Overview

Nyungwe National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, covering over 1,000 square kilometers of pristine montane jungle in southwestern Rwanda. Often described as a primate paradise, it is home to 13 different primate species, including habituated chimpanzees and massive troops of Ruwenzori colobus monkeys that can number in the hundreds. The park is a critical conservation area and a cornerstone of Rwanda’s eco-tourism, offering a starkly different landscape from the savannahs of Akagera or the volcanic peaks of the north.

 

Essential Experiences

The activities in Nyungwe National Park are centered around immersive nature encounters and physical adventure.

  • Chimpanzee Tracking: This is the park’s flagship activity. Visitors set out early in the morning to find habituated groups of chimpanzees, our closest relatives, as they feed and play in the high canopy.
  • The Canopy Walkway: Suspended 70 meters above a deep valley, this 160-meter-long bridge offers a bird’s-eye view of the ancient forest. It is one of the only such walkways in East Africa and is excellent for spotting birds and monkeys from above.
  • Extensive Hiking Trails: With over 130 kilometers of trails, hikers can choose from short 1-hour walks like the Igishigishigi Trail to full-day challenges like the Bigugu Trail, which leads to the park’s highest peak.
  • Birdwatching: A haven for ornithologists, the park boasts over 300 bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics like the stunning Great Blue Turaco and the Red-collared Mountain Babbler.
Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park

Luxury & Boutique Accommodations

Lodging near the park allows for easy access to early morning tracking sessions, with options ranging from high-end resorts to scenic hillside hotels.

One&Only Nyungwe House is the park’s premier luxury destination, situated on a working tea plantation at the edge of the forest.

  • Features wooden villa clusters with tree-top suites and private decks looking into the jungle.
  • Offers an exclusive jungle spa, a heated infinity pool, and unique on-site activities like archery.

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is a popular mid-range option perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the forest and Lake Kivu.

  • Provides self-contained cottages with private balconies perfect for viewing the misty morning canopy.
  • Known for its central location and being approximately 15 minutes from the park’s main visitor centers.

 

Planning Your Visit

  • Best Time to Visit: The dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are best for hiking and primate tracking as the trails are less slippery. However, the wet seasons (March to May and October to November) are ideal for birdwatching and seeing the park’s many orchids in bloom.
  • What to Pack: Even in the dry season, rain is possible. Pack sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof rain jacket, long-sleeved shirts, and long trousers to protect against stinging nettles and insects.
  • Permits: Most activities, especially chimpanzee tracking and the canopy walk, require pre-booked permits.