Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda is one of Africa’s most ecologically significant rainforests. Covering 1,019 square kilometres of montane and transitional rainforest at altitudes from 1,600 to 2,950 metres, it harbours over 1,000 plant species, 310 birds, 75 mammals, and 13 primate species. Nyungwe is Rwanda’s oldest national park and the anchor of any complete Rwanda safari itinerary beyond gorillas.
Plan Your Rwanda Safari
Gorilla permits, Kigali connections, and handpicked lodges — we handle every detail.
- ✓ Chimpanzee trekking permit secured in Nyungwe
- ✓ Nyungwe or Kigali lodge confirmed for your dates
- ✓ Kigali airport transfers and transport arranged
- ✓ Full Rwanda safari itinerary designed
- ✓ 24/7 on-ground support throughout your trip
Primates in Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe’s 13 primate species range from the habituated chimpanzees that anchor the park’s visitor programme to the extraordinary Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus monkey, which lives in troops of up to 400 — the largest primate groups found anywhere in Africa. Grey-cheeked mangabey, silver monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, and olive baboon are regularly encountered on forest walks. Chimpanzee trekking departs twice daily from Uwinka and Gisakura Visitor Centres at permit prices of USD 90 per person.
Activities in Nyungwe National Park
Chimpanzee trekking is the flagship activity, but Nyungwe rewards visitors who explore beyond the chimp programme. The Igishigishigi canopy walk suspends visitors 70 metres above the forest floor on one of Africa’s longest canopy walkways. Waterfall hikes reach the spectacular Isumo and Bigugu falls. The park’s hiking trail network covers over 130 kilometres, ranging from half-day walks to multi-day treks. Birding is exceptional — 29 Albertine Rift endemic species include the Ruwenzori turaco, red-collared mountain babbler, and Grauer’s warbler.
Location and How to Get There
Nyungwe Forest lies in the far southwest of Rwanda, straddling the Congo-Nile Ridge along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. The main visitor centres are at Uwinka (the park’s ridge-top heart) and Gisakura (the lower forest edge). Kigali to Nyungwe via Butare takes four to five hours by road. A Rwanda circuit typically combines Nyungwe with Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and Akagera for savannah game viewing.
Accommodation in Nyungwe
Accommodation options range from the luxury One&Only Nyungwe House on the tea plantation at the forest edge to the mid-range Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel near Gisakura. The Rwanda Development Board operates a basic guesthouse at Uwinka. See our full guide to accommodation in Nyungwe Forest for options across all budgets.
Best Time to Visit Nyungwe
The long dry season (June to September) is the best time to visit Nyungwe — trails are drier, chimpanzee tracking is easier, and the canopy walk is at its most scenic. December to February is a shorter dry season that also works well. The wet seasons (March to May and October to November) bring heavier rain and muddier trails but the forest is lush and bird activity is at its peak.
