The main attraction in Rwanda's mountainous southwest is Nyungwe Forest National Park. This is the largest montane forest left in Africa. Its 970 square kilometers include an incredible 13 species of primate, 75 total mammal species, 275 species of bird, 260 species of trees and shrubs, over 100 species of orchids and lobelias and 120 species of butterfly. The annual 2000+ mm of rain and a high altitude ranging from 1600m to 2950m provide a comfortable climate, and very green vegetation. The main attractions include Chimpanzees, 25 endemic birds such as the Blue Touraco, and 12 hiking trails.

The major towns are Butare, Cyangugu, and Kibuye. Butare is considered the intellectual center of the country as the location of the National University, an excellent National Museum and some very interesting architecture. Cyangugu borders Burundi on the southern shores of Lake Kivu. 50 km of the road between Butare and Cyangugu go directly through Nyungwe Forest. Further north on the lake is the sleepy town of Kibuye, a good place to produce those post-card style pictures of green peninsulas jutting into warm blue waters.