I remember it like it was yesterday. This was going to be my very first trip out of my country to one whose only reference had been the tragic events of the 1994 genocide that swept the nation and put it on the map of the international community.

I did not think much on what lay ahead perhaps because I was just beginning life after school and the prospects for a successful venture that lay ahead were promising.

After 24 hours on a bus bound for Rwanda we got to this somewhat small city (730 sqkm), Kigali. It was hard to believe at first that a ‘Capital City’ could be this small. I guess this should not be much of a surprise though given that the entire country is only about 26,330km2.  This is by far the cleanest city I have been to in all my travels. The broad immaculately paved roads are lined with flowerbeds. The streets are spotlessly clean. There is not a speck of litter to be seen. Yet Kigali remains a quintessentially African city, with its colorful costumes, music, vibrant markets and busy storefronts everywhere.

Nothing had prepared me for what lay ahead, however. It would take another 6 hours journey through the winding roads of Rwanda on a cold and rainy afternoon to get to our desired destination – Nyungwe in the South Western region of Rwanda. I had heard of the term “Land of a Thousand Hills” before I ever arrived in the country and it didn’t take long to truly understand the meaning behind this expression.

Along the way, we passed countless villages and farms growing produce of all kind, livestock and waving children everywhere. Verdant tea plantations drape over the hilly countryside. Everything is green and growing. Spurred by intelligent conservation planning.

The trip even though Long was worthwhile in the end. This region would be my home for the following few years and while I was here I explored what this region has to offer:

Nyungwe National Park

One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift.

With 15 trails along with various other activities, visitors can choose to sample the delights of the forest or indulge themselves for a week or more in one of Africa’s most stunning forests.

Primate tracking tops most visitor’s list, but it’s worth lingering a little longer for those with time to relax and take in the primal atmosphere. These primates include: Chimpanzees, Angolan Colobus Monkeys, L’hoest, Owl faced monkeys, Golden Monkeys, Red tailed monkeys,  Crowned monkeys, Dent’s Mona Monkey, Velvet Monkey, Olive Baboon, Grey Checked Mangabees.

I have to say My Favorite of them all is the L’hoest Monkey also known as the mountain monkey. Something about their endearing faces captured my heart.

Botanists will marvel at the 1,068 plant species and 140 orchids. The birdwatching is among the best in Africa with 322 birds species including Red-collared Babbler and 29 other Albertine Rift Endemic species. Butterflies are also a common sight, with at least 120 species.

There are 75 known mammals in Nyungwe, such as the cerval cat, mongoose, congo clawless otter and leopard to name but a few. Many tend to be shy so sightings are luck of the draw.

Memorable and photogenic moments include walking up to the Isumo waterfall or along the Canopy Walk suspension bridge. Tea plantations border the edges of the park, with a habituated troop of Ruwenzori colobus monkeys at Gisakura as well as forest fringe birds.

With plenty of rainfall, Nyungwe is also the major catchment area in Rwanda, and supplies water to 70% of the country.

A ridge running through the forest forms a watershed between the drainage systems of the Nile and the Congo. A spring on the slopes of Mt Bigugu is said to be the most remote source of the Nile, the world’s longest river.

Whether you are looking to go on long picturesque nature walks as you feel the brisk forest air fill your lungs, visit primates, relish the rich birdlife or simply lodge between the forest and the rolling tea fields, Nyungwe National Park is the place to be. And you do not need to be concerned about the long hours of driving. If you prefer to fly, Rwandair offers 40 Minutes flight to Kamembe. From this Airport, it will only take you about an hour and a half to get to the National park.

Murakaza Neza!