In a series of articles about Rwanda’s uniqueness and beauty, Today Hobe Australia has prepared a story that tells more about Nyungwe National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa and listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Nyungwe was established as a National Park in 2004, located in the southwestern parts of Rwanda specifically in Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Karongi, Nyamagabe, and Nyaruguru Districts. The Nyungwe forest occupies 1019 square kilometers.
Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. The mountainous region is teeming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees and 12 other species of primates, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Nyungwe National Park was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, becoming the country’s first site to receive the UN agency’s coveted status.
The decision was made on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, during a session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee held in the Saudi capital Riyadh.
“This serial property represents an important area for rainforest conservation in Central Africa,” UNESCO said in a description on its website.
One of the most remarkable features of Nyungwe National Park is its pristine canopy Walk Bridge, with a length of 180m and a height of 70m above the ground, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the rich biodiversity of the forest from a unique perspective.
Guided canopy walks allow guests to traverse the treetops on suspended walkways, providing a bird’s-eye view of the dense vegetation below and the chance to spot a variety of bird species that call the canopy home.
Speaking of birds, Nyungwe National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 300 avian species that inhabit its diverse habitats. From colorful sunbirds and turacos to elusive forest-dwelling species like the Rwenzori turaco and Grauer’s swamp warbler, birdwatching enthusiasts will be in awe of the park’s wide array of feathered inhabitants.
But the wildlife encounters don’t stop there – Nyungwe National Park is also home to a population of habituated chimpanzees, allowing visitors the rare opportunity to observe these intelligent and social primates up close in their natural habitat. Guided chimpanzee trekking excursions offer a glimpse into the daily lives and behaviors of these fascinating creatures, creating unforgettable memories for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.
And no visit to Nyungwe National Park would be complete without a visit to its stunning waterfalls, which dot the landscape and provide a refreshing respite from the tropical heat. The park is home to several picturesque waterfalls, including the majestic Kamiranzovu Falls, where visitors can relax and unwind amidst the tranquil beauty of their surroundings.
In 2022, the Management of Nyungwe National Park Authority released the prices for visiting the park.
At that time, the prices show that a Rwandan who wants to visit the park pays 10,000 Frw, an African who is not from the East African Community pays $60, and a foreigner pays $100.