Nyungwe Forest National Park: Rwanda’s Ancient Rainforest Wilderness
Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s green soul; an ancient high-altitude rainforest draped across misty mountains, alive with primates, rare birds, rushing waterfalls, and a deep sense of untouched natural beauty. Located in the country’s southwest, it is one of the oldest and most biodiverse forests in Africa, a place where every trail feels enchanted and every rustle hints at life hidden among the leaves.
Unlike Rwanda’s savannah parks, Nyungwe is a world of dense canopies, fern-lined paths, and cool mountain air.
The forest stretches across more than a thousand square kilometers, forming a vital watershed for the region and protecting some of the last intact montane rainforest on the continent. It is here that Rwanda’s forest wildlife thrives from chimpanzees to dazzling endemic birds.
Wildlife & Birdlife
Nyungwe is best known for its primates. Thirteen species live in the forest, the most famous being the charismatic chimpanzees. Tracking them at dawn — hearing their calls echo through the trees — is one of East Africa’s most memorable wildlife experiences. The park is also home to large groups of Rwenzori colobus monkeys, often seen in spectacular troops numbering over a hundred individuals, as well as L’Hoest’s monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and other forest specialists.
Birding in Nyungwe is extraordinary.
Over 300 species have been recorded, including some of the Albertine Rift’s rarest highland endemics. Great blue turacos glide between treetops, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters flash along the trails, and the forest canopy shelters species found almost nowhere else on Earth. For dedicated birders, Nyungwe is simply world-class.
Popular experiences to look forward to in Nyungwe
Chimpanzee Trekking
Trekking through the cool morning forest to meet wild chimpanzees is the park’s signature experience. Watching them play, feed, communicate, and move with astonishing speed through the canopy offers an intimate look into primate life.
Scenic Canopy Walk
Suspended 70 meters above the forest floor, the Canopy Walkway is one of Rwanda’s most iconic activities. It provides sweeping aerial views of the treetops and offers unique vantage points for spotting monkeys and birds as they move through the upper layers of the forest.
Forest Hikes
Nyungwe’s extensive trail network leads visitors to waterfalls, mountain viewpoints, and quiet pockets of rainforest where butterflies, orchids, and exotic plants thrive. Each trail reveals a different facet of the ecosystem from bamboo groves to moss-covered ravines.
Best time to visit
Nyungwe is open year-round, with each season offering something unique. The drier months, June to September and December to February provide easier hiking conditions. During the wetter months, the forest becomes lush and vibrant, birdlife is phenomenal, and waterfalls flow at their fullest. Temperatures remain pleasantly cool due to the park’s elevation.
Getting There
Nyungwe is a scenic five to six hour drive from Kigali, passing through rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural landscapes. Many travellers include a stop at Lake Kivu or continue south after visiting Volcanoes National Park, creating a seamless circuit of Rwanda’s key natural highlights.
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