Visiting Nyungwe National Park – Discover Rwanda’s Pristine Rainforest Wonderland

Hidden in the mountainous southwest of Rwanda lies Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. Stretching over 1,020 square kilometers, Nyungwe is a lush, mist-covered paradise that shelters rare primates, vibrant birdlife, and tranquil waterfalls. It’s a destination where nature feels untouched, offering travelers a deep connection to Africa’s wild heart.

Visiting Nyungwe National Park is not just a journey through a forest — it’s an immersion into one of the continent’s last remaining montane rainforests, where every step echoes with the sounds of life.

The Enchanting Beauty of Nyungwe

Nyungwe sits in Rwanda’s southwest corner, bordering Burundi and forming part of the great Albertine Rift region, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. The park’s altitude ranges from 1,600 to 2,950 meters, creating a cool, misty climate and diverse habitats — from dense rainforest to bamboo groves and mountain swamps.

With over 1,068 plant species, 322 bird species, and 13 primate species, Nyungwe is a living sanctuary that feels both magical and meditative.

Top Things to Do in Nyungwe National Park

1. Chimpanzee Trekking – A Primate Encounter Like No Other

Chimpanzee tracking is the park’s headline experience and one of Rwanda’s most thrilling adventures. Two habituated chimp groups can be visited: one in Cyamudongo Forest (a smaller fragment of the park) and another in Uwinka.

Treks begin early in the morning, often before sunrise, as the chimps are most active at dawn. The forest echoes with their loud pant-hoots long before you see them — and when you finally do, watching their intelligent interactions up close is a humbling experience.

Chimpanzee trekking permits cost around USD 150 per person, and sightings are highly rewarding, often lasting about an hour.

2. Canopy Walk – A Sky-High Adventure

One of Nyungwe’s most famous attractions is its Canopy Walkway, the only one of its kind in East Africa. Suspended 60 meters above the forest floor and stretching for 160 meters, it offers a breathtaking perspective of the forest’s towering trees, misty valleys, and chattering primates below.

The canopy walk begins from the Uwinka Visitor Centre, following a scenic trail that takes about two hours round trip. It’s an exhilarating experience for photographers and nature lovers, combining thrill and tranquility in equal measure.

3. Guided Forest Hikes and Nature Trails

Nyungwe boasts more than 15 hiking trails, covering over 130 kilometers of well-maintained paths. Each trail reveals a different side of the forest — waterfalls, orchids, birds, and panoramic viewpoints.

Popular trails include:

Isumo Waterfall Trail: A 2.5-hour hike through tea plantations and lush forest leading to a beautiful 17-meter waterfall.
Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail: Ideal for birdwatching and learning about the park’s unique wetlands.
Bigugu Trail: A challenging climb to the park’s highest peak (2,950m) with sweeping views of Lake Kivu and beyond.
Igishigishigi Trail: A short, scenic route that connects with the canopy walkway.

Every trail is guided by experienced rangers who interpret the forest’s ecology and stories.

4. Colobus Monkey Tracking

Nyungwe is home to one of the largest populations of Angolan colobus monkeys in Africa. Groups of up to 400 individuals can sometimes be seen leaping through the trees — an extraordinary sight.

Colobus tracking is available near Gisakura, and it’s an easier, family-friendly alternative to chimp trekking, offering fantastic photo opportunities.

5. Bird Watching Paradise

With over 320 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics, Nyungwe ranks among Africa’s top birding destinations. The park’s diverse altitudes and vegetation support spectacular species such as the Ruwenzori turaco, Grauer’s rush warbler, Regal sunbird, and Blue-headed sunbird.

Early morning birding along the Uwinka and Kamiranzovu trails is particularly rewarding.

6. Cultural Experiences Around Nyungwe

The communities around Nyungwe offer rich cultural encounters that complement your forest adventures. Visitors can join tea plantation tours in Gisakura, learn about traditional Rwandan crafts, or enjoy cultural dance performances that celebrate Rwanda’s heritage.

These visits not only deepen your understanding of local life but also support community-led conservation efforts.

Best Time to Visit Nyungwe

Nyungwe can be visited all year round, but the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the best trekking conditions. Trails are less slippery, and primates are easier to locate.

The wet seasons (March–May and October–November) transform the park into a lush green paradise with active birdlife and beautiful waterfalls, though rain showers are frequent.

Getting There

Nyungwe National Park is about 220 kilometers (6–7 hours) by road from Kigali. The drive passes through scenic hills, local villages, and tea plantations, offering a true taste of Rwanda’s landscape.

For faster access, RwandaAir offers charter flights from Kigali to Kamembe (Cyangugu) Airport, followed by a short drive to the park’s entrance at Gisakura.

Accommodation Options

Nyungwe offers a range of accommodation options for different budgets:

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House – an award-winning lodge set within a working tea plantation, offering unparalleled comfort and views.
Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel – panoramic setting overlooking the forest.
Budget: Gisakura Guest House – simple, clean, and conveniently located near the park gate.

All lodges provide easy access to park activities and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Conservation Significance

Nyungwe is one of the most important conservation areas in East Africa, serving as a watershed for 70% of Rwanda’s water and providing refuge for countless endangered species. The park is managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and African Parks, ensuring sustainable tourism and community involvement in its protection.

Visiting Nyungwe directly supports these efforts, contributing to the preservation of one of Africa’s last great rainforests.

Conclusion

A visit to Nyungwe National Park is a journey into nature’s masterpiece — a symphony of mist, greenery, and life. From the thrill of meeting chimpanzees to the serenity of walking above the treetops, every moment in Nyungwe feels like stepping into another world.

For travelers seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and conservation in 2025, Nyungwe stands out as one of Rwanda’s most unforgettable destinations — a living reminder of Africa’s wild and timeless beauty.