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The high-altitude Nyungwe Forest National Park in south-east Rwanda is the largest expanse of montane forest in East or Central Africa. Flowering plants include the giant lobelia and many colorful orchids (over 100 species). With altitudes ranging from 1,600 meters to 2,950 meters, the park covers 970 sq km and is one of the richest areas in Africa in terms of endemic species. Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest forests and the park receives up to 2,000 mm of rain each year.

The forest is best known for its amazing diversity of flora, with over 250 species of tree, and for its 13 varieties of primate. A key feature for tourists is the Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk, a suspended walkway that allows visitors to look down on the forest from a height of up to 70 metres PRIMATES.

There are thought to be 86 species of mammal in the park. Primates include the ow-faced, mona, blue, golden, red-tailed and vervet monkeys, as well as cheemangabey, black-and-white colobus (of which there are troops well over 400 strong), eastern needle-clawed galago, greater bushbaby, dwarf galago, olive baboon and chimpanzee, of which there are estimated to be over 1,000 living in the forest.

Nyungwe is also considered the best birding destination in Rwanda with over 320 bird species, of which at least 29 are unique to the montane forest environment of the Albertine Rift. In particular, birdwatchers.

Very popular among Rwandans as a weekend destination, Lake Kivu, shared by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is one of Africa’s truly great lakes, covering an area of some 2,700 sq km. Situated 1,460 metres above sea level, Lake Kivu has several claims to fame, both natural and man-made. Geographically, it is the world’s 15th-deepest lake, with a depth of 480 metres, while Idjwi, the island located in the center of the lake, is the world’s 10th-largest inland island.

There are three resort towns on the Rwandan side of the lake: Rubavu, Karongi and Rusizi. All three are ideal places for water-based activities such as swimming or kayaking. From Rubavu visitors can take boat trips to the nearby Islands or even across into Goma to visit Gishamwana Island and its coffee plantation.

Rubavu, on the north side of Lake Kivu, is the main centre for excursions into Volcanoes National Park. It also provides many opportunities for water sports, kayaking and boat trips on the lake.

The pretty lakeside town of Karongi is home to a wide variety of exotic birds and colorful plants. The former colonial resort looks over a memorable scene of volcanic islands with colorful fishing boats in the fore-ground. Boat trips can be arranged from Kibuye to Napoleon, famous for its fruit bats, and to Amahoro Island.

At the border town of Cyangugu, on the southern shores of the lake, close to the Democratic Republic of Congo, tourists can visit the exciting Kaboza and Nyenji grottoes and the thermal waters at Nyakabuye. Rugege Forest, located nearby, is home to many rare and exotic species of wildlife. There is a fascinating selection of birdlife around the lake, too, including pelicans, grey-crowned cranes and the small malachite kingfisher.

The lakeside towns are linked by a scenic road that winds through plantain fields and misty rainforests, with splendid views over the lake below.

The Congo Nile Trail offers the adventurous visitor a great way to experience Rwanda. It consists of 227 km (141 miles) of beautiful scenery, with rolling hills and crystal-clear water. The trail leads through the forests of Nyungwe National Park and along scenic dirt roads beside Lake Kivu. It goes from Rubavu, through Rutsiro and the districts of Karongi and Nyamasheke, ending in Rusizi District. The whole trek can be completed by hikers in 10 days. Visitors who don’t have time to cover the whole trail can choose to tackle a section of the route.The Congo Nile Trail can be covered by bike in five days. For an authentic Rwandan off-road adventure, the Congo Nile Trail experience is hard to beat.

Representing an outstanding example of traditional Rwandan architecture is the King’s Palace Museum at Rukari in Nyanza District. This reconstruction of the royal residence is a thatched and beautifully crafted dwelling shaped like a beehive. Nyanza was formerly the heart of Rwanda and the site of battles and power struggles.
In previous times, the royal court had moved between different locations. When it
eventually settled in one place, Nyanza was the obvious choice. The capital of the kingdom has up to 2,000 inhabitants who lived in huts built using the same methods as seen here.

Today, visitors can see long-horned Inyambo cattle, descended from the king’s herd, which are still reared and looked after in the vicinity of the palace. These elegant cows once played a key part in royal ceremonies in honour of the king. They were decorated with jewellery and trained to follow their trainer’s songs and movements. Rwanda ceased to be a monarchy in 1962 when it gained independence from colonial
rule. But the breeding of Inyambo cattle has continued under the Rwanda Agriculture.