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For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni
For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni 

Things to do in Rwanda

Discover Nyungwe’s unique and precious ecosystem

Nyungwe is one of the largest protected montane forest landscapes in the region and a biodiversity hotspot…

By Protais Niyigaba
Nyungwe Park Manager and CEO

Nyungwe is one of the largest protected montane forest landscapes in the region, spanning 1,019km², but also encompasses a vast swamp, several sources of Rwanda’s major streams and rivers, a big extent of intact primary forest that has survived from the last Ice Age, patches of open grassland, bamboo forest patches and rolling grassland hills. It’s a unique ecosystem – and very rewarding to explore. 

A regional biodiversity hotspot, it supports more than 1,068 recorded flowering plant species, 322 bird species (including 29 endemic ones found only in the Albertine Rift region) and 75 known species of mammal, including about 12% of all of mainland Africa’s primate species. Not surprisingly, trekking to find chimpanzees and some of the other primates is very popular; there’s a ‘super group’ of Angolan black-and-white colobus, the largest ever recorded, which consists of more than 300 individuals.  

Other ways to immerse yourself in the incredible landscape include nature walks along trails in different parts of the park, coming across spectacular waterfalls and enjoying the amazing views of the forest from above on the Canopy Walkway. There are birdwatching experiences where you’ll learn to identify some of the residents from their calls as well as their appearance. As for plant lovers, they will be delighted by the extensive range of colourful orchids and the various trees, from flat-topped Newtonias with their strange ‘crown shyness’ to Guinea Plums that create cauliflower-shaped patterns in the canopy.

For a different perspective on Nyungwe and the area around it, there are also several community-led experiences including a tour of one of the tea plantations and a village walk. 

Categories

  • Scenery
  • Trips to take
  • Wildlife

Available in these itineraries…

Alfred & Protais Niyigaba

Born in one of the districts bordering Nyungwe, Protais Niyigaba grew up with a passion for conservation. Since completing his MSc in Biodiversity Conservation from the University of Rwanda, he has undertaken various roles in his field. He joined Nyungwe Management Company in June 2021 as Park Manager, having previously been a guide and nature interpreter there. A keen birder and botanist, he enjoys working and living in his favourite environment and being paid for doing what he loves. 

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Vicki, who's travelled extensively in Rwanda. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the guides who track mountain gorillas day and night to ensure you get the best sightings, the Kigalians who'll give you a real insight into their vibrant city and the coffee-growers who'll tutor you in the art of tasting.

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