Nyungwe The Furthest Source Of The Nile
Nestled within Rwanda’s dense rainforest lies a treasure that is the furthest source of the Nile river. Nyungwe national park offers a unique twist on safari adventure, a chance to stand at the very birthplace of the majestic Nile, deep within one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
Nyungwe national park, covering approximately 1,019 square kilometres is not only Africa’s largest protected mountain rainforest but also one of the most ecologically significant areas on the continent. This pristine Afromontane wonderland is a key highlight for anyone planning an african vacation safari which goes beyond the typical savanna experience. Nyungwe national park functions as an important watershed for the region, rainfall collected on the forests eastern slopes feeds directly into the river Nile while waters from its western slopes flow into the vast Congo river basin.
The national park teems with life boasting over 1,100 plant species, more than 300 bird species and at least 85 mammal species including 13 primate species. From the elusive owl faced monkey to the lively chimpanzee troops, nyungwe offers an unmatched opportunity to experience a diff
erent kind of african safari, one where lush green canopies, exotic orchids and the calls of rare birds dominate the experience.
DISCOVER THE FURTHEST NILE SOURCE
For long debates have been on going about the true source of the Nile river, though its originally credited to Lake Victoria. However, new ideologies have come up indicating that Rukarara river located inside the hills of nyungwe forest national park in the south part of Rwanda is the furthest source of the Nile. The discovery of the source of river Nile has made nyungwe national park an iconic safari destination for tourists looking for an african vacation safari.
The explorer Richard kandt was dissatisfied with john Hanning Speke’s discovery about the source of the Nile and he took it upon himself to explore more about the furthest source of the Nile. When he reached at the source of river Nile that’s Lake Victoria, he questioned himself about where does the Lake Victoria get its waters from? After, he discovered the akagera river which poured its waters in the lake. He followed the river until he reached in nyungwe forest national park which is in the north of the park.
Within the forest there were rivers that flowed westward of the park and formed the Congo basin and others eastwards of the park to form the Nile river and these were Mbirurume, mwogo, base and Rukarara. Among the main streams which supply mwogo river is the Rukarara river which originates from nyungwe flows southwards of the park and powers into Mwogo river. Mwogo river flows and combines together with Mbirurume in the south of Bwakira and these emerge to form river Nyabarongo.
The Rukarara river starts its flow at an elevation of 2,428 meters above sea level and it meanders through the kamiranzovu swamp before feeding its tributaries which join Lake Victoria. Its from there that the river starts a 6,650 kilometre journey to the north moving into different countries until it pours into the Mediterranean Sea. A visit to the Rukarara’s source while on an african vacation safari within nyungwe national park is an amazing experience like no other. The river is surrounded by the rare orchids and mahogany trees, primates like the colobus monkeys and L’hoests monkey thus making the journey to the source an important section of the rainforest african safari experience. The Rukarara river provides an education experience to tourists while on their african vacation safari.
THE SOURCE OF THE NILE TRAIL.
The trail in nyungwe is more than a hike its an experience that combines history, nature as well as adventure that adds on an african vacation safari. This 0.97 kilometre trail is short but it takes you on a journey that’s rich in geographical importance and scenic beauty thus making it a must experience for tourists exploring Rwanda.
The trail was named Congo Nile divide due to the fact that tourists pass through the mountains that divide the rivers that form the Congo basin and those from river Nile. It takes 3 days from Uwinka reception centre to the north of the park at Gisovu. The trek can as well take 1.5hours with an elevation of 2,272 meters to 2,442 meters above sea level thus giving an amazing view of the dense rainforest that defines Nyungwe forest national park.
The trail can as well start from Gisakura visitors centre with the help of skilled rangers who brief you about the trail and its amazing history. Then you gradually ascend towards the legendary Congo Nile divide which is the natural ridge that separates the waters flowing west towards the Congo river basin and east towards the Nile basin. The geographical wonder is the reason enough to add the experience to your african safari. On reaching the sign that marks the boundary of the Nile basin, a sense of awe sets in knowing that you are standing at the start of a journey that spans over 6,650 kilometres ultimately emptying into the mediterranean sea. With the help of the guide, you will continue to the scenic views and spots where the waters initially mark the furthest source of the Nile.
The climate is peaceful and almost spiritual hence providing a relationship between history and nature. The reasons as to why this trail is unique is that it mixes the exploration with the ecological immersion. As tourists continue hiking, you may have the opportunity to spot the flora and fauna of the park, butterflies, rare orchids and primates such as blue monkeys, chimpanzees and L’hoests monkeys moving through the canopy. However, the trek requires you to be fully equipped with camping gears and enough water. The mixture of wildlife and natural wonder intensifies the true meaning of being on an african vacation safari.
The best time to visit nyungwe forest national park
Tourists on an african vacation safari should plan their african vacation safari visit strategically and they should know what the national park really offers. The national park is fully accessible throughout the year but the dry season is the best for hiking and trekking conditions. This is in the months of December to February and June to September. These months are favourable for tracking primates since the trails are not slippery and visibility within the forest is much better.
Therefore, nyungwe national park is not just a destination, its an adventure that connects experience, conservation and education. This starts from discovering the source of the Nile to traversing its flora and fauna thus proving what an african safari can be within nyungwe forest national park.