Nyungwe Forest National Park is about 230 kms away from the capital city of Kigali and it is indeed a stunning primate destination.

The Park was designated as a Reserve in1903 by the German colonial government but was later reduced to its present size of about 150 square Kms due to deforestation and fire outbreaks in1973. Most Elephants and Buffalos were killed here in 1975 but conversely, a steep increase of Colobus Monkeys was witnessed in 1984.

Nyungwe Forest National Park boasts of biodiversity and over 13 species of primates live here thereby making it one of the best Primate Safari Destinations on the African continent. The most popular among these primates include the more than 500 Chimpanzees, black and white Colobus Monkeys, Bushbabies, Dents Mona Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Olive Baboons, Silver Monkeys, Angola Colobus Monkeys, red-tailed Monkeys, Hamlyn Monkeys and many more.

Also, there are about 300 bird species in this park and this therefore makes it an exceptional Birding Safari Destination in Rwanda. Notable species here include the grey chested Kakamega birds, Grauer’s rush Warbler, Neumann’s short-tailed Warbler, the Chestnut throated birds, Chapin’s Fly-catcher, regal Sunbird, Doherty’s Bush Shrikes, Rwenzori Turaco, the large blue Turaco, purple breasted Sunbirds and the blue headed Sunbirds.

Key activities in summary at this park are as follows: –

• Chimpanzee Tracking
• Birding
• Primate Watching
• Canopy Walks
• Hiking along designated Trails.