The Nyungwe Forest Ecosystem – Nyungwe Forest, located in the southwestern part of Rwanda, is the oldest montane rainforest on the African continent. It is protected by the government of Rwanda under the Nyungwe Forest National Park, which was established as a national park in 2004.
In 2020, management was transferred to African Parks after a successful partnership with the Rwanda Development Board in the Savannah Akagera National Park.
Nyungwe Forest has rugged terrain and dense, bio-diverse forest cover that is home to rich wildlife and plant life.
Nyungwe Forest Ecosystem at a Glance
Nyungwe Forest is a major water catchment area for Rwanda and feeds two great rivers of Africa: the Congo River and the mighty River Nile. It is believed that the farthest source of the River Nile is in Nyungwe Forest.
There are over 1,000 recorded plant species in Nyungwe Forest and over 100 tree species, including fruit trees from which the wildlife, especially the primates, get their food.
Over 300 bird species are found in Nyungwe Forest, 29 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift, including the handsome francolin, Kungwe apalis, and Grauer’s swamp warbler.
Hundreds of butterfly species and beautiful orchids are also found within the jungle of Nyungwe Forest.
Famously known for chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest is a habitat for 13 primate species, including the famous chimpanzees and the Albertine endemic species, the L’Hoest’s monkeys. Other species include colobus monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
Nyungwe Forest is located at a high altitude, with its highest point standing at 2,190 meters above sea level at the summit of Mt. Bigugu. These high altitudes make the climate in the forest always wet and cool.
The forest receives 2,000 mm of rainfall per year, supporting the growth of different vegetation covers and replenishing the various wetlands, swamps, marshes, and bogs within the forest that are habitats for the forest’s aquatic life, including reptiles, amphibians, and water birds.
The varied types of soils in Nyungwe Forest provide microhabitats for both animals and plants. The dry ridges support the growth of thickets and short trees, while the fertile, moist soils support the growth of huge tall trees like mahogany. Wetlands support the growth of marshes.
With the existence of many different tourist activities carried out in Nyungwe Forest, like chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, and hiking, the ecotourism industry is steadily rising in the areas and communities around Nyungwe Forest.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is open to visitors all year round and can be easily accessed by air (domestic flights) and road (public and private means). Visit the old forest for a refreshing jungle adventure.
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