Rwanda
Nyungwe National Park Overview
One of Africa's oldest rainforests. Thirteen primate species. A canopy walk above it all.
June to September (Dry weather, best chimp trekking)
June to September (Popular gorilla trekking time in Volcanoes NP)
1,015km² / 392mi²
1,629-2,870m / 5,344-9,416ft
Nyungwe Forest is ancient - a remnant of the great forests that once covered central Africa. Walking beneath its canopy, surrounded by the calls of chimpanzees and the chatter of L'Hoest's monkeys, you are standing in one of the most biodiverse places on the continent. Then you step onto the canopy walkway - a suspension bridge 50 metres above the forest floor - and the scale of this place hits you.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Nyungwe is home to around 500 chimpanzees in several habituated groups. Trekking starts at dawn, when chimps are most vocal. You follow their calls through the forest until you find them - feeding, grooming, or crashing through the canopy. The encounter lasts one hour, and it is electrifying.
The Canopy Walkway
A 200-metre suspension bridge stretches between giant trees, 50 metres above the forest floor. Walking across it - swaying gently, looking down at the canopy - gives you a bird's-eye view of the forest and its inhabitants. On a clear morning, you can see across to Lake Kivu.
Thirteen Primate Species
No forest in East Africa has more primates. Besides chimps, you may see L'Hoest's monkeys, Ruwenzori colobus (in troops of 300+), grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons. A primate walk here is a masterclass in biodiversity.
Experience Designer
Brighton Mboya
Regions of Speciality:
Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda
Trip Designer
Brighton has spent the last decade building safaris across the East African circuit, from the Serengeti's migration corridors to the misty volcanoes of Rwanda and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. He started out guiding walking safaris in Tarangire, then moved into gorilla and chimp trekking after years escorting researchers through the Albertine Rift. His itineraries turn on the small details most operators skip: the right camp on the right night of the migration, a permit window that lines up with the gorilla family closest to your lodge, a quiet bush airstrip that saves a full day on transfer.
Trip Inspiration
Snapshot of a Day
The forest wakes before you do. At 5:30am, chimpanzee calls echo across the valley. By 6am, you are on the trail. An hour later, you are sitting on a fallen log watching a mother chimp teach her juvenile to crack open a seed pod. Above you, a troop of colobus monkeys flows through the canopy like a black-and-white river.
Trip Inspiration
Nyungwe Forest Immersion
Three days deep in one of Africa's oldest rainforests. Trek with chimpanzees at dawn, walk the canopy bridge at midday, and hike to a waterfall in the afternoon. This is Rwanda's wild, green heart.
Recommended Duration: 3 days
Best Time To Go: June - September, December - February
Things to See & Do: Chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, waterfall hike, colobus monkey tracking, birdwatching
Don't Miss Out On: Chimp encounter at dawn, canopy walkway, colobus troop of 300+
Featured stays
One&Only Nyungwe House
Location: Gisakura, tea plantation edge
Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Location: Kitabi, Nyungwe Forest edge
Testimonials
“The canopy walk changed my perspective - literally and figuratively.”
I'm not great with heights. But standing on that walkway, 50 metres above the forest floor, watching a troop of colobus monkeys move through the trees below me - I forgot to be afraid. Later, we found chimps. One sat on the trail and ate fruit for twenty minutes while we watched from five metres away. Nyungwe is wild in a way that the savannah parks aren't - it's dense, green, alive with sound.
— Aisha N. - Dubai, UAE
Process
Step 1
Let's connect
Whether you have a specific trip in mind or are looking for inspiration, get in touch with your travel preferences, and one of our specialists will kick off the planning.
Step 2
Detailed Brief
After a conversation to learn more about your trip, you will receive details on an adventure with us, including activities and accommodation options in the destinations.
Step 3
Customized Itinerary and Confirmation
Collaborate with your specialist to adjust and finalize the itinerary. A per-person trip cost is presented once the itinerary is confirmed.
Step 4
Support, Start to Finish
From the moment you arrive until your trip ends, our team is with you. Experienced guides, porters, and a 24/7 support line ensure your safety and enjoyment.
Good to know
Rain
It's a rainforest - expect rain. Even in the dry season, afternoon showers are common. Pack a quality rain jacket and waterproof your camera bag. Trails can be muddy and steep. Rubber boots are available at the park gate and we strongly recommend them.
Getting There
Nyungwe is a 5-hour drive from Kigali through some of Rwanda's most beautiful scenery - terraced hills, tea plantations, and Lake Kivu. The drive is part of the experience. Alternatively, fly to Kamembe (1 hour from Kigali) and drive 2 hours to the park.
Combine with Kivu
Lake Kivu is just 2 hours from Nyungwe. After days in the forest, a night or two on the lake - kayaking, swimming, watching the sunset over the Congo - is the perfect contrast. The lakeside town of Gisenyi has excellent boutique hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 200-metre suspension bridge stretching between giant trees, 50 metres above the forest floor. It offers a bird's-eye view of the ancient rainforest canopy and its inhabitants.
Thirteen species, including chimpanzees, L'Hoest's monkeys, Ruwenzori colobus (in troops of 300+), grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons.
It is a rainforest, so yes. Pack a quality rain jacket and waterproof camera bag. Rubber boots are available at the park gate. Afternoon showers are common even in the dry season.
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