Nyungwe Forest National Park is a special place in Rwanda, known for having the biggest mountain rainforest in East Africa. This ancient forest is perfect for seeing chimpanzees and walking high above the ground on a canopy walk. When you visit, you can see lots of different monkeys, birds, and plants. This park is a peaceful area with stunning views of thick green mountains stretching far into the distance. It’s very important for protecting unique animals and plants that are only found here in Rwanda and East Africa.
- Stroll across a thrilling canopy bridge high up in the trees.
- See chimpanzees and many other types of monkeys.
- Take in the breathtaking views of the forest and rolling hills.
- Discover rare birds and unusual plants in this rich ecosystem.
Visiting Nyungwe gives you a chance to explore a real African rainforest and help protect its wildlife and nature. Every Rwanda Safari Trip, you book with us, supports the park and the wonderful animals that live there.
Best Time To Visit
Nyungwe has the largest forest tract which makes it one of the vital biodiversity hotspots in Rwanda.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is captivating year-round, but the dry months from June to September are ideal for outdoor activities. During this season, trails are firm and dry, making it perfect for hiking and chimpanzee trekking. The weather is more predictable, with fewer rain interruptions and clearer skies that enhance wildlife viewing and photography.
Conversely, the wet season from October to May transforms the forest into a lush paradise, ideal for avid birdwatchers. The park’s diverse bird population, including migratory and endemic species, thrives in rainy conditions. While the trails might be more challenging, the lower travel costs and vibrant green scenery offer compelling reasons to visit during these months.
Wildlife
Nyungwe National Park is a playground of nature, filled with 86 kinds of mammals, but it’s the park’s primates that steal the show. Here, you can meet playful chimpanzees and 12 other primate friends like the olive baboon and L’Hoest’s monkey.
The park is famous for its big groups of Ruwenzori colobus monkeys—sometimes you can see more than 600 together, making it a truly special sight! Besides these, you might also spot shy bushbucks or black-fronted duikers peeking out on your path or by the road as you explore.
Nyungwe Forest National Park welcomes visitors all year round. However, the dry season from June to September is ideal for chimpanzee trekking and hiking, as the paths are less slippery and outdoor activities are rarely interrupted by rain.
Visitors must be at least 12 years old to go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park’s challenging terrain and the need for a decent fitness level to track the fast-moving chimpanzees make this age restriction necessary.
Visitors should follow these guidelines: limit time with chimpanzees to one hour, avoid surrounding them, sneeze away from the animals, and never feed them. Littering is prohibited to preserve the park’s natural environment, and smoking or eating near the wildlife is not allowed.
Nyungwe National Park can be accessed by a five-hour drive from Kigali, offering scenic stops at cultural sites along the way. Alternatively, you can arrange flights with Rwanda Air from Kigali to near the park.
Pack hiking boots, binoculars, insect repellent, garden gloves, a water bottle, rainproof clothing, and warm layers for the cooler forest climate. A camera and some cash for purchases like souvenirs or tips are also essential.
Wildlife
Home to over 13 primate species and 75 mammal varieties.
Chimpanzees
Over 500 chimpanzees; watch their lively antics up close.
Canopy
East Africa's only canopy walk offers breathtaking treetop views.
Trekking
Early morning treks to interact with habituated chimpanzees.
Birding
Over 300 bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics.
Colobus Monkeys
Experience Colobus monkey trekking through diverse forest trails.
