Nyungwe Forest is an expansive montane rainforest that extends to approximately 1000 square Kilometers into Southwestern region of Rwanda, on the border with Burundi. In the north of the forest is Lake Kivu while in the West is Democratic Republic of Congo. The forest is arguably the largest rainforest in East Africa. The rainforest marks the center of the Albertine rift which extends into DR. Congo through the Virunga massif and Uganda through the Rwenzori mountains.
The forest was designated as a reserve in 1933 by the Belgian colonial government and later got gazetted in 2005 as a national park, to give it the highest level of protection against encroachers and poachers who had led to an extinction of some of its major game like buffaloes and elephants.
The rich plant life here varies from over 200 tree species of rainforest, ferns. Orchids, bamboo, grass land swamps, marshes, and fogs, depending on altitude. The forest’s animal life boasts of 13 primate species among which are chimpanzees, the colobus monkey, and the L’Hoest’s which is endemic to the Albertine rift. Colobus monkey trekking in the Nyungwe Forest.
The colobus monkey is ancient primate specie, endemic to the Albertine rift especially the high-altitude rainforest. It is divided into 8 sub species which include the black and white colobus, the Angolan colobus, the golden colobus, among others. Some of the species are critically endangered and face threats of extinction. The biggest threat to them today is habitat loss due to human activity that encroaches on their natural habitat.
The major and common colobus species in Nyungwe forest is the black and white colobus, which is distinguishable from the Angolan colobus by its u, shaped extensive white fur that runs from the shoulders to the rare end while the Angolan colobus’s white fur runs only up to the shoulders. The colobus monkey is such a beautiful creature that it was hunted for its fur more than its meat until rigorous concerted effort was adopted to prevent it from getting extinct.
L’Hoest’s trekking experience.
Trailing the colobus monkey is a 2-3 hour thrilling activity through tea plantations up into the thick forest; however, the trail barely ventures deep into the forest. The monkeys are rarely on the ground as they spend much of their time in the trees foraging on leaves fruits and flowers. They feed greedily and shabbily, which is effective inspreading fruit seeds. They also spread seeds through their digestive system which aides to maintain the rainforest floral diversity. Groups are generally large in numbers, some as many as 400 individuals living in harmony.
The sheer number of the black and white hairy primate is staggering, to say the list. There is absolute natural satisfaction in watching the monkeys swarm an area of forest, chatting away, munching away at fruits while others play and groom. Observing their feeding behavior, agility, and socialization is a marvelous moment of wildlife.
The cost of trekking colobus monkeys.
This is an early morning trek restricted to only 8 people per hour for 60 USD per foreign non-resident, while foreign residents pay USD 40 and Rwandan citizens pay RWF 5000. Photographers part with 600 USD for a full day of photography with the gentle monkeys. The trekking permit is valid for a full day however, the most opportune time to trek the monkeys is during the morning hours.
Nyungwe Forest has two groups fully habituated and are therefore available for trekking with minimal risk to visitors.
The Uwinka super group,
This group is located in the Uwinka region, near the Visitors center and park lodges. The group, which has over 500 individuals, is the largest group in the forest, however trekking it is quite strenuous as the group travels widely, to conquer new territories in such for food.
This group has one trekking schedule due to the difficulty in locating it. However, it offers a more exciting experience for a dedicated primatologist.
The Gisakura Group.
This is a smaller group, which is made of 60 individuals. It resides in Gisakura region on the edge of Nyungwe forest. It is much easier to trek as barely travels deep into the forest. Given its accessibility, it has four trekking schedules at 8am, 10am, 1pm, and 3pm.
The best time for trekking colobus monkeys in Rwanda.
Drier seasons between December to February and June to September are the most opportune time for colobus monkey trekking, as the trails are generally dry.
Essential items to carry.
Hiking shoes
Rain coat
Insect repellant
Sunscreen
A camera with sufficient batteries.
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