the chance to catch a glimpse of a leopard. Nyungwe forest is hundreds of thousand years old and peoples presence can be traced back to about 50000 years ago.
In history, the nyungwe forest was declared a forest reserve in 1933 by the germany colonial government. Learn about the exciting attractions and beautiful wildlife in nyungwe national park, rwanda. Nyungwe is located in the southwest part of rwanda, which borders lake kivu and democraticrepublica of congo. Nyungwe national park butare 2020 all you need to know.
History of nyungwe national park nyungwe forest is hundreds of thousand years old and peoples presence can be traced back to about 50,000 years ago. Kings mutara iii rudahigwas palace offers a detailed look into the rwanda monarchial system and its abolition in early 1960s due to colonialism. Descriptions of some of these plants can be found in the handbook of african medicinal plants by maurice m. It was late afternoon and the rain washed road glistened in front of us and the. History of the nyungwe national park antioch new england.
Sep 11, 2012 learn about the exciting attractions and beautiful wildlife in nyungwe national park, rwanda. Pdf illustrated field guide to the plants of nyungwe national park. Nyungwe forest national park questions rwanda forum. The uwinka visitor centre, inside the park, is well worth a visit, with information on the history of nyungwe, its fauna and flora and local culture. One of the oldest rainforests in africa, nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. Nyungwe national park butare 2020 what to know before you. Our rousing treks into the valley and across the ridges are adaptable for all abilities and most ages.
The park is ugandas most popular tourist destination. The rainforest is teaming with a diversity of wildlife especially primates including chimpanzees and monkeys. Nyungwe forest national park hirondelle tours and travels. Nyungwe forest national park rwanda, with over species of creation within this well preserved forest, nyungwe forest is probably the most preserved forest in africa. Located in south western rwanda, just a 45 hour drive from kigali the rwanda capital, this park is quite. This happened at a time when rwanda was on the list of top ten tourist destinations according to lonely planet ratings. Nyungwe forest national park rwanda attractions lonely. The canopy walkway, part of the igishigishigi trail, is a high suspension bridge with views over the valley and surrounding forests. Nyungwe forest national park has trails of which the shortest is about kilometers and it is on these trails that you get to enjoy the attractions and what the park has to offer. It is located in the watershed between the basin of the river congo to the west and the basin of the river nile to the east. Rwanda community based tourism nyungwe forest national park. Part of the albertine rift valley, nyungwe is virgin equatorial rainforest that survived the last ice age.
Situated at the eastern edge of the park, the cultural village features a campsite, a restaurant and for those interested in rwandan history, a model of. Numerous community based tourism initiatives have been launched in the nyungwe national park to enhance the preservation of rwandan culture, and one such project is the kitabi cultural village. In fact, some of us had dozed off as we as we entered the nyungwe forest national park, one of the natural treasures of the beautiful country of rwanda. Another book that might be of interest is medicinal plants of east africa by john o. Nyungwe national park butare all you need to know before. The history of botanical exploration is also briefly described. The nyungwe forest is located in southwestern rwanda, on the border with burundi, where it is contiguous with the kibira national park to the south, and lake kivu and the democratic republic of the congo to the west. Brief history about nyungwe forest national park between 1903 to 1974, nyungwe forest faced several changes with lots of poaching and wood cutting acts that saw most of wildlife lost.
History of nyungwe forest national park is quite lengthy though you will be fascinated to. Nyungwe forest national park rwanda information, facts. Nyungwe forest national park can be accessed by both road and air transport means. Its a vast area of mountain rainforest, home to many species of chimpanzees, plus owlfaced and colobus monkeys. Nyungwe forest national park virunga national park congo. Nyungwe forest national park what to see and do nyungwe national park is a perfect holiday spot for nature lovers and adventurers. Nyungwe is an important conservation area in africa because it harbours quite a number of animals. As a result, its one of the oldest green expanses on the african continent, and is something of a lost world for rare and endangered species. History of nyungwe national park nyungwe national park was established as a forest reserve in 1903 and in 2004 this forest reserve was awarded national park status.
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