Nyungwe Forest National Park

Imagine setting off into a sprawling rainforest, the sun rays streaming through the canopy highlighting the many shades of green around you. Suddenly, your guide stops you and points into the distance. It’s what you’ve travelled here for: to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Must-Visit Areas in Nyungwe Forest National Park

A biodiversity hotspot and one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park offers luxury travellers the chance to track chimpanzees amidst lush, mountainous terrain:

Chimpanzee Tracking Trails: An Unforgettable Primate Safari

These treks offer intimate encounters with one of humanity’s closest relatives. During this safari, you’ll get close to the chimpanzees and see how they live, play, and even hunt. You’ll hear their calls and feel like you’re part of their world for a little while. Led by an experienced guide who knows all about chimpanzees, you’ll be safe as you learn about these fascinating forest dwellers.

Canopy Walkway: Sweeping Vistas

Hike up to the top of this Afro-Montane forest (Africa’s largest) and then walk along a suspended bridge for breathtaking views of the forest canopy and wildlife. The 160 m/525 ft long walkway can take you past the other inhabitants of the forest, including the over 300 bird species and 12 other primate species. The hike up to the suspension bridge isn’t too strenuous and is fine for first-time hikers.

Karamba Trail: Best Birdwatching Trail in the Forest

This hiking trail is a wonderful way to explore the forest’s flora and fauna. Taking around three hours to complete, this trail will take you to an open-air area to spot bird species like the white-bellied robin chat, African broadbill, and blue-headed sunbird, among others.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park?

June to September and December to February, during the dry seasons, is the best time for Rwanda safaris. Due to the minimal rain, trails are less muddy and easier to navigate.

Animals Found in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Of course, the main drawcard of Nyungwe Forest National Park are the resident chimpanzees. The other primate species that call this forest home include the olive baboon, L’Hoest’s monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, Ruwenzori colobus, silver monkey, and owl-faced monkey. You can also look out for the bushbuck and black-fronted duiker.

For birdwatchers, a Rwanda birdwatching safari here can bring you close to Albertine Rift endemics and birds unique to the highland forest habitat. Species unrecorded elsewhere on the eastern side of the Albertine Rift are the Albertine owlet, red-collared babbler, and Rockefeller’s sunbird.

How to Get to Nyungwe Forest National Park

This national park is about a four-and-a-half-hour transfer from Kigali International Park. Alternatively, you can catch a domestic flight to Kamembe Airport on the outskirts of Cyangugu, an hour away from the park.