Cyamudongo Forest – Covering an area of approximately 20 square kilometers, Cyamudongo Forest is a small, dense, evergreen forest in the southwest of Rwanda, found within the boundaries of the popular Nyungwe Forest National Park.
In the past, Cyamudongo Forest was part of the larger Nyungwe Forest, but the continued encroachment on the forest during human resettlement after the Rwanda genocide saw people clear part of the forest’s vegetation for settlement, isolating the forest.
The government of Rwanda stepped in and gazetted the forest to protect the remaining home of the wild animals. Both Cyamudongo Forest and Nyungwe Forest are under the protection of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Cyamudongo Forest has denser vegetation compared to Nyungwe Forest. The dense Cyamudongo Forest is surrounded by well-maintained lush tea plantations.
Cyamudongo Forest is famously known as the home to one of the two groups of habituated chimpanzees in Rwanda.
The forest hosts over 100 chimpanzees, with over 40 habituated individuals that visitors can see during chimpanzee trekking in Cyamudongo Forest.
What to See (Attractions) in Cyamudongo Forest
- Chimpanzees
- Other primate species like blue monkeys, crowned monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, Kungwe Apalis, and Ruwenzori colobus monkeys.
- Rich birdlife, including Albertine Rift endemics. Unique bird sightings in Cyamudongo Forest include the Ross’s turaco, red-thighed sparrowhawk, dwarf honeyguide, eastern mountain greenbul, handsome francolin, blue-headed sunbird, white-tailed crested flycatcher, among many others.
- Different tree and plant species, such as the Orchid Polystachia blue chertiae unique to Cyamudongo Forest and absent in Nyungwe Forest.
- Butterflies
- Mammals like giant forest hogs and duikers.
What to Do (Activities) in Cyamudongo Forest
- Chimpanzee Trekking: This is carried out every day in Cyamudongo Forest, starting early morning with a briefing session. Only one group of 8 people is allowed per trek, and they get to spend 1 hour in the presence of the chimpanzees. The cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit is 90 USD.
- Bird Watching: Bird watching in Cyamudongo Forest is a rewarding experience as the forest houses rich birdlife, including the Ross’s turaco that you will not find in Nyungwe Forest.
- Guided Nature Walks and Forest Walks
- Guided Community and Cultural Tours: Visits to villages located around the forest.
- Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk: Add this exciting activity to your list when you visit Cyamudongo Forest.
Different accommodation facilities offering various services from budget to luxury are readily available around Nyungwe Forest National Park for visitors to Cyamudongo Forest.
Cyamudongo Forest can be visited all year round, with the best time being during the dry season and dry months from December to February and June to September.
Visit Nyungwe Forest with these recommended Chimpanzee Trekking Companies or send us an inquiry below to book directly through this website.
