If there are places never to be missed on your bucket list for safaris in Rwanda, then the Cyamudongo Forest is one of such places. Cyamudongo forest is a small relict forest situated in the extreme south-west of Rwanda, near Nyakabuye Town and the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo border. Originally, the forest was part of the Nyungwe Forest to its East but its vegetation is different (thicker with fewer clearings).
This is an isolated area annexed from the Nyungwe national park but it remains part of the park. The vegetation much more dense with few clearings than those in Nyungwe national park. Cyamundongo covers an area of 4 square kilometres and is situated between Gisakura and Rusizi, close to the town of Nyukabuye, 20km from Bugarama.
Several primates inhabit the forest including Dent’s Mona monkey, L’Hoest monkey and a troop of more than 25 chimpanzees montane forest. The forest still shelters a few rare species that are not to be found in Nyungwe National park, such as a new purple orchid polystachia Bruechertiae, which was discovered in 2008.
This small forest is characterized by Newtonia Buchananii, Chrysophyllum Gorungosanum, Leptonychia melanocarpa and Alangium chinense among others. Most importantly, the Forest is a home to a number of primates including the common Chimpanzees, the L’Hoest’s monkeys, the Vervet monkeys, Mona monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys as well as several butterflies, bird and other wildlife species.
As earlier mentioned, Cyamudongo Forest is a haven to several bird species and interestingly, it is the only place in Rwanda that shelters the Red-thighed Sparrow hawks in addition to bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift Forests such as the Ross’ Turaco and the Kungwe Apalis among others. It should not be ignored that the Forest holds over 4 species of the Guinea-Congo Forest biome bird species, 8 of the 25 bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift Mountains as well as 33 species of the total 74 bird species of the Afro-tropical highlands biomes that are found within Rwanda. Other notable bird species to look out for in this forest include the Dwarf Honeyguide and the white-tailed crested flycatcher among others.
Interesting Activities Conducted within Cyamudongo Forest
Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking is the main and most interesting tourist activity to enjoy within this small forest. Unlike the Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park that are difficult to spot, the residents of this forest are easier to find, the fact that the forest is smaller in size. Chimpanzee tracking within this forest starts in the morning after a pre-tracking briefing by you rangers and guides at the ranger posts where you will then proceed into the jungles in search of the Chimpanzee community. While hiking, you will transverse through the dense gorges before meeting them. Besides the Chimpanzees that you will be tracking, you will be able to encounter other primates such as the Mona monkeys, Vervet monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys among others.
Nature walks
This activity allows tourists to see numerous wildlife species including primates such as the Mona monkeys, Vervet monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys, tree and butterfly species found within Cyamudongo Forest. You can enjoy nature walks within the jungles and you will have the best excitement of a lifetime. Nature walks within Cyamudongo Forest also lead tourists to the verdant tea plantations.
Bird watching
Cyamudongo forest holds the only Rwanda record of Red-thighed Sparrowhawk along with many species typical of the Albertine Rift forests, including Kungwe Apalis and Ross’s Turaco. The forest has four species of the Guinea-Congo Forests biome, 8 of the 24 species of the Albertine Rift Mountains Endemic Bird Area and 33 of the 74 species of Afrotropical Highlands biome that occur in Rwanda.
With all the fascinating bird species within the forest, birding is undeniably one of the must-do activities for every tourist who visits the destination. You will encounter exceptional birds such as the Dwarf Honeyguide, the Ross’ Turaco, the Red-thighed Sparrow hawks, the white-tailed crested flycatcher, the Kungwe Apalis and many others.
Among other wildlife include the globally threatened Common Chimpanzee (man’s closest relative), a high density of butterfly species and much more.
Cultural encounters
Besides the nature within the forest, tourists who visit this Forest can also explore the Batwa local communities. These people are natives of the forest and depended on it for survival including herbal medicine, food (bush meat, fruits), building materials/shelter and firewood before being displaced from the forest. Even with the adoption of modern lifestyles, the Batwa still maintain their authentic culture which you can only enjoy when you visit them. The visit to the Batwa community is not only educative but also entertaining because you will explore their exhilarating cultural dances. Besides Cyamudongo Forest, you can enjoy the Batwa experience from other places such as the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Ituri Forest and Mgahinga National Park.
In conclusion, Cyamudongo Forest is a wonderful destination with numerous wildlife and bird species and fascinating activities such as chimpanzee tracking, nature walks, birding and cultural encounters.