Size of Nyungwe Forest National Park is approximately 970 sq. km that receives an annual 2000mm of rain. Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa with dense Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and swamps. Famous for Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda and a Canopy walk experience.
The size of Nyungwe forest was 1,140 kilometers squared and was reduced to 970 sq kilometers squared due to fires, woodcutting, hunting of animals, small-scale agriculture and encroachment by local farmers.
Size of Nyungwe Forest
In 1903, Nyungwe was declared a forest reserve, first by the German colonial government then by the Belgians, with restrictions on clearing. Later in 2005 Nyungwe is declared a National Park, and is one of the few remaining tropical mountainous rain forests in Africa located in southwestern part that hosts about 13 primate species that include habituated Chimpanzees, Rare Angolan colobus monkey, l’hoest monkey, owl faced, baboons, red tailed monkeys among others which are always visited on foot. Some of them are rare in this range.
There are several activities that you can do in and around this picturesque rainforest. Its location, only 4 to 5 hours from the capital, Kigali, makes it easy to combine with other destinations across Rwanda. Trekking and guided walks are by far the most popular, with the length and difficulty of the walk tailored to each visitor. Exploring by foot allows you to see the most untouched parts of the rainforest, passing waterfalls and lush green mountains.
Due to shrinking in the size of Nyungwe Forest, the Park work closely with the local communities, implement an effective law enforcement strategy, and restore and protect wildlife to ensure the long-term ecological, social, and economic sustainability of the park. Its spectacular mountainous topography and unique biodiversity make this park globally unique, and give it enormous potential with sufficient investment to emerge as one of the continent’s most extraordinary tourism destinations.
Rwanda is truly remarkable with diverse places to visit including the famous Volcanoes National Park home to the special mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Visitors frequent this national park for a gorilla safari in Rwanda, one of the most life changing experiences in Africa. Majority other compliment and visit Akagera National Park for a whole lot of amazing experience including the night game safari, boat safari and fishing safaris in Rwanda.