Nyungwe National Park - Facts, Activities & Rwanda Safaris

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Nyungwe National Park comprises a rain forest with breathtaking scenery hidden in the middle of tea plantations and quite deceptive in its vastness upon catching a glimpse from a distance. Its popular Canopy Walkway high suspension bridge, also part of the Igishigishigi Trail, guarantees excellent views over the valley and surrounding forest.

This guide to Nyungwe Forest National Park provides information to help you plan the ultimate safari experience in this remarkable African gem.

Nyungwe National Park at a Glance
Attractions in Nyungwe National Park
Activities in Nyungwe National Park
How much is chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe National Park?
Best time to visit Nyungwe National Park
How to get to Nyungwe National Park
Where to stay in Nyungwe National Park
Ready for an adventure?

Nyungwe National Park at a Glance

Nyungwe National Park is located in southwest Rwanda, sharing the border with Burundi to the south and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. It inhabits the watershed between the basin of the Congo to the west and the basin of the Nile to the east. One of the Nile’s tributaries originates on the east side of Nyungwe Forest.

Nyungwe Forest is one of the oldest and largest preserved montane rainforests in Africa and has been rated the highest priority for forest conservation. It was established in 2004 and sprawls over 1,019 km² (393 sq mi) and stands at a maximum altitude of 3000 meters above sea level.

The rich and bio-diverse forest park is home to colonies of chimpanzees and offers thrilling chimpanzee trekking excursions and hiking through its stellar jungles. Trails cut through the park’s closed-canopy forests, underground growth, and orchid-filled swamps.

Attractions in Nyungwe National Park.

Apart from chimpanzees, Nyungwe forest teems with 12 other primate species (25% of Africa’s total). They include Ruwenzori colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, silver monkey, golden monkey, Hamlyn’s monkey, red-tailed monkey, Dent’s mona monkey, vervet monkey, olive baboon, and grey-cheeked mangabey.

There are over 275 bird species, 1068 plant species, 85 mammal species, 32 amphibian species, 38 reptile species, and an impressive spread of hiking trails. Many of these animal species are endemic to the Albertine Rift montane forests ecoregion.

Activities in Nyungwe National Park

1. Chimpanzee tracking

Nyungwe National Park is an ideal destination for primate lovers, with 13 different species living here. Chimpanzee trekking is the most popular in Nyungwe Forest, with daily excursions starting early in the morning from the Uwinka Reception Center and into the forest jungle.

Chimpanzee trekking excursions are carefully managed with expert trackers and guides leading small groups of eight tourists through the invariably dumpy forest floors to find one of the two human-habituated chimpanzee groups.

Once you find a chimpanzee group, you will spend a maximum of one hour with them. Although sightings aren’t as reliable or as clear as those of gorillas, their engaging playfulness and human-like characteristics make the long day worthwhile.

2. Canopy walk

A canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the reasons this tiny East African nation has become a popular travel destination the world over. Over 130 kilometres of hiking trails, including East Africa’s only canopy walkway, have been created.

The 200-meter (656-foot) hanging trail affords magnificent views of the treetop canopy, allowing visitors to explore the park’s fascinating habitats and up-close bird encounters. Walking in Nyungwe is thrilling, with trails lasting from one to eight hours.

3. Bird watching

Nyungwe National Park is a little-known birders’ paradise with about 310 recorded species. Bird watching in this park is spectacular, although, as in most tropical forests, you’ll probably have to look hard for them with the aid of a trained guide.

Some of the park’s specials are the great blue turacos, giant hornbills, and red-breasted sparrow hawks, among others, 27 of which are endemic to this section of the Albertine Rift Valley. We recommend carrying a raincoat or poncho since rain is a frequent occurrence in Nyungwe Forest.

How much is chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe National Park?

Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe National Park cost $150 per person per trek. You will also be required to pay an additional $100 for park entrance. Bookings are made directly through the Rwanda Development Board or a trusted tour operator.

We recommend booking your chimpanzee trekking permit at least 3 months in advance even though they are not as limited as gorilla permits. Visitors can also opt for a reasonably priced guided hike in the park for $50. You will be required to show your tracking permit at the park entrance before proceeding to the starting point of the trek.

Best time to visit Nyungwe National Park

The best time to visit Nyungwe National Park is during the long dry season from June to September or during the short dry season from December to February. The rain forest receives a reprieve from daily downpours, meaning you can track chimpanzees, spot other primates and hike all day. The trails are less slippery during this time, and activities are less likely to be interrupted by heavy rainfall.

We recommend visitors carry their waterproof clothing even during these drier months, as rains in the forest are unpredictable. Since this is the peak season, expect prices to go slightly higher on accommodations and other facilities.

Generally, chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks in Nyungwe National Park are all year-round activities, and you will enjoy everything the park has to offer no matter what time of year you visit.

How to get to Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is four to five hours drive from Kigali, approximately 225 km (140 miles). Tour operators normally organize transfers as part of a safari package. Budget travelers can board a bus from Kigali’s central bus station.

Alternately, a scheduled flight can be taken from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport near Nyungwe. A half-hour drive from the park’s western edge can be arranged for pickup with your tour operator in a 4×4 off-road vehicle.

Where to stay in Nyungwe National Park

1. Nyungwe House

This opulent wilderness retreat is perched at the edge of Nyungwe National Park in Rwumba, southwest Rwanda. It is only 1.5 km from the Genocide Memorial Centre. The lodge features rooms that are practically suites with private terraces, air conditioning, fireplaces, private minibars, hair dryers, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and free WiFi.

2. Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

This hilltop hotel is a best-value option and offers stunning views of the mist-veiled mountains, excellent service, and convenient access to Nyungwe National Park. The hotel features spacious cottages and breath-taking balcony views from every room.