Nyungwe National Park Overview

Nyungwe National Park is recognized as the largest high-altitude rainforest in East Africa and one of the continent's oldest tropical forests. The park offers breathtaking views of thick jungle-covered mountains and presents a fantastic opportunity to observe a diverse range of primates and bird species. It is also famous for its thrilling 70-meter (230-foot) canopy walk and, more recently, a 1.8-kilometer (1.1-mile) zipline experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A vital high-altitude rainforest with exceptional biodiversity
• Extensive network of hiking trails covering about 130 km (80 miles)
• Presence of habituated chimpanzees and thirteen primate species
• Home to East Africa’s oldest canopy walk and the region’s longest zipline
• A paradise for bird watchers with numerous Albertine Rift endemic species

Cons:

• A busy main road cuts through the park, which can affect the wilderness experience
• Chimpanzee trekking can be more challenging than in other regional parks such as those in Tanzania or Uganda

Wildlife

While Nyungwe supports a variety of forest wildlife, its primates are the main attraction. The park hosts thirteen primate species including chimpanzees, Ruwenzori colobus monkeys, and land-dwelling L’Hoest’s monkeys, which can often be spotted along the main road and near campsites. Besides primates, the park shelters over 300 bird species, many exclusive to the Albertine Rift. More about Nyungwe NP wildlife

Scenery

Visitors are treated to stunning views of the rainforest canopy stretching over hills that extend towards the border with Burundi. Hiking routes lead to picturesque waterfalls, open swamp areas, and mountain summits, providing a rich variety of habitats and scenic landscapes at every turn.

Activities

Guided exploration in Nyungwe focuses on foot treks through its diverse terrain. Activities include hikes to waterfalls, mountain peaks, and notable landmarks like the source of the Nile River. Trails are well regarded for wildlife viewing, especially monkeys and birds. Adventurers can also enjoy Africa’s oldest canopy walkway and the newly introduced 1.8 km zipline.

Weather & Climate

The park’s location at high altitude gives it a cool, wet climate typical of a rainforest. Rain can occur year-round, but the dry season from June to September marks the best conditions for trekking. Temperatures vary slightly through the year but can drop by about 10°C at night compared to daytime. More about Nyungwe NP Weather