Nyungwe Forest National Park is to be declared a UNESCO world heritage site, a special status that elevates this crucial forest park to a place of global conservation importance. Nyungwe an ancient forest that has existed since the ice age protects an incredible biodiversity that accumulated over thousands of years past. It is one of the last few forests in Africa of this kind. It is the largest protected mountain rainforest in Africa covering 1000 square kilometers and reaching elevations between 1600 – 2000m.
Nyungwe is popular for primates especially the chimpanzees and monkeys, plus there are many other hard to see mammals and thousands of little-known creatures that dwell under the soil and crawl the surfaces. Till today new plant and animal species continue to be discovered in Nyungwe. Many species discovered in Nyungwe are found to be unique to the place, and others are regional endemics of the Albertine rift eco region in which the mountain forest is located, and this including a whooping 27 Albertine rift endemic birds.
Nyungwe is also a very important water catchment for the region and continent contributing water to two notable rivers, the River Nile (has the farthest known source of the Nile) and Congo River. It also provides 70% of the fresh water in Rwanda.
Why is it important to have Nyungwe National Park on the list of world heritage sites?
Given the alarming rate at which ecosystems are being depleted on the planet earth thereby causing the extinction of species including those yet to be discovered, special places like Nyungwe where biodiversity thrives cannot be taken as any other forest cover but deserves special status that enhances protection and research. The park was nominated by UNESCO for addition to the world heritage list, to which the government of Rwanda agreed and will soon be confirmed and added. The park will attract more funding for conservation as a world heritage site.
Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park and contribute to its conservation
Tourism revenue goes a long way in supporting conservation efforts of destinations and supporting the local communities. Nyungwe National Park offers a range of activities for tours that you can include on your trip in Rwanda. The most popular activity is the chimpanzee trekking adventure that gives tourists a chance to see chimps in their habitat. The canopy walk activity is another must do adventure for a thrilling experience of this mountain rainforest. The canopy walkway hangs high up in the forest canopy giving tourists an eye level view of wildlife in the canopy and incredible views of the forest.
For birders planning birding trips to Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is a birding heaven, arguably the best destination for Albertine rift endemic birds such as the Rwenzori Turaco that is on top of wish lists of many birders visiting Rwanda. For the nature lovers that want to see plants and wildlife up close, the park has several trails for you to hike and explore this pristine jungle and watch monkeys, birds, trees, orchids, waterfalls, butterflies, etc…