Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is an example of Africa at its most raw – a dense patch of pristine jungle where chimpanzees leap from branch to branch. Covering over 1000 square kilometres, Nyungwe is believed to be one of Africa’s oldest forests, staying green even through the last Ice Age, which explains its diversity. Home to habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primates species (including a 400-strong troop of habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus), it is also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal. In addition to chimpanzee trekking, there is a canopy walkway winding through the treetops some 60 metres above the ground as well as hiking and cycling trails and beautiful waterfalls.

Your morning activity is usually an early morning trek to look out for chimpanzees or Colobus monkeys. The Rwandan chimpanzee population consists of approximately 400-500 individuals, here in the Nyungwe Forest.

You’ll probably hear these excitable primates before you see them, as their hoots travel through the deep forest. Alternatively, why not take a half day forest trek in search of the Angolan Colobus monkeys? These can be found in troops of several hundred. Indeed the largest can be up to 450 individuals. This fair to moderate trek can be adapted to your fitness and lasts up 6 hours. It’s an absolutely amazing experience, to see so many Colobus monkeys – typically 50-60 at a given time.

In the afternoon, you may like to enjoy the thrilling Nyungwe Canopy Walk. This is one of its kind in Rwanda and offers impressive views of the forest.

Besides being so high in such a picturesque location, the 1½ to 2 hour walk allows you to witness the upper parts of the forest. Here you can see some unique ‘canopy’ species; apes, birds, butterflies, plants and insects, flowers, leaves and other animals that live in the roof of the forest. It is an unforgettable experience!

Best Time to Visit

The wetter months are considered better for chimpanzee

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Activities

  • Gorilla Tracking
  • Climbing the Virunga Volcanoes
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Wildlife

A total of 86 mammal species have been recorded in Nyungwe Forest,

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How to get there

Kigali International Airport (KGL) will be your entry point into

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Rwanda Travel Tips

Best known for its wealth of primates, Rwanda is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and some wonderful hiking spots.

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Known as “The land of a Thousand Hills”, Rwanda is filled with green undulating hills, gardens and tea plantations,

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