Nyungwe Forest National Park

Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park — a biodiversity hotspot in Rwanda known for chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, and rich rainforest experiences filled with primates and rare birds.

A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers

Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in the southwest of Rwanda, is one of the most remarkable tropical rainforests in Africa. This biodiversity hotspot is home to chimpanzees, monkeys, hundreds of bird species, and unique plant life. As one of the oldest and most biodiverse rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe offers an exceptional destination for eco-tourists, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Whether you're trekking through its pristine forest, birdwatching, or searching for primates, Nyungwe is a must-visit for anyone seeking to explore Rwanda’s rich natural beauty.

Why Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park?

✔ Primate Trekking – Meet the Chimpanzees and More

Nyungwe Forest is famous for its primate population, with 13 species of primates, including the famous chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and golden monkeys. Visitors can embark on exciting primate treks and come face-to-face with these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Chimpanzee Trekking: Nyungwe is one of the best places in Africa to trek for chimpanzees. The park offers half-day or full-day treks, during which visitors can observe chimpanzee families interacting in their lush forest environment. The treks are led by expert guides, providing insights into the social structure and behavior of these endangered primates.
Colobus Monkeys: Nyungwe is particularly known for its white-cheeked colobus monkeys, which are often seen swinging through the forest canopy. These striking monkeys are a highlight for visitors to the park.
Golden Monkeys: The park is also home to the golden monkeys, another endangered species found in the bamboo forests of Nyungwe.

✔ Rich Biodiversity – A True Nature Lover’s Paradise

Nyungwe Forest is not only a destination for primates but also a treasure trove of plant and animal life. The park’s diverse ecosystems – from tropical rainforest to bamboo forests and alpine meadows – make it one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions.

Flora: The forest is home to over 1,000 plant species, including rare orchids and medicinal plants, some of which are unique to this region.
Fauna: Apart from primates, Nyungwe hosts other fascinating wildlife, including forest elephants, duikers, buffaloes, and a variety of small mammals.
Birdlife: Nyungwe is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 310 bird species recorded, including endemic species like the Rwanda Mountain Babbler and the Great Blue Turaco. Birdwatching is an exciting activity in Nyungwe, with visitors frequently spotting rare and migratory species.

✔ Scenic Trails – Discover the Forest’s Beauty on Foot

The park boasts a variety of scenic hiking trails, ranging from short walks to more challenging hikes. These trails offer an immersive experience in the forest, allowing you to explore the park’s lush vegetation and enjoy its breathtaking views.

Canopy Walk: One of the most unique experiences in Nyungwe is the canopy walk—an exhilarating 200-meter long bridge suspended high above the forest floor. From the walkway, you can admire the stunning views of the forest canopy and spot birds and monkeys.
Waterfall Trail: A short and scenic hike that takes you to the park’s beautiful waterfalls. This trail is perfect for those who want to experience the tranquility of Nyungwe’s surroundings while enjoying its lush vegetation.
Nyungwe Forest Trails: Other trails lead you deep into the heart of the forest, allowing you to discover its flora, fauna, and wildlife, including duikers and baboons.

Top Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park
How to Get to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Best Time to Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park
Where to Stay – Lodges & Camps in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Top Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking – Meet Rwanda’s Most Famous Primate

Trekking through Nyungwe Forest in search of the park’s chimpanzee families is an unforgettable experience. The chimpanzee trekking permits are limited, so it’s important to book in advance. Guided by experienced rangers, the trek takes you through the dense forest and offers a chance to see these intelligent and social creatures up close. Depending on the season, the trek can take a few hours or an entire day, but the experience is well worth it.

Best time for trekking: Chimpanzee trekking is most rewarding during the dry season (June to September), when trekking conditions are better.

Birdwatching – Explore Rwanda’s Birdwatching Heaven

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just enjoy watching birds, the park offers great opportunities for spotting a wide range of species. From forest turacos and hornbills to sunbirds and the endemic Rwanda Mountain Babbler, the park is home to a rich and diverse bird population.

Guided birdwatching tours: Experienced birding guides can help you spot the rarest birds in Nyungwe. Guided tours focus on the park’s rich avifauna, including the seasonal migratory species.

Hiking Trails – Explore the Forest on Foot

Nyungwe Forest offers a variety of well-marked hiking trails for all levels. Whether you prefer a short nature walk or a challenging multi-day trek, there’s a trail for every type of adventurer.

Best hikes: The Waterfall Trail offers stunning views of the park's beautiful waterfalls, while the Canopy Walk gives you a bird’s eye view of the forest and is perfect for photographers and nature lovers.

Longer treks: For those wanting more adventure, the park offers longer treks through the forest, such as the Ngabwe Trail and the Bamboo Trail.

Tea Tour – Visit Nyungwe’s Tea Plantations

Nyungwe Forest is not only known for its biodiversity but also for its tea plantations. The surrounding areas of the park are home to lush tea fields, and you can visit local tea farms to see how tea is grown and processed. A tea tour gives you insight into Rwanda’s important tea industry and provides a perfect way to experience the local culture.

Cultural Experiences

Visit the nearby local villages and experience the culture of the people who live around Nyungwe Forest. You can learn about traditional Rwandan crafts, customs, and way of life, and even try your hand at local activities like pottery making and basket weaving.

How to Get to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Best Time to Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park

Where to Stay – Lodges & Camps in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Book Your Nyungwe Forest Safari Today

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a destination for those who seek adventure, tranquility, and a deeper connection with nature. From chimpanzee trekking and birdwatching to hiking through lush rainforests, Nyungwe offers a unique experience for every traveler. Contact us today to book your Nyungwe adventure and explore one of Rwanda’s most beautiful and biodiverse natural treasures.

Combine Nyungwe Forest with Other Rwandan Destinations

Nyungwe is often combined with other incredible destinations in Rwanda:

Volcanoes National Park – For gorilla trekking in the Virunga mountains.
Akagera National Park – For a classic safari experience with the Big Five.
Lake Kivu – For lakeside relaxation, cultural visits, and water activities.

Experience With us

Whether you are on a trip at this time or choose to travel with us in the future, with our flexible travel policy, thorough guidance, local expertise, and unwavering support, leave your worries behind – you will always be in safe hands. We care so that you can travel carefree.