Nyungwe National Park is a beautiful tropical rainforest positioned in southwest of Rwanda, bordering Burundi in the south including the Democratic Republic of the Congo & Lake Kivu in the west.

In East Africa, Nyungwe Forest is one of the best-preserved lowland oldest rainforests! This great biodiverse park was established in 2004 covering an area of about 1,019km2 featuring a rainforest, grasslands, swamps, and bamboo forests.

Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda is known for Chimpanzees mostly however, this park also inhabits other 12 primates. Among these include; Red-tailed monkeys, Ruwenzori colobus Monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Baboons, and Vervet monkeys, etc. Bush pigs, Bushbucks, and Forest Elephants, also exist but, are rarely found due to the thick woods.

Bird lovers on Rwanda safari tours should only miss bird watching in Nyungwe if they have to! Nyungwe park inhabits over 345 birds counting 30 Albertine Rift endemics e.g. the Rwenzori Turaco.

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda Nyungwe park is the main activity however, the Nyungwe canopy walk awaits you. Guided nature walks and Colobus monkey tracking is possible also.

Travelers on Rwanda safaris in Nyungwe park should be expectant to see a lot of amazing wildlife species including amphibians, reptiles, and even lovely trees.

You can visit Nyungwe park in Rwanda year-round. Get in touch with us for affordable Rwanda tours in Nyungwe park!

 Where is Nyungwe National Park Located?

Nyungwe park is located in the Albertine Rift Valley region in southwest of Rwanda. It adjoins with Burundi Kibira National Park in the south as well as Lake Kivu & the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west.  The east side of Nyungwe holds one of the branches of the Nile River sources.

Rwanda Nyungwe park is about 220km from Kigali City and this drive can take 5-6 hours drive.

Coordinates: 2°29′24″S 29°17′34″E

History of Nyungwe National Park

Initially, the Belgian colonial government gazetted Nyungwe park as a forest reserve in 1993 to protect wildlife & a reasonable population of Chimpanzees as well as other primate species here.

This ecologically healthy park was upgraded to a national park status in 2005 by the Rwanda Development Board- (governed by the Rwandan government) to promote tourism beyond gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park & wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park.

Rwanda’s government made a successful partnership with the African Parks in 2020 to manage Nyungwe park for 20 years.

Best Tourist Attractions in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Things to see in Nyungwe park are many. Among these include the beautiful primates, birds, and lovely vegetation among others.

The main tourist attractions in Nyungwe park for tourists on Rwanda safari tours:

1. Primate Species in Nyungwe National Park

Primates are the key tourist attractions in Nyungwe park. Within Nyungwe, around 13 primate species have been recorded however, Chimpanzees are the most popular. Chimps are close cousins to humans since they share approximately 98-99% of DNA similar to ours.

In comparison with other apes, chimpanzees are the most intelligent. The communication and behavior of these amazing great apes is similar to that of man and they have ever been spotted using tools just like human beings do! The best way to enjoy close encounters with chimps is by undertaking a chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe Forest.

The 13 primates in Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda

1. Chimpanzees
2. Rwenzori colobus monkeys
3. Black and white colobus monkeys
4. Dent’s Mona Monkey
5. Grey-cheeked Mangabey
6. Vervet Monkeys
7. Olive Baboons
8. Red-tailed monkeys
9. Hamlyn’s Monkey
10. Blue Monkeys- endemic species in the Albertine Rift Valley region
11. L’Hoest’s Monkey
12. Silver Monkey
13. Angola colobus monkeys

Some Rwanda safari guides say that there are Golden Monkeys in Nyungwe NP. We don’t have Mountain gorillas in this park!

2. Bird Species in Nyungwe Forest

Around 300 bird species dwell in Nyungwe Forest National Park and among these includes 30 Albertine Rift endemic species.

The best way to spot birds in Nyungwe park is to go for guided forest walks in Nyungwe. With an experienced local tour birding tour guide, you’ll explore most of the ecosystems looking for different bird species.

Notable forest birds in Rwanda Nyungwe park include; Red-throated Alethe, Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Bar-tailed trogon, Handsome Francolin, Archer’s Robin-chat, and Stripe-breasted Tit. Neumann’s Warbler, Yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Albertine owlet, Purple-breasted sunbird, Red-collared Babbler, as well as Shelley’s Crimsonwing are common.

3. Other Wildlife Species in Nyungwe Park

Though hard to spot, Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to other game animals putting aside the primates. Among the recorded animals in Nyungwe park include giant forest hogs, Bushbucks, Bush pigs, Genets, and Duikers.

Lucky travelers on Nyungwe park safari adventures can spot the above-mentioned animals during the forest walks in Nyungwe.

4. Nyungwe Forest

The breathtaking views of Nyungwe Forest are comparable to a scene from a fairy tale! This biodiverse tropical rainforest is among the ancient forests in Africa and it’s believed that it survived the last ice age. Nyungwe Forest is the largest tract of montane forest in Central Africa. In most cases, this forest is beautifully covered in amazing mist in the morning.

