Interesting facts about Nyungwe forest national park
Interesting facts about Nyungwe Forest National Park : Nyungwe forest national park is the oldest national park in the country and one of the oldest national park in the African continent .Nyungwe national park is one of the true oldest remaining tropical rainforest in the Africa covering 1,019 km2 of dense Afromontane forests, bamboo covered slopes, grasslands, wetlands, marshes and heath. Nyungwe National Park is located Albertine rift valley in the south west of Rwanda on the border with Burundi in the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo in West on the shores of Lake Kivu. Nyungwe National Park has been in existence since 1903 and in 2004 it was then declared a National Park. Nyungwe forest national park is sounded by 5 districts including Rusizi district in the south west, Nyaruguru district in the south east, Nyamagabe district in the east, Karongi district in the north east and Nyamasheke district in the west
Nyungwe forest national park is a home to astoundingly different biodiversity with over 1,068 plants species which act as food for the wide number of wildlife species of over 68 which are endemic to the park including Mahogany as the common plant around the forest ,among them over 200 species are trees including Miliantus holistic the popular trees , 248 species orchids such as flowering plants, giant lobelia, vegetation zones including sub-alpine vegetation which is dominated by shrubs and bamboo others are new species being found each yearly , the forest is also a home to the biggest protected wonderful swamp in Rwanda called Kamiranzovu swamp
The park is also rich in other wildlife, including duikers, golden cats, Klipspringer, impalas, Bushbucks, Buffaloes, Elephants, Bush pigs, Gant forest hog, Blotched serval, Carnival genet, Congo clawless, Mongoose, otter, serval, Felis, black-fronted duiker, western tree hyrax, and many more.
Due to its abundance biodiversity enriched with stunning scenery , the park is also a dwell thrilled to over 300 bird species, with 29 species of them endemic to Albertine Rift such as Rwenzori Turaco, Albertine owlet, archer’s robin-chat, blue-headed sunbird, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, stripe-breasted tit, Ruwenzori nightjar, Shelley’s crimsonwing, strange weaver, Ruwenzori apalis, red-faced woodland warbler, Kivu ground thrush, Handsome francolin, Mountain masked apalis, Red-throated Alethe, Rockefeller’s sunbird, Regal sunbird, Purple breasted sunbird and Red-collared babbler among others. There are several trial sin the park upon which you can hike to spot this birds. The more trails you hike, the mores birds you will encounter. Due to the forested terrain of the park, it may hard to see certain species like Gigantic forest hornbill, paradise flycatcher, Great bleu Turaco , Re- throated Alethe, because of this , it is better to go with experience guide who will be in position to detect the available species
Nyungwe forest is also home to 13 primates species including the chimpanzees which is the popular primates trekked in the forest, there others primates that are also found in Nyungwe forest national park including very occasionally sighting of the golden monkeys that have been documented in Nyungwe forest national park is also popular for its large number colobus monkeys, in addition to others species like the Ruwenzori colobus monkey and the grey cheeked mangabey. The colobus monkeys can also be seen in large troops of up to 300 monkeys. Also as you track these playful colobus monkey groups, you will likely see some other monkeys along the trek. These might include; the L’ Hoest’s monkey, the Owl faced monkeys, Mona monkey and the blue monkey.
Nyungwe forest national park is consists of approximately 50 meters and 200meters above the ground level canopy that motivated the Rwanda Development Board a tourism body in Rwanda to build a metallic walkway which is the first of its nature in East Africa and the third of its king in Africa. Canopy walkaways in Nyungwe forest national park is the first and longest walkway consisting of 1 kilometer long and 70 meter height from the ground and it is the third in longest in African continent.
The forest also is a perfect destination for Rwanda hiking safaris, the forest has a total of 13 hiking trails along which you can walk in 1 to 8 hours viewing a multiple of plants, tress, birds, primates and others wildlife. Nyungwe national Forest has a steep ground, many waterfalls and a marvelous wildlife species makes hiking in Nyungwe Forest a famous activity. Hiking in Nyungwe Forest provide a huge net system of picturesque trails for hikers of any level. Besides being one of the oldest forests in Africa, Hiking in Nyungwe Forest takes you prior numerous waterfalls, viewpoints, and not to mention the debated source of the Nile. For the more comfortable hikers, Hiking in Nyungwe Forest offers shorter options such as the canopy walkway and hikes around Kamiranzovu Swamp such hiking trail includes, Igishigishigi trail, Isumo trail, Bigugu trail, Karamba trail, Irebero trail, Uwinka trail, Ngabwe trail, Umuyove trail, Congo Nile divide trail, Rukuzi trail, Muzima trail, Umugota trail among others.
The park also offers outdoor activities to the travelers such as visiting the tea plantations and cultural encounter in the communities near the national park where you will be rewarded with the unique lifestyle of the Rwandan people who stay around the park. The activities in Nyungwe forest national park are much rewarding and unforgettable!!
There are a great variety of sumptuous accommodation facilities in Nyungwe forest notational park of all categories ranging from super luxury to clean and comfortable budget facilities that will make your experience in Nyungwe more rewarding such as the one only Nyungwe house the most lavish and luxurious resort. This is the only accommodation that seems to be set and attached inside Nyungwe because there is nothing between the lodge and Nyungwe forest. The services here are incomparable and the nature & view of Nyungwe monkeys sometimes around. It offers tea plantation tours to the travelers and other activities like community walk and tea estate encounters, others facilities include Nyungwe top view hotel, Emeraude kivu resort and Gisakura visitors center among others.
