Hidden in the heart of East Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. A lush, untouched haven, it teems with wildlife and offers immersive jungle experiences like no other.
Home to over 1,000 plant species, 13 primate species, 275 bird species, 75 mammal species, and 120 types of butterflies, Nyungwe is a biodiversity hotspot and a paradise for eco-tourism enthusiasts.
Chimpanzee Tracking & Primate Encounters
A highlight of any visit is chimpanzee trekking. Nyungwe hosts large, social chimp communities—up to 100 individuals—offering unforgettable encounters. You’ll also find troops of Colobus monkeys, with some groups reaching up to 300 members, and other rare primates like L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, vervet monkeys, and owl-faced monkeys.
Diverse Wildlife & Birding Experiences
Beyond primates, Nyungwe shelters elusive wildlife such as serval cats, leopards, mongooses, and otters. Birdwatchers can look out for the Rwenzori Turaco, African crowned eagle, sunbirds, hornbills, and the rare red-collared babbler, making the park one of the best birding spots in East Africa.
Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walkway
Experience the forest from above on the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway—East Africa’s first. Suspended 70 meters high and stretching 160 meters long, this thrilling treetop walk offers panoramic views and a chance to spot wildlife from an elevated vantage point.
Scenic Hiking Trails
Nyungwe is a hiker’s paradise with a network of scenic trails. Choose from six color-coded routes, from the easy 2 km Buhoro Trail to the more challenging 10 km Imbaraga Trail, each winding through lush forest landscapes.
Being near the equator, the park’s temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year. But because of its elevation, the climate is on the cool side. Look for daytime highs of 20°c/68°f, with cooler temperatures at night of about 11°c/51°F.
Nyungwe Forest is in southwestern Rwanda, approximately 225 km (139 mi) from the capital of Kigali.
The park is open from 6 am to 4 pm.
Though not as big as gorillas, but every bit as fascinating, no trip to Nyungwe is complete without a guided journey to find our playful genetic cousin, the chimpanzee. The journey can take several hours but the trek through this beautiful park is worth it. You’ll come across one of two habituated groups that will comprise from 40 to over 60 individuals. And then you’ll have a leisurely hour at the site to enjoy, learn and soak up this very special African safari experience.
Similar to the black and white colobus, the Angolan colobus monkeys inhabiting the park form giant troops of 500 individuals. Coming upon the scene of hundreds of monkeys swinging all about is an exciting and unforgettable moment. Usually, your guide will locate a group colobus within an hour of starting your trek.
One of the first such walkways in Africa, don’t miss this special aerial walk through the forest canopy as part of your safari experience. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view and a monkey’s perspective of the lush biosphere all about and especially below.
With over 300 species, the park is famous for its fabulous birdlife. Look for hornbills, mountain buzzards, turacos, eagles, and the purple-breasted sunbird.
The park features a well-maintained series of color-coded trails. All walks are with a guide and included in the trek fee. They originate at the Uwinka Reception Centre.
Not as busy as the other trails but surely worth your time, explore the very lush forest on your way to a beautiful and secluded waterfall.