About 1,100 plant species are recorded in Nyungwe including 200 tree species. The African Mahogany Trees are the biggest tree in Nyungwe Forest. On average these trees can grow up to 60m tall.

5. Nyungwe Canopy Walkway

The Nyungwe canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the first forest canopy walk in East Africa and it’s among the three in Africa however, Rwanda Nyungwe canopy walk is incredibly beautiful. Rwanda Nyungwe canopy walk is about 160m long and 70m high suspension bridge above Nyungwe tree tops.

This canopy walkway in Nyungwe offers magnificent views of Nyungwe Forest and other attractions around such as Kivu Lake and even local communities. Numerous primates, butterflies, and colorful birds are hard to miss during the Nyungwe canopy walk tour.

Top Tourist Activities in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda Nyungwe park is the main activity however, adventures in this park go beyond this! The other things to do in Nyungwe park include Nyungwe forest canopy walking, bird watching, and even going for guided forest nature walks.

A detail of the activities to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park;

1. Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking adventures make the topmost highlight of most safaris in Rwanda Nyungwe park. This memorable experience grants you a chance to meet chimpanzees in their beautiful habitat.

Rwanda chimpanzee tracking tours in Nyungwe park start early morning with the briefing and this adventure usually ends at 2 pm.

In Nyungwe, there’re over 400 chimps and 2 communities are habituated for Rwanda chimpanzee tours. The Cyamudongo group in Cyamudongo Forest- (Nyungwe isolated patch) holds over 30 individuals and the Uwinka group has about 60 members. Normally, visitors track the Cyamudongo chimp community as it’s easy to access.

Nyungwe chimpanzee tracking safaris can take around 2-5 hours. The duration is determined by the movement of these great apes. Trackers make sure that guests don’t miss spotting them, they always monitor their way!

Travelers trekking chimpanzees in Nyungwe park will encounter numerous amazing wildlife species along the trail such as primates, birds, and butterflies.

Tracking chimpanzees in the Nyungwe park costs 250 USD.

2. Undertaking Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk

Taking the Nyungwe forest canopy walkway is the best way to explore the ancient Nyungwe Forest with 3600 views. This walk starts from the Uwinka visitor’s center.

The canopy walk in Nyungwe is a 2 hours guided walk along a 160m long high bridge suspension over the forest ideal for photography. This walk is open for persons above 6 years of age and costs 60 USD per person. Parents should accompany children!

Nyungwe forest canopy walk is done in shifts; 8 am, 10 am, 1 am, and even 3 pm.

Normally, the dry months offer the best experience since you’ll be less inconvenienced by rainfall.

3. Nature Walking in Nyungwe Forest

The mountainous nature of Nyungwe park makes it a superb destination for hiking adventures. It’s one of the best national parks for nature walking safaris in Rwanda, the other areas are Volcanoes National Park and Akagera! Trails in this park have different lengths and most of them are easy to hike. Each features unique tourist attractions.

SOME OF THE MAIN HIKING TRAILS IN NYUNGWE PARK

1. Bigugu Trail; provides views of the DR Congo and Lake Kivu. It takes you to the uppermost point in Nyungwe NP.
2. Congo Nile Divide Trail; It’s the most challenging trail however worth undertaking. This multi-day hike taking you into the middle of this jungle allows you to explore the point where the Nile and Congo River basins separate
3. Muzimu Trail; Offers distant beautiful view of Lake Kivu and the volcanoes on a clear day. It goes through pine and eucalyptus forest
4. Rukuzi Trail; the most popular trail in Nyungwe park covering around 9.1km, offers breathtaking views of Lake Kivu & communities around
5. Umugote trail; is great for primate watching & bird watching in Nyungwe Forest with views of ridges, flowers, and butterflies. On a clear day, you can view Kibira National Park in Burundi. Black and white colobus monkeys are rarely missed during the hike.
6. Karamba trail; this also a lovely birding spot in Nyungwe park. It’s flanked by several fern tree species situated on the former gold mine site, market & the army camp.
7. The Igishigishigi trail; covers about 2km with a beautiful view of Nyungwe forest canopy, lovely wildflowers, monkeys & various birds.
8. Isumo trail; takes you to explore the lush tea plantations. If time allows, you can get involved in tea picking among other activities. This trail also offers you views of the biggest waterfall in Nyungwe & largest expanse of the park.

4. Monkey Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

Since Nyungwe Forest National is a paradise for various primate species, monkey tracking is possible! Over 25% of the primate population on the African continent live in Nyungwe park and among these include chimps, L’Hoest’s monkey, Rwenzori Red Colobus Monkeys, Black and white Colobus monkeys, & Owl faced monkeys.

Colobus monkey tracking is normally done by visitors and this adventure costs 140 USD for each individual. These beautiful monkeys live in troops of around 400-500 individuals.

