One & Only Nyungwe House
Location: Gisakura, Nyamasheke Nyungwe Forest Reserve, Rwanda. Overview From the wild depths of Nyungwe Forest, staying at One & Only […]
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Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, and the largest expanse of forest in Rwanda covering an area of 1,019 km² of dense Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grass lands and wetlands and bogs. The park was established in 2004, and is located in southwestern Rwanda, on the border of Burundi at the Albertine Rift, southeast of Lake Kivu.
The high altitudes and close proximity of the forest to the equator, Nyungwe climate is very wet and cool, with temperatures of 20°c (68°f) and at night reduces to 11°c (51°F). The best time to visit Nyungwe is during the long dry season that lasts from June to September alternatively during the short dry season from mid-December to mid- February.
The closest town is Cyangugu is a city and capital of Rusizi District in Western Province, 1 hr 28 min drive (41.2 mi) from Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park is rich in biodiversity hot spot with a mountainous region teaming with wildlife, a small population of chimpanzees as well as 13 species of primate including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift and eastern chimpanzee.
There are 15 hiking trails in Nyungwe Forest, here visitors can choose to sample the delights of the forest or experience one of Africa’s most stunning forests. Other activities include primate tracking which is the most reserved, botanist have 1,068 plant species and 140 orchids to appreciate, whilst birdwatching is among the best in Africa with 322 bird species including Red-collared Babbler and 29 other Albertine Rift Endemic species.
Butterflies are common to see with at least 120 species recorded, and 75 known mammals in Nyungwe, including cerval cat, mongoose, Congo clawless otter, leopard and many more. The park offers memorable and photogenic moments during hikes up to Isumo waterfall, Canopy walk suspension bridge, Gisakura Tea plantations that border the park’s edge with a habituated troop of Rwenzori colobus monkeys and forest fringe birds.
With the amount of rainfall Nyungwe receives, it is also the major catchment area in Rwanda, supplying 70% of the country’s water. A ridge runs through the forest forms a watershed between the drainage systems of the Nile and Congo. The spring on the slopes of Mount Bigugu is said to be the most remote source of the Nile, the world’s longest river. Mount Bigugu trail is the longest trail and a must do for all who visit Nyungwe.
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Location: Gisakura, Nyamasheke Nyungwe Forest Reserve, Rwanda. Overview From the wild depths of Nyungwe Forest, staying at One & Only […]
One & Only Nyungwe House Read Post »