Cyamudongo Forest

Cyamudongo Forest is a small, isolated remnant of montane rainforest in southwestern Rwanda. Although only about 19 square kilometers in size, it possesses remarkable biological diversity. It was separated from the larger Nyungwe Forest by deforestation but is now managed as part of Nyungwe National Park. The forest is particularly famous for a small, habituated group of chimpanzees that resides here, which are often easier to track than those in the main Nyungwe Forest. Besides chimpanzees, the forest is also home to other primates, numerous bird species, and a rich flora. The conservation of this forest fragment is crucial for protecting local biodiversity and provides an important source of income through tourism.

Nearby cities

Nyagatare

The largest urban center in the northeast, characterized by cattle ranching on vast, flat savannas.

Rwamagana

The capital of the Eastern Province is characterized by a large industrial area and new solar power plants.

Ngoma

An important educational and commercial center near the Tanzanian border, surrounded by extensive banana plantations.

Kayonza

A major transport hub where the main roads to Tanzania and Uganda divide.

Nyamata

The main settlement of the Bugesera district, where a new international airport for Rwanda is being built.

Rilima

Known for its large hospital specializing in bone surgery, in the midst of the flat landscape of Bugesera.

Gashora

This town located on Lake Mirayi is home to an exclusive girls' academy that trains young African leaders.

Murambi

An agricultural stronghold in the east, whose name, although carrying a sad history, now symbolizes recovery.

Gatsibo

A rapidly growing rural settlement in the Eastern Province, where modern livestock farming dominates the economy.

History & landmarks

Our Lady of Kibeho Sanctuary

A major Catholic pilgrimage site in southern Rwanda where Marian apparitions in the 1980s were officially recognized by the Vatican.

Murambi Genocide Memorial

A former technical school in southern Rwanda that became a harrowing memorial for the thousands of Tutsi massacred there in 1994.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Wisdom Butare

An impressive brick cathedral and the main religious building in Butare (Huye), the historic academic capital of Rwanda.

Ethnographic Museum

An important museum in Butare (Huye) housing one of the best ethnological collections in Central Africa on traditional Rwandan culture.

King's Palace Museum Nyanza

A detailed reconstruction of the traditional royal residence in Nyanza, offering insights into the pre-colonial Rwandan monarchy.

Nyanza Christ the King Parish

A historically significant church in Nyanza closely associated with the history of the Rwandan royal family and the Christianization of t…

Nature

Bugarama Hot Springs

Natural hot springs in the southwestern region of Rwanda.

More places

Nyungwe Canopy

The dense canopy of the Nyungwe forest, a distinct relief feature.

Nyungwe Forest

One of Africa's oldest rainforest areas, known for its biodiversity and chimpanzees.

Nyungwe Rainforest

One of the oldest rainforests in Africa with immense biodiversity.

Nyungwe Monkey Habitat

A protected habitat in Nyungwe Rainforest for various monkey species.

Congo-Nile Divide

A mountainous ridge that separates the Congo and Nile watersheds.

Rukarara River Source

A historically significant site identified by early explorers as the possible southernmost source of the Nile.

Kibeho Sanctuary

The first officially recognized Marian apparition site in Africa, which gained historical significance in the 1980s.

Murambi Genocide Memorial

Former technical school that became a significant memorial site for the victims of the genocide.