Butterfly species to see in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Butterfly species to see in Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in the southwestern region of Rwanda and is one of the oldest tropical rainforests in Africa, covering an area of approximately 1,019 square kilometers. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, which includes various plant species, such as orchids; numerous primate, mammal, bird, and tree species; and an array of butterfly species. The diverse ecosystems within the park, including wetlands, waterfalls, grasslands, and woodlands that support this remarkable wildlife.
Nyungwe Forest is home to over 120 butterfly species, including 21 endemic to the Albertine Rift and 40 species unique to Nyungwe itself. Some of the most notable butterflies in the park are Acraea turlini and Papilio leucotaenia. These butterflies are among the most visually striking invertebrates found in Nyungwe Forest. For butterfly enthusiasts, Nyungwe offers the best opportunities for butterfly walks in Rwanda, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of these insects as they flutter through the forest.
The park features several walking trails that provide excellent opportunities for observing these colorful butterflies. The Kamiranzovu Trail, known for its abundance of orchids, attracts countless butterflies, while the Canopy Walk Trail offers a stunning vantage point to view various butterfly species.
Butterfly species to see in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe Forest is home to a diverse array of butterfly species that can be observed during a butterfly safari which offers butterfly enthusiasts a chance to see many butterflies. The blooming orchids in the park attract countless species, including Sudan Copper White, Brown-Veined White, Fragile Buff, Livid Ciliate Blue, Leaden Ciliate Blue, Long-Tailed Admiral, Tiny Acraea, Orange Acraea, Wandering Donkey, Natal Acraea, Elegant Acraea, Regal Swallowtail, Constantine’s Swallowtail, Eastern Dotted Border, Giant Cupids, Small Copper, Pale Ranger, Black and Orange, Grand Skipper the Gaudy Commodore, Forest Commodore, , Leopard Fritillary, White-Banded Swift, Soldier Commodore, Common Grass Yellow, Angled Grass Yellow, Eared Commodore, Beautiful Tiger, Blue Pied Pierrot, Palm Tree Nightfighter, African Albatross, Green-Banded Swallowtail, Silver Striped Charaxes, Meadow White, African Queen, Red Glider, Topaz Arab, African Clouded Yellow, Common Green Charaxes, Green-Veined Charaxes, Common Bush Blue, Grizzled Bush Brown, Dantate Bush Brown, Dancing Acraea, Black-Winged Acraea, Macken’s Skipper, and many more. These species contribute to the beauty of the forest.
Best Time to Visit Nyungwe Forest.
Nyungwe forest can be visited throughout the year however the best time to see butterfly species is during the wet season, when the orchids and plant species are blooming which attract countless butterflies. You should be prepared that during this season, the trails are slippery and muddy.