Most monkey tracking tours in Nyungwe are done along the Kitabi, Gisakura, and even Uwinka Trail. All take you through the middle of this divine dense forest.

Note that, the primate population in Nyungwe park is only rivaled by Uganda’s Kibale National Park- the primate capital of Africa- home to over 1500 chimps and other 12 primate species.

5. Bird Watching in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe park is a paradise for Rwanda bird-watching safaris, bird lovers should never miss this thrill in this park.

Several birding tours in Nyungwe park begin in the morning with the company of a skilled local birding guide who is familiar with the bird species in the region. On different birding trails, you’ll look out for; Black and white casqued hornbill, Red-throated Alethe, Yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Mountain sooty boubou, Dusky crimsonwing, and Chapin’s flycatcher.

Some of the popular birding trails in Nyungwe park include; the Umugote trail, Igishigishigi Trail, and Rukuzi Trail, etc.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Rwanda Nyungwe National Park?

All year round, travelers can visit Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park however, dry months offer the best thrilling adventures. In these dry months- (June-July, August September as well as December, January, and February), there’s little rainfall inconveniences during chimpanzee tracking tours and other forest walks normally.

It normally rains in most hours of the day during the wet months- March, April, May, and October to November). For bird lovers, this is the ideal time for bird watching since food is plenty in the forest.

Best Rwanda Safari Packing List for Nyungwe National Park Tour

As you come for Rwanda chimpanzee safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park, pack appropriately. This packing list can also work during gorilla trekking tours in VolcanoComfortable hiking boots

• Insect repellents- protect your body from bug bites during the chimp trek
• Camera for photos
• Sunscreens and sunhat
• Rain jacket
• Light day backpack
• Energy-giving snacks ideal on a chimp trek
• Bottled water
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
• A medical kit
• Travel documents

Travelers tracking chimps in Nyungwe park should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect their lovely bodies from injuries and insect cuts. Also, hiking boots are vital since they keep well your feet during the chimp trek.

A warm jumper will do you well during the cold morning hours while in the parkland.

Nyungwe National Park Accommodation

The accommodation or lodges in Nyungwe NP welcome all classes of tourists on Rwanda primate safaris. So, there is no need to worry about where to stay during the Nyungwe park safari tour.

THE BEST HOTELS IN NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

1. Gisakura Guesthouse

This wonderful budget facility is situated about 2km outside the gates of Nyungwe park. It’s adjacent to the Gisakura tea estate. All rooms (double, triple, and twin) in this guest house have showers and warm water is available on request.

2. One & Only Nyungwe House- among the best luxury lodges in Nyungwe

This is a luxury facility adjacent to Nyungwe Forest National Park within tea plantations. It holds luxury rooms & suites. There is a swimming pool, fitness center, fireplace, bar, and lodge area. All the rooms are air-conditioned and have a private mini bar, hairdryer, Digital TV, & free WIFI.

It’s one of the popular tourist facilities in this park for tourists on Rwanda chimpanzee tours.

3. Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Situated on top of the hill, Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel is a midrange facility mostly used by travelers undertaking Rwanda chimpanzee tours in Nyungwe forest park. The hotel has elegant accommodation that is offered in 12 units of which 4 are twins whereas 8 are apartments having queen-sized beds and all are self-contained.

4. Uwinka Campsite

This is found at the Uwinka visitor center. It features 2 campsites having a toilet, shower, and tents.

How to Get to Nyungwe National Park?

Traveling from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park can be by road or air means. The drive from Kigali to Nyungwe park (southwest of the country) covers 220km- around 5-6 hours depending on the stopovers made. Some of them include visiting the King’s palace in Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum within the Butare area.

Rwanda’s speed limit is 60km/hr.

Flying to Nyungwe from Kigali takes a shorter time (less than an hour) and this service is offered by RwandaAir which flies from Kigali to Rusizi daily. From here, you’ll connect to the park.

Note that, most visitors getting to Nyungwe Rwanda Park use the road. We shall transfer you in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle.

FAQs About Nyungwe National Park

1.  What Is Unique About Nyungwe National Park? 

The unique flora and fauna in Nyungwe park make it a unique destination worth exploring while on your Rwanda safari trip. The park offers several interesting activities for visitors such as chimpanzees trekking, forest canopy walking, and birding, to mention but a few.

It’s a great area in the conservation of primates.

2. Which District Is Nyungwe National Park in? 

Nyungwe Forest is found in Rusizi District in the southwest of Rwanda.

3. How Much Is It to Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park?

The park entrance fee in Nyungwe NP is $100 for each person. If you are to spend two nights in the park, it’s $150 and you pay $200 for 3 nights.

Among the must-do things during Rwanda safari tours is visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park has a lot to offer! As you experience Nyungwe National Park- a stunning ancient tropical rainforest, you’ll enjoy chimpanzee trekking, Nyungwe forest canopy walk, and incredible birding watching tours since this park is nirvana for Rwanda birding tours.

Email our responsive team with any inquiries about Rwanda safari tours.