Nyungwe Forest National Park is extensive. The 970km² of rainforest, bamboo, grassland and swampland is considered to be the largest remaining ‘island’ of montane forest in East and Central Africa, and protects a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Most notably, Nyungwe houses an estimated 500 Bonobo Chimpanzees, which for most visitors form the primary attraction of the park. Tracking these lively creatures, and watching as they interact with one another, is a pure delight.
Also of note are Nyungwe's several others species of primate, which include the Ruwenzori Colobus – a highly arboreal and acrobatic primate, rarely seen below the tree canopy but immediately recognisable even from the ground by its distinctive black & white pattern and prominent whiskers – and the reclusive Golden monkey, both of which can be spotted in the forests of Nyungwe.
Keen birders and arborealists, too, will find much of interest in Nyungwe. The forest canopy rises high and conceals a prolific bird and plant life among the ebony, mahogany and tree fern, with highlights including the Rwenzori Turaco and blue-headed sunbird.
In and around Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda
Nyungwe Forest occupies a vast swathe of rainforest in the far south-western corner of Rwanda. Despite its remoteness, access to Nyungwe has improved in recent years, and there is now good road access from Kigali, the capital, though it is still a long drive of approx. 6 hours. Another option is to fly to Kamembe and then transfer the remaining distance to western Nyungwe, where a number of lodges are located.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the best places in the world to study and watch a range of different primate species, including Bonobo chimpanzee, golden monkey, and the Rwenzori colobus. Many visitors come to Nyungwe purely for the chimpanzee tracking, but those with more time to spend in the region will also find the birding safaris and tracking expeditions to see other primates to be very rewarding.
The experience of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is in many respects comparable to a gorilla safari, but it is important to stress that, unlike gorilla safaris, sightings are not all-but-guaranteed when tracking chimps. Nyungwe is vast, and the chimpanzees very mobile, meaning sightings can never be assured. Travelling to Nyungwe with an interest in its other wildlife beyond the chimpanzees will make for a more rewarding visit.
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