Nyungwe forest national parks is one the best  preserved montane rain-forest in the East and central Africa.Its located in south western Rwanda bordering Burundi in the south,lake kivu and Democratic Republic of Congo in the in the west. The Nyungwe forest is located in  the watershed between the Nile basin to the east and Congo basin to the West .  One of the branches of the Nile comes from the Nyungwe Forest.  The park was established in 2004 and covers an area of just under 1,.000 square kilometers of rainforest, bamboo forest, grasslands, swamps and bogs.  The town of Cyangugu is 54 kilometers to the west; Mount Bigugu is located in the park confines.

In terms of wildlife, there is a wide diversity of animal species in the park, including 13 primates, 275 bird species, 85 mammal species, 1,068 plant species, 32 amphibian and 38 reptile species.  Many of these are only found in the Albertine Rift montane forests ecoregion of Africa, and Nyungwe Forest has more endemic species than any other forest in the Albertine Rift Mountains.  The forest reaches a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level; at these altitudes one can find colonies of Chimpanzees and Angola Colobus Monkeys.   The other primates in the forest are the L’Hoest’s, Silver, Golden, Hamlyn’s, Red-tailed, Dent’s mona and Vervet monkeys; as well one can find the Olive Baboon and the Grey-Cheeked Mangabey in the forest.

Chimpanzee Tracking is very popular in Nyungwe Forest National Park; there are two wild Chimpanzee communities that welcome humans; they are located in Cyamdungo and Uwinka.  In addition, there are many walking trails in the park; including the Canopy Walk, which is 50 meters in length on top of the forest trees.  There are plenty of cultural encounters possible in this national park, as community based tourism events are quite common here.

The park offers numerous choices in terms of accommodation; luxury lodges to simple campsites can be found in and around the National Park.  The Western side of the park is bordered by Lake Kivu, and in the towns along the shoreline there are many guesthouses, campsites, hotels and resorts to be found.

ACCOMMODATION

GOLDEN MONKEY HOTEL

Located a few miles from the park entrance, the Golden Monkey Hotel is a relaxing place with many facilities such as a Sauna, handicraft shop, garden for relaxation.  All rooms are equipped with private showers; free continental breakfast is included with the room.  The hotel offers DSTV and free WiFi.

NYUNGWE FOREST LODGE.

This upscale Lodge in the forest, offers good views of the rainforest itself from both the lounge area and the swimming pool.  The hotel has 2 massage treatment rooms and a Jacuzzi pool.  There is a fitness center, gift shop, business center, tea lounge and dining room and bar.  The hotel offers laundry service and free WiFi.