rwanda

Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

Quick Facts

Best Time to Visit: June–September and December–February (dry seasons). Chimpanzees easier to track in dry months.
Country: rwanda

Highlights

Africa's oldest and largest montane rainforest
Chimpanzee trekking with habituated communities
East Africa's only canopy walk (160m suspended walkway, 70m above forest floor)
13 primate species including black-and-white colobus monkeys
1,068 plant species, 322 bird species, 75 mammal species

Wildlife

ChimpanzeesEastern black-and-white colobusAngolan colobusGrey-cheeked mangabeyL'Hoest's monkeyOwl-faced monkeyOlive baboons322 bird species including 29 Albertine Rift endemics

Nyungwe Forest is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, blanketing the high country of southwestern Rwanda with 1,019 km2 of montane and bamboo forest. It is one of the most biodiverse places on the continent, with 13 species of primates (more than anywhere else in East Africa), 322 bird species, and over 1,000 species of plants.

What to do

Chimpanzee trekking is the headline experience. Two communities have been habituated for tourism: one near Cyamudongo Forest (a 1-hour drive from the main lodges) and one near Uwinka. Treks start at dawn and can last 1-8 hours depending on chimp movement. Sightings rate is roughly 80% and the experience is more wild and unpredictable than gorilla trekking, chimps move faster, higher in the canopy, and over longer distances.

The canopy walk is East Africa’s only one. A 160-meter suspended bridge runs 70 meters above the forest floor, accessed via the Igishigishigi Trail. The walk takes about an hour total. Stunning views into the upper canopy and a chance to see colobus monkeys at eye level.

Colobus monkey tracking is offered for travelers who want a guaranteed monkey encounter without the difficulty of a chimp trek. Nyungwe’s colobus troops can number 300-400 individuals, the largest such groups in Africa.

Birdwatching with specialist guides is exceptional. The forest harbors 29 Albertine Rift endemics including the Rwenzori turaco, regal sunbird, and Albertine owlet.

Forest hikes along well-marked trails (the Imbaraga Trail and Muzimu Trail among others) connect waterfalls, viewpoints, and primate habitats. Treks range from 2 hours to a full-day Bigugu Mountain summit.

How to get there

Nyungwe is roughly 5-6 hours from Kigali by road (210 km), best accessed via Huye/Butare. Direct flights from Kigali to Kamembe Airport are also available, which is then 1.5 hours from the park headquarters.

Accommodation

One&Only Nyungwe House (ultra-luxury) sits on the edge of the forest with views over the tea plantations. Nyungwe Top View Hotel (luxury) and Munazi Eco Lodge (luxury eco-lodge) are nearby. Nyungwe Forest Lodge is also a respected mid-range option.