Nyungwe National Park Rwanda
An ancient mountain rainforest, 13 primate species, and one honest guide to seeing it well.
Nyungwe National Park is a 1,019 square kilometre mountain rainforest in southwest Rwanda, about seven hours by road from Kigali, and the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is Rwanda’s home for chimpanzee trekking, the canopy walk and 13 primate species. Most guests spend two to three nights.
Nyungwe National Park in numbers
- Location
- southwest Rwanda
- From Kigali
- 7 hours by road
- Size
- 1,019 km²
- Primates
- 13 species
- Park entry
- US$100 per person for a day visit or the first night
- Chimpanzee trekking
- US$250 per person for the day, minimum age 15
- Best months
- June to September, December to February
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Site since 2023
Park fees and permits are listed on our Rwanda safari cost page.
An ancient forest on the Albertine Rift
Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, a high and often misty forest on the Albertine Rift where Rwanda’s rivers begin. It is a different experience from the volcanoes in the north. The trails are longer, the canopy is taller, and the rewards are less predictable and, for many guests, more personal.
The forest was first protected in 1933. It was gazetted as a national park in 2004 and opened to visitors in 2005. Today it is managed by African Parks in partnership with the Rwandan Government. On 19 September 2023 it was inscribed as Rwanda’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
That recognition reflects what the forest holds: primates, more than 300 bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics, and a water catchment that communities well beyond the park depend on. Communities around the edge are part of how the park is protected, which is one reason we work with local guides and lodges. You can read more on our sustainability policy and the story of the UNESCO inscription.
Nyungwe sits within a wider Rwanda journey. Most guests combine it with Volcanoes National Park for gorillas or Akagera National Park for savannah wildlife. See the full Rwanda destinations guide.
The primates and the forest
Five things make Nyungwe different from every other park in Rwanda.
Chimpanzees
Nyungwe’s chimpanzees are active. They move through the day and often climb into the canopy, so the trek is more active than a gorilla visit. The park is home to several hundred chimpanzees, living in several communities. The main forest community is about 60 animals. Cyamudongo, about 30 animals and an hour away, is offered as an option, subject to availability. When Cyamudongo is full, guests are placed with another habituated community in the park. We never promise a sighting.
Colobus supergroups
Nyungwe is known for very large groups of colobus monkeys, with troops of 300 or more moving through the treetops. These are Angolan colobus, also called Rwenzori colobus. Watching a group cross a gap in the canopy is a highlight for many visitors.
The canopy walk
A suspended walkway takes you out above the forest canopy, with a guide, in small groups. It is a short activity that pairs well with a chimpanzee trek on the same day. Guests with a fear of heights can decide on the day.
The trails
Marked trails lead to the Isumo waterfall, across the Kamiranzovu marsh and up toward Bigugu. Paths are steep and can be muddy at any time of year.
Birds
Nyungwe is among the best places in Africa for Albertine Rift endemics. Early mornings along the forest edge and the roads are productive, and a guided birding walk is available as an add-on.
Chimpanzee detail is in our chimpanzee trekking guide, and canopy walk detail in our canopy walk guide.
Things to do in Nyungwe
Chimpanzee trekking
Rangers lead groups of up to eight guests, with one guide per group. Guests spend about one hour with the chimpanzees once found. The minimum age is 15. The permit is US$150, plus park entry. Our chimpanzee trekking guide covers preparation and what to expect.
Canopy walk
The walk costs US$40 plus park entry, in groups of two to eight. The canopy walk guide has the practical details.
Hiking
Half-day and full-day walks take in the waterfall, the marsh and the forest edge. A guide is required.
Colobus tracking
Usually a morning activity, with the supergroups easiest to find in the right season. Ask us which month suits.
Birding
Guided birding walks and night walks are available. Night walks run in the early evening.
Habituation experience
For guests who want a full day with a chimpanzee group in the process of being habituated, a limited, small-group option exists. Read the habituation experience story.
Full permit and park fee details sit on our Rwanda safari cost page.
A day in Nyungwe
This is a typical day for a guest staying near the park. Start times depend on where the chimpanzees were last seen.
Early morning
Leave the lodge in the dark for the trek start point.
Briefing and walk
A briefing, then the walk into the forest with a ranger team.
With the chimpanzees
Time with the chimpanzees, if found.
Late breakfast
Return to the lodge for a late breakfast.
Midday
Rest, or the canopy walk.
Afternoon
A short trail, a birding walk, or time at the lodge.
Early evening
An optional night walk.
Evening
Dinner and an early night.
Our 3-Day Nyungwe Chimpanzee and Canopy Walk trip follows this rhythm.
Where to stay near Nyungwe
Most guests stay on the forest edge. Each place below is one we know and send guests to.
Ultra-luxury
Nyungwe Forest Tea Resort
Formerly One&Only Nyungwe House
Our ultra-luxury choice, set on a tea estate at the forest edge. It is the only luxury lodge of its kind in Nyungwe. Guests who want to arrive in comfort can reach it by helicopter from Kigali or Musanze; see our ultra-luxury Rwanda safari page for details.
Mid-range
Munazi Lodge
Our mid-range choice inside the park, managed by African Parks, with A-frame cabins among the trees.
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Our mid-range choice near the park, on a ridge with wide views over the forest.
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay
On the way at Lake Kivu, about two hours from Nyungwe. A lakeside night before or after the forest.
For a wider look at lodges, read our Rwanda luxury safaris page.
Best time to visit Nyungwe
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Dry | Dry | Wet | Wet | Wet | Dry | Dry | Dry | Dry | Wet | Wet | Dry |
| Months | Season | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| June to September | Dry | Easier trails, clearer views, the most popular months |
| October to November | Wet | Quieter, green forest, good for birds |
| December to February | Dry | Good trekking conditions, a second dry window |
| March to May | Wet | Heaviest rain, muddy trails, fewer visitors |
Chimpanzee trekking is possible all year, but the forest is wet at any time. Pack for rain whatever the month.
Between November and May, guests who spend at least two nights in Nyungwe or Akagera qualify for a 30% discount on the gorilla permit. Read more in our seasonal guide to Rwanda.
Getting to Nyungwe
Nyungwe is about seven hours by road from Kigali. We break the drive at Nyanza, about two and a half hours from Kigali. If you wish, we visit the King’s Palace Museum. If time is short, it is a quick stop for lunch, a snack, coffee or a rest, and then we continue to Nyungwe. The drive from Volcanoes National Park takes about five hours and passes through Lake Kivu at Karongi, about three hours from Volcanoes and about two hours from Nyungwe, which makes a natural overnight stop.
We plan the journey so that the long road becomes part of the trip. If you prefer, a helicopter transfer is also possible.
About 7 hours by road, with a stop at Nyanza after 2.5 hours
About 3 hours from Volcanoes to Karongi, then about 2 hours to Nyungwe
A note from Eric
On the trek
A chimpanzee trek is different from gorillas because chimpanzees are active. With gorillas, you reach the family and stand or sit and watch them. Chimpanzees are on the move, often high in the canopy, and they can leave quickly if they hear people coming. That makes the sighting very different, and it is a wonderful one. It is also a more active trek. Nyungwe’s landscape goes down, up, down, up, so older guests and anyone with knee problems often find it harder than they expected.
On the canopy walk
Guests tell me it is a little scary and very adventurous, and that the views over the forest are amazing. The walkway can sway, which is uncomfortable for anyone with a fear of heights, and those are the guests who sometimes turn back.
Eric SabiFounder and RDB-licensed guide
What I never promise. I never promise that you will see the chimpanzees. The chances are lower than with gorillas, so we say so plainly before you travel.
Safaris that include Nyungwe
Each of these trips includes time in Nyungwe National Park. Prices below are per person, based on two travelers sharing.
For a shorter trip, see our Rwanda short safaris, or browse every itinerary in our Rwanda safari packages.
Also see the 6-Day Chimpanzee and Golden Monkey trip.
Looking for gorillas? See gorilla trekking in Rwanda. For other styles of trip, explore our luxury, private, honeymoon and family safaris, or the full cost guide.
Questions about Nyungwe National Park
Short answers to the questions guests ask us most before a trip to Nyungwe.
Is Nyungwe worth visiting after gorilla trekking?
Yes, if you want a different kind of day. Gorilla trekking is intimate and predictable. Nyungwe is longer, wetter and more varied, with chimpanzees, the canopy walk, colobus monkeys and birds. Many guests find the two complement each other well.
How hard is chimpanzee trekking?
It can be demanding. The terrain goes down and up repeatedly, and the chimpanzees are active, so you may need to keep moving. Older guests and anyone with knee problems often find it harder than expected. The minimum age is 15. If you are unsure, tell us in advance and we will advise honestly.
Will I see the chimpanzees?
We cannot promise it. Chimpanzees are active, move quickly and may climb into the canopy, so the chances of a sighting are lower than with gorillas. Rangers track them each morning, but nobody can guarantee one, and we would never say otherwise.
What does the canopy walk involve?
You walk along a suspended path above the forest canopy, with a guide, in a small group of two to eight. The views are wonderful, and the walkway can sway. Guests with a fear of heights sometimes turn back, and that is fine. It pairs well with a morning chimpanzee trek.
How far is Nyungwe from Kigali and from Volcanoes?
Nyungwe is about seven hours by road from Kigali and about five hours from Volcanoes National Park. Many guests break the journey at Nyanza on the way from Kigali, or at Lake Kivu in Karongi on the way from Volcanoes, which turns a long drive into part of the trip.
How many days do I need?
Two to three nights is the usual stay, giving time for a chimpanzee trek, the canopy walk and a rest day. Add one or two nights at Lake Kivu on the way if you want to slow the journey down.
When is the best time to visit?
June to September and December to February are the drier months, with easier trails. March to May and October to November are wetter, but quieter and good for birds. Chimpanzee trekking runs all year, so choose by what suits your plans.
What should I pack for a rainforest?
Waterproof jacket, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, quick drying layers, gloves for steep trails, insect repellent and a small daypack. Bring a camera cover too. Weather can change within an hour at any time of year.
Speak with a safari specialist
Tell us your dates, the number of travelers and what you want to see. We reply within 24 hours, usually within 1 to 4 hours.
WhatsApp: +250 788 602 524 · Email: info@hopetoursafrica.com · Phone: +250 788 602 524