Nyungwe Forest is the largest single tract of montane forest remaining in East or Central Africa and aside from the gorillas in Rwanda's Parc National des Volcans (PNV), is the most important tourism asset of Rwanda. Home to 86 mammal species, 280 species of bird, a variety of orchids . Nyungwe is also a remarkably rich centre of biodiversity.

Main activities in Nyungwe consist of a variety of walking trails through the steeply forested terrain in the hope of spotting some of the elusive chimpanzees or what is thought to be the largest troop of arboreal primates in the whole of Africa, the 400 strong semi habituated troop of Rwenzori colobus monkeys!

Nyungwe is celebrated for its rich variety of flora and fauna. There are at least 200 tree species found in the forest, along with hundreds of different flowering plants, including wild begonia, more than 100 species of orchid, and sensational giant lobelias.
Of the large mammals, primates are the most visible, with 13 recorded species. Of particular interest are the Angola colobus -delightfully acrobatic arboreal monkeys which move in troops of several hundred - and an estimated 500 chimpanzee. Other primates one might encounter are L’Hoest’s monkey, silver monkey, vervet monkey, olive baboon, grey-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkey.

Nyungwe is home to more than 275 bird species, making it the region’s most important birding site. They include the spectacular Rwenzori turaco, the secretive red-chested alethe, and several iridescent sunbirds. Equally remarkable are the perpetually honking giant hornbills that crash through the forest canopy, and the stunning great blue turaco, an outlandishly blue, red and green bird.

Nyungwe lies at an elevation of between 1,600 metres and 2,950 metres, and enjoys an agreeably cool atmopshere. An extensive network of well maintained forest trails leads to a number of waterfalls and viewing points.A comfortable rest house and perfectly situated campsite lie alongside the main road, and the reserve can be visited as a day trip from smarter hotels in the towns of Butare and Cyangugu. Nyungwe does, however, deserve more visiting time: anybody who wants to track chimps and see several varieties of smaller primates will need two days there - and dedicated birdwatchers might just want to make this their permanent home!

source: rwandatourism.com