One of the most well-known locations you should not miss while on a safari in Rwanda is Cyamudongo Forest, which is the ideal area to monitor chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest national park. The forest is especially well-known for its large population of chimpanzees. Little relict forest Cyamudongo Forest is located in the extreme South-West of Rwanda close to Nyakabuye Town and the Rwanda – Democratic Republic of Congo border.
Situated between Gisakura and Rusizi near the village of Nyukabuye, 2o kilometers from Bugarama, Cyamudongo Forest spans an area of 4 square kilometers.
Originally Cyamudongo Forest was a part of Nyungwe Forest to its East, but its vegetation is distinct; denser with less clearings. Although it is now a separate area acquired from Nyungwe Forest national park, Nyungwe Forest national park still surrounds it.
Among the various primates found in Cyamudongo Forest are Dent’s Mona monkey, Black and Colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkey, and a group of over 25 chimpanzees living in a montane forest. Among other fauna, there are various species of butterflies and birds. Among the few unusual species found in the forest that cannot be found in Nyungwe National Park are the new purple orchid polystachia Bruechertiae, discovered in 2018.
Apart from the Albertine Rift Forests, which include the Ross’s Turaco and the Kungwe Apalis among others, Cyamudongo Forest is a refuge for several bird species and the only one in Rwanda harboring the Red-thighed Sparrow hawks. Over 4 species of the Guinea-Congo Forest biome bird species, 8 of the 25 bird species native to the Albertine Rift Mountains, and 33 species of the total 74 bird species found in the Afro-tropical highlands biomes located within Rwanda Cyamudongo Forest habitat. Among other unusual bird species to search Cyamudongo Forest for are the white-tailed crested flycatcher and the Dwarf Honeyguide.
One of the fascinating locations for chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda is Cyamudongo Forest, a little forest providing exciting activity for this purpose. The tiny extent of the forest accounts for the easier visibility of its chimps than those in Nyungwe Forest national park.
Beginning in the morning with a training on the laws and regulations to follow in the experience carried out by rangers and guides at the rangers post, chimpanzee tracking in Cyamudongo Forest moves into the jungles looking for the chimpanzee population. You will cross the deep gorges on the climb before running across the chimpanzees. Among other primates you will also find L’Hoest’s monkeys, Vervet monkeys, and Mona monkeys.
The Mona Monkeys, vervet monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys are among the many types of wildlife you will be able to witness on the ideal activity for visitors eager in experiencing nature in Cyamudongo Forest. The woodland will also present you with several tree and butterfly species.
Nature trails in Cyamudongo Forest also bring visitors to the rich tea farms.
With 4 species of Guinea-Congo Forests biome, 8 of the 24 species of the Albertine Rift Mountains Endemic Bird Area and 33 of the 74 species of the Afrotropical Highland biome occurring in Rwanda, Cyamudongo Forest is a birder’s paradise holding the only record of Red-thighed – sparrow hawk together with many other species.
Unquestionably, birding in Cyamudongo Forest is one of the must-do activities for visitors on a Kenya safari. You will be able to see many bird species including remarkable birds like the Dwarf Honeyguide, the Ross’s Turaco, the Red-thighed Sparrow hawks, the white-tailed crested flycatcher, the Kungwe Apalis among others.
Apart from the stunning and exciting surroundings of Cyamudongo Forest, visitors can also visit and explore the Batwa native villages. Originally living in the forest, the Batwa depended on it for food, building materials, shelter, and herbal medicine. These people were displaced from the forest when the area was designated as a protected area, but their genuine culture is still very much present in the area you will visit.
Seeing the Batwa people will help one to better understand their way of life and to appreciate and be thrilled by thrilling cultural dances and theater.
Other locations include the Bwindi Impenetrable national park, Itri Forest and Mgahinga National park allow the Batwa people to be seen and experienced elsewhere.
With unforgettable activities including chimpanzee tracking, nature hikes, birdwatching, and cultural interactions, Cyamudongo Forest is ultimately a fantastic and amazing place to explore on a Rwanda Safari.
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Our expertly guided tours provide intimate encounters with gorillas and rich African wildlife, ensuring an unparalleled adventure in the heart of East Africa.
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