Welcome to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Located in southwestern Rwanda, this park protects over 1,000 square kilometers of montane forest. The park is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and large troops of Angolan colobus monkeys. The canopy walkway, suspended 70 meters above the forest floor, is a highlight of any visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Bwindi Primate Safaris offers chimpanzee trekking permits and tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park is easily combined with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For travelers who want a complete primate experience in Rwanda, Nyungwe is essential.
Nyungwe Forest National Park has survived for thousands of years without major disturbance. The forest is incredibly diverse. Over 1,000 plant species have been recorded here, including giant tree ferns, orchids, and ancient hardwoods. The forest canopy is dense, blocking much of the sunlight. The ground is covered in moss, ferns, and fallen leaves. Walking through Nyungwe Forest National Park feels like entering a different world.
The altitude in Nyungwe Forest National Park ranges from 1,600 to 2,950 meters above sea level. The higher elevations are cooler and covered in bamboo. The lower elevations are warmer and dominated by hardwood forest. This altitude variation creates different habitats, which support different species. Bird watchers especially appreciate Nyungwe, with over 300 bird species recorded.
The most famous attraction in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the canopy walkway. This suspended bridge hangs 70 meters above the forest floor. It is 90 meters long and connects two high points in the forest canopy. Walking across the bridge gives you a bird’s eye view of the forest. You look down on the treetops. You see monkeys moving through the branches below you. You hear birds calling from all directions.
The canopy walkway in Nyungwe Forest National Park is not for those afraid of heights. The bridge moves slightly as you walk. The gaps between the planks allow you to see the forest floor far below. But the views are spectacular. On a clear day, you can see Lake Kivu in the distance. The walkway is accessible to anyone with moderate fitness. Your guide walks with you, pointing out birds and monkeys below.
The canopy walkway tour takes approximately two hours, including the walk to and from the bridge. Morning is the best time for the walkway, when the light is golden and the birds are most active.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking. The park protects a healthy population of chimpanzees, with several communities habituated to human presence. Chimpanzee trekking here is different from Kibale National Park in Uganda. The forest is more mountainous, and the treks are steeper. But the chimpanzees are wild and fascinating to watch.
A chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe Forest National Park begins early in the morning. Trackers enter the forest before dawn to locate the chimpanzees. Once they find them, you are guided to the location. The trek can take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on how far the chimps have moved. When you find them, you spend one hour watching them feed, play, groom, and communicate with their complex calls.
Chimpanzees share 98 percent of their DNA with humans. Watching them is like watching a mirror of our own behavior. A mother chimp carries her baby on her back. Adolescent chimps chase each other through the trees. Dominant males display their strength by charging through the undergrowth. Every moment is fascinating. Permits for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park are limited each day. Book your chimpanzee trekking tour with Bwindi Primate Safaris to secure your permit.
In addition to chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest National Park is famous for its large troops of Angolan colobus monkeys. These black-and-white monkeys live in troops of up to 300 individuals, one of the largest troop sizes in Africa. Colobus monkey tracking is easier than chimpanzee trekking because the monkeys are more visible and less mobile.
A colobus monkey trek in Nyungwe Forest National Park takes two to three hours. You walk through the forest with a guide who knows where the troops are likely to be. When you find them, you watch them leap between trees, their long white tails streaming behind them. The contrast between their black bodies and white fur makes them easy to photograph.
For bird watchers, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a paradise. Over 300 bird species have been recorded here, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics. These are birds found nowhere else on earth. The most sought-after species include the red-collared babbler, the Rwenzori turaco, the Albertine owlet, and the handsome francolin.
The best time for bird watching in Nyungwe Forest National Park is early morning, when the birds are most active. A guided bird walk along the forest trails will reward you with dozens of species. The canopy walkway also offers excellent bird viewing from above the trees. For dedicated bird watchers, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Nyungwe Forest National Park has an extensive network of hiking trails. The most popular is the waterfall trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall hidden deep in the forest. The hike takes three to four hours round trip. The trail passes through bamboo forest, then hardwood forest, and finally reaches the waterfall. The water falls from a height of 50 meters into a pool below. You can swim in the pool if you wish, though the water is cold.
Other trails in Nyungwe Forest National Park include the Igishigishigi trail, which leads to the canopy walkway, and the Kamiranzovu trail, which leads to a swamp in the crater of an extinct volcano. A guide is required for all hikes in the park. Your Bwindi Primate Safaris guide will help you choose the best trail based on your interests and fitness level.
The best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are less muddy and hiking is easier. The canopy walkway is less slippery. Chimpanzee trekking is more comfortable.
The wet season from March to May and October to November has advantages too. The forest is greener and the flowers are blooming. Bird watching is at its best because migratory birds are present. Lodges offer lower rates. However, the trails become very muddy and slippery. Rain is frequent, though it usually comes in short, heavy bursts followed by sunshine.
Accommodation near Nyungwe Forest National Park suits every budget. For luxury travelers, One&Only Nyungwe House offers beautiful cottages on a working tea plantation. The views over the forest are spectacular. For mid-range travelers, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel and Nyungwe Forest Lodge offer comfortable rooms and good food. For budget travelers, Gisakura Guest House and Nyungwe Eco Lodge provide basic but clean accommodation at affordable prices.
Bwindi Primate Safaris can arrange accommodation in any of these properties as part of your custom safari itinerary. We recommend staying at least two nights to experience both the canopy walkway and chimpanzee trekking.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is located approximately five hours from Kigali International Airport. The drive passes through beautiful hills and tea plantations. The road is paved for most of the journey. Most travelers combine Nyungwe with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The drive between the two parks takes approximately four hours.
You can also fly from Kigali to Kamembe Airport near Cyangugu. The flight takes about thirty minutes. From the airport, a Bwindi Primate Safaris driver will take you to your lodge near Nyungwe Forest National Park in approximately one hour.
Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a unique combination of primate trekking, bird watching, and the thrilling canopy walkway. The forest is ancient and beautiful. The chimpanzees are wild and fascinating. When combined with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, you have the complete Rwanda primate experience.
Contact Us today to start planning your trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Our expert guides will ensure you experience the best of Rwanda’s oldest rainforest.
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