Nyungwe was a Colonial crown land which declared it a forest reserve by the German colonial government. During the period between 1958 and 1973, the population of the wildlife in this habituate area reduced because of fires, woodcutting and poaching of animals, the sq. km coverage of the forest reduced by 150 sq. km due to the issues of encroachment, with a large population of elephant which was still quite large.
In 1974, the last of the buffaloes was killed and in 1984, some biodiversity studies conducted in the area by the Wildlife conservation society revealed a vast population of Colobus living in groups of up to 400 members. Tourist and research facilities were later set up in Uwinka, but most of these were destroyed during the genocide in 1994.
Restoration work began in 1995, in an environment that was still riddled with paranoia and uncertainty. But the work went on and in 2003 Nyungwe forest was declared a national park and officially a protected area.
In 2004, Nyungwe forest was established as a national park status because of its flora and fauna making the park famous and popular primate trekking destination in the country.
Chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe forest start with briefing at the park headquarter by the team of park warden, later follow the ranger guide in the forest, hike the hills and slope the valleys while looking out for mans close relative cousins. On finding them, take pictures and videos as you are observing them and learning their ways of life while in their natural setting.
Chimpanzee trekking adventure start early morning with breakfast at your lodge and later you drive to the park headquarter where you will get lectures about the dos and don’ts while in the forest. Chimpanzee trekking adventure requires one to carry liters of water, have long trousers, the long sleeved shirt, rain jacket, the hiking boots and the hat because of the uncertainties within the forest.
Chimpanzee permits are booked in advance with some payment because these primates are sensitive meaning they can get human diseases since they share 99.7% 0f the human DNA.
While on your trekking safari you can encounter like monkeys, various species of birds, forest reptiles, mammals and amphibians. This makes your trekking safari interesting and memorable. The forest contain a variety of plant species like trees, wild flowers and grasses since it’s a tropical rain-forest.
Nyungwe forest is very accessible from Kigali Rwanda’s capital the place known for a thousand hills by road. The forest can be explored on foot from the park headquarter with experienced and knowledgeable tour guide with interesting stories.
