The Nyungwe Forest National Park protects one of the oldest forests in Africa. It extends for 970km2 over the mountainous southwest of Rwanda and protects the largest single tract of montane forest remaining anywhere in East Africa. As such, it is a remarkably rich centre of biodiversity, harbouring 75 mammal species, 275 bird species, 120 butterflies and more than 100 varieties of orchid. As you approach Nyungwe the road winds through the rural Rwandan landscape of rolling tea plantation and terraced hills. Then before you know it, a dense tangle of trees rises from the cultivated fields. For a full 50km the road clings to steep forested slopes, offering superb views over densely swathed hills which tumble towards the distant Burundi border.
The main attraction of Nyungwe is the primates. Chimpanzee tracking can be arranged and several other monkeys are readily seen, including the Ruwenzori colobus in troops of up to 400 strong (the largest arboreal troops in Africa) and the beautiful and highly localised l'Hoest's monkey. In addition to these there are silver monkeys, golden monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and more. Nyungwe is also highly alluring to birders, the forest home to 26 Albertine Rift & endemic bird species. The stunning blue turaco is often seen gliding through the trees and forest hornbills can be heard wailing through the canopy.