Without doubt, Rwanda is popular for its impressive variety of natural spaces. Since ancient times, each of this country’s landscapes has been considered a visual spectacle and gem worth exploring by visitors and locals. Nyungwe National Park (or Nyungwe Forest National Park) is a must-visit that can’t be overlooked by anyone seeking a magical experience. It is worth mentioning that this Protected Area is the place with the highest biodiversity in Rwanda. If you are planning to visit, we recommend reading our comprehensive travel guide to make your safari unforgettable. It doesn’t matter whether you are a nature enthusiast or simply looking to unwind with the sounds of chirping birds. Read this guide and fall in love with one of Rwanda’s unmissable safari destinations.

History, Size, and Location of Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National PARK is a biodiverse tropical rainforest covering an average of 100,000 hectares. Specifically, this Protected Area is located in the Southern province of Rwanda, bordering Burundi, Lake Kivu, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west.

It is important to mention that Nyungwe was officially declared a National Park in 2004, hence making it the third Protected Area in the country.

Most important features of Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park stands out for being a safari destination completely out of the ordinary, which is why it has been a tourist destination of interest for over two decades. Some of the significant features worth mentioning here are;

Wildlife

Nyungwe Forest National Park has more than 75 species of mammals, which include 13 primate species (such as the endangered chimpanzees, Dent’s Mona monkeys, silver monkeys, Angolan black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, Olive baboons, blue monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Other unmissable mammal species include serval cats, mongoose, and Congo clawless otters, to mention but a few.

Plant life

The variety of plant life in Nyungwe Forest National Park is impressive, with up to 1068 species of plants and 160 orchids discovered in this 100000-hectare Protected Area. These include endemic plant species, making it a perfect place for botanists.

Bird species

More than 310 species of birds have been recorded within Nyungwe Forest National Park. These include 27 Albertine Rift endemic species and 121 forest-endemic bird species, to mention but a few. Some of the species you should expect include strange weavers, Congo-bay owlets, Archer’s robin chat, bar-tailed trogon, chestnut owlet, Kivu ground thrush, white-tailed blue flycatchers, Doherty’s bush shrikes, black-faced flycatchers, Regal sunbirds, Rwenzori nightjars, Rwenzori batis, Neumann’s short-tailed warblers, collared Apalis, purple-breasted sunbird, stripe-breasted tit, red-collared babblers, long-tailed cuckoos, Great Blue Turacos, olive woodpeckers, white-headed hoopoe, the white-tailed blue flycatchers, Kungwe Apalis, Rockefeller’s sunbird, , Shelley’s crimson wing birds, Grauer’s swamp warblers, and .many others.

Activities Nyungwe Forest National Park

Exploring Nyungwe Forest National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience offering a variety of experiences and activities for all interests and adventure levels.

Chimpanzee tracking

Guided by expert Rangers, visitors have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of tracking and spending time with the endangered chimpanzees, mankind’s closest relatives in the animal Kingdom.

Chimpanzee tracking or trekking involves exploring in depth the distinct behaviors of chimpanzees, their body gestures, and taking pictures. With over 500 chimpanzees, these adventures are done in either Cyamudongo or Nyungwe Forest (starting from Uwinka).

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest requires a reasonable level of physical fitness as it involves conquering altitudes of between 1600 and 2950 meters. Visitors are likely to spot other primate species, birds, and unique tree species during these 2-4-hour treks, climaxing with a one-hour encounter for an up close and personal interaction with the Great Apes.

Birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park

With over 310 recorded species, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a Paradise for bird watchers, offering the unforgettable chance to see rare and colorful species in their natural habitats. There are high chances of seeing Kivu ground thrush, white-tailed blue flycatchers, Doherty’s bush shrikes, black-faced flycatchers, Regal sunbirds, Rwenzori nightjars, Rwenzori batis, Neumann’s short-tailed warblers, collared Apalis, purple-breasted sunbird, stripe-breasted tit, red-collared babblers, long-tailed cuckoos, Great Blue Turacos, and many others.

Guided forest walks/hiking

Well-maintained forest trails extend for over 150 kilometers, hence allowing for exploration of the Afro-montane tropical rainforest, and discovery of the region’s unique Botanical diversity.

For an immersive experience, we recommend exploring the 227-kilometer-long Congo Nile divide, Bigugu, Imbaraga trail, the 2-kilometer Igishigishigi trail, the Irebero Trail, Karamba trail, Kamiranzovu trail, Ngabwe trail, Isumo trail, Rukuzi, the Uwinka trail, Umoyove trail, Umugote, and many others. Depending on your interest (birding, wildlife watching, butterfly watching, breathtaking views, or sightseeing), you can choose any of these trails.

Colobus monkey tracking

Similar to Chimpanzee tracking, Nyungwe Forest National Park also provides the unique experience of tracking the troop of Angolan black and white colobus monkeys in their natural habitat.

Nyungwe Canopy walks

Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the few places in Africa providing canopy walks, and these involve walking through the 200-meter-long walkway suspended over 70 meters above the ground. Done in the morning or afternoon, the Nyungwe Canopy walk lasts 1-2 hours depending on your interest, and provides sights and sounds of birds, primates, and so much more.

Cultural/Village tours

Learning about the lifestyles and traditions of local communities living around Nyungwe Forest National Park is an integral part of the experience, fostering an enriching and respectful cultural exchange and unforgettable experiences.

What is the best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park?

The best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park depends on your preferences and planned adventures. If you prefer colder weather and don’t mind the rain, then the wet/rainy/green season from March to May and October to November is ideal. While rains are frequent in the afternoons, temperatures are sometimes high, hence making daytime explorations go on as planned. Increased rains mean plant and wildflower blooming, thus inviting an unforgettable birding experience with lots of migratory species arriving in the country during these months.

If you prefer to avoid the downpours and don’t mind the hot/warmer weather, then the months of June to September and December to February are also good for exploring Nyungwe Forest National Park. However, you should be prepared for higher daytime temperatures and cooler nights. Thanks to the reduced rains, the forest trails are more comfortable and memorable for exploration.

All in all, the best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park depends on your preferences.

Nyungwe accommodation options

Nyungwe Forest National Park offers fewer but comfortable accommodation options that offer an intimate and up close nature experience while respecting sustainability and conservation principles. These include Gisakura Guesthouse, Nyungwe Top View Lodge, One & Only Nyungwe House, Emeraude Kivu Resort, Nyungwe Nziza Eco lodge, Munazi Lodge,

How to arrive in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park, a remote and unspoiled natural wonder in southwestern Rwanda, is located 227 kilometers away from the vibrant Kigali City, which serves as the primary gateway to the Land of a Thousand Hills.

You can access this Protected Area by both land and air routes from Kigali and any part of the country. For air, you can take the 45-minute helicopter flight to Kamembe Airport, and once you arrive here, your journey continues through verdant terrains along the forest edge by car.

From Kigali City, start your road trip by covering 227 kilometers along the paved Kigali-Huye-Rusizi route, which typically takes around 6-7 hours by a 4X4 Safari vehicle