SECTORS OF NYUNGWE FOREST (CYAMUDONGO, UWINKA) – Nyungwe Forest National Park covers 1,019 km² of southwestern Rwanda, with 970 km² covered by lush, evergreen montane rainforest.
The park is famously known for being the home of primates in Rwanda, especially chimpanzees, which inhabit the forest along with 12 other primate species, including colobus monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys, among others.
It is also among the best birding destinations in the country, with over 300 species of beautiful, colorful birds, 29 of which can only be found in the Albertine Rift. Activities in the Uwinka sector include chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, nature walks, and canopy walks.
Uwinka Sector of Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Located in the eastern part of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- The park’s headquarters are located in the Uwinka sector at the Uwinka Reception Center, which provides all the necessary information about the park.
- The Uwinka sector has most of the trailheads for the hiking/nature walk trails of Nyungwe Forest National Park, including the popular 17.7 km Uwinka trail.
- Activities in the Uwinka sector include chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, nature walks, canopy walks, and hiking.
Cyamudongo Sector of Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Located in the western part of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- The famous chimpanzees can be trekked in Cyamudongo Forest in this sector, which inhabits one of the two habituated chimpanzee groups that contains 30 individuals.
- The famous canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest is located in the Cyamudongo sector.
- Cyamudongo Forest in this sector is a good spot for birdwatching while in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is best done in Cyamudongo Forest, as it is easier to find the chimpanzees in this forest than in the bigger group in the main Nyungwe Forest.
- Other activities in the Cyamudongo sector include nature walks, bird watching, and cultural tours.
As much as trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is easier during the dry season, the best time to go chimpanzee trekking is during the wet season, from October through May, when food is plentiful in the forests.
During this time, the primates do not have to move deeper into the forest in search of food, making them easier to spot.
Visit Nyungwe Forest with these recommended Chimpanzee Trekking Companies or send us an inquiry below to book directly through this website.
