Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park protects 1,019 square kilometres of Afromontane rainforest, bamboo, grassland, peat bogs and wetlands in southwestern Rwanda. The forest continues towards Kibira National Park in Burundi and feeds both the Congo and Nile river systems, making it important for wildlife and Rwanda’s freshwater supply.

The park is best known for chimpanzee tracking, colobus monkeys, the Canopy Walkway and an extensive network of forest trails. Nyungwe protects more than 1,100 plant species, 345 bird species, 85 mammals and 13 primates, including eastern chimpanzees, Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys. This concentration of montane wildlife gives Nyungwe a completely different character from Rwanda’s savannah parks.

Nyungwe was first protected as a forest reserve in 1933 and became a national park in 2005. Rwanda entered a 20-year management partnership with African Parks in 2020, and UNESCO inscribed Nyungwe on the World Heritage List in 2023. The protected landscape rises from about 1,480 to 2,950 metres, with Mount Bigugu forming its highest point.

Things to Do in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe rewards travellers who allow several days rather than rushing through one activity. Chimpanzee tracking and the Canopy Walkway are the main draws, while hiking, birding, colobus tracking and newer aerial activities reveal different levels of the forest. Community, coffee and tea experiences add time beyond the park trails.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe

Chimpanzee tracking begins early as guides and trackers follow calls, nests, feeding signs and movement through the canopy. The search changes from day to day because the chimpanzees travel according to food availability and forest conditions. Once located, the group can be difficult to photograph in dense foliage, so patience and binoculars help. Tracking takes place in the main forest and Cyamudongo, a separate forest component within the national park. A typical Cyamudongo outing can cover about 4.2 kilometres with an elevation gain of roughly 240 metres. The smaller forest block can make tracking feel more contained, but steep ground and rapid chimpanzee movement still demand reasonable fitness.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe

Canopy Walkway

Nyungwe’s suspended Canopy Walkway stretches 160 metres and rises about 70 metres above the ravine. It is reached on a guided walk along the Igishigishigi Trail and can also be incorporated into the Imbaraga or Umuyove routes. From the bridge, you look across treetops, forested slopes and valleys rather than viewing the forest only from ground level. The approach includes steep sections that become muddy after rain. Wear shoes with reliable grip and carry a light waterproof layer even when the day begins clear.

Hiking Trails in Nyungwe Forest

Trails cross rainforest, bamboo, ridges, wetlands, streams and waterfalls. Igishigishigi is one of the shorter choices and works naturally with the Canopy Walkway. Imbaraga is more demanding, while the Bigugu Trail climbs towards the park’s highest summit. The Congo Nile Divide follows the watershed through a more remote section of the forest. Travellers wanting a longer route can consider the Cyinzobe Trail, a 3-day walk with overnight forest cottages and views towards Kamiranzovu Swamp, streams and waterfalls. The newer Nshili-Gisovu route extends for 100 kilometres and has self-catering campsites along the way. Match the trail to your fitness, weather and available time rather than choosing by distance alone.

Birdwatching

Of Nyungwe’s 345 recorded bird species, 30 are Albertine Rift endemics. Species associated with the forest include the Rwenzori turaco, red-faced woodland warbler, strange weaver and other montane specialists. Dense vegetation means many birds are heard before they are seen, so a specialist forest guide makes a considerable difference.

Colobus Monkey Tracking

Nyungwe is known for exceptional gatherings of Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus. A single community of about 600 has been observed, described by park management as the largest group recorded for any primate on the continent. Smaller groups can also be tracked from areas such as Gisakura. Other monkeys include L’Hoest’s, silver, owl-faced, red-tailed and grey-cheeked mangabey.

Nyungwe Zipline and Gisakura Rope Course

Opened in 2025, the Nyungwe Canopy Zipline begins at Uwinka and covers 1,935 metres in three sections above the rainforest. It suits travellers who want a faster aerial view after spending time on the trails. The Gisakura Rope Course is a separate 280-metre obstacle course with 21 sections, including 5 ziplines, rope bridges, nets and swinging logs. Different levels allow individuals, families and groups to take part without committing to a full-day hike.

Night Walks

Guided night walks focus on species that become active after dark, including galagos, pottos, tree hyraxes and anomalures. The experience is slower than a daytime hike and depends on careful listening and spotlighting. Arrange it through an authorised park or lodge team rather than walking forest paths independently.

Community, Coffee and Tea Experiences

Visits around Banda, Gisakura and Cyamudongo can include handicrafts, blacksmithing, pottery, traditional dance, local brewing, coffee and tea. The Cyamudongo Community Centre provides refreshments, handicrafts, parking, camping and guesthouse accommodation for travellers and driver-guides using that side of the park. These experiences work well between forest activities and keep more tourism income within neighbouring communities.

Tea pickers in Nyungwe

How to Get to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe is a large, mountainous park with several reception points and trailheads. Confirm whether your activity begins at Uwinka, Gisakura, Cyamudongo or another sector before choosing accommodation or calculating transfer time.

Driving from Kigali, Huye and Rusizi

Uwinka is about 219 kilometres from Kigali, and the road journey normally takes 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic, weather and stops. From Huye, allow approximately 2 to 3 hours. Rusizi and Kamembe provide the shortest approach from the west, with many park-area transfers taking around 1 hour depending on the final destination. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for reliable access to trailheads and lodges. Public transport reaches major towns but does not provide the flexibility needed for early chimpanzee briefings or movement between distant activity points.

Getting to Cyamudongo Forest

Cyamudongo lies outside the main Nyungwe forest block and is about 1 hour by road from Gisakura Reception Centre. The approach passes tea plantations, eucalyptus groves and hillside settlements before becoming rougher near the forest. On tracking mornings, allow enough time for the drive and follow the reporting instructions issued with the activity booking.

Best Time to Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe is open throughout the year. June to September and mid-December to mid-February generally bring firmer trails for chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks and hiking. The park remains cool and wet even during these drier periods, so rain protection is always necessary.

October and November are commonly wetter, with muddier paths and slower walking. Increased forest food can sometimes keep chimpanzees nearer productive feeding areas, although sightings and trekking duration cannot be guaranteed. Birding remains rewarding, and the forest carries a deeper green colour during wet weather.

Chimpanzee tracking begins early, so stay close to the correct reporting point and confirm your departure time the previous evening. Standard tracking allows one hour with the chimpanzees once they are found. Permit availability and daily visitor limits make advance arrangements important, particularly during popular travel months.

Where to Stay in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Accommodation ranges from campsites and self-catering guesthouses to comfortable forest lodges. Choose by activity location as well as budget. Uwinka suits central trails and the canopy experience, while Gisakura and the western side are convenient for Cyamudongo and several community activities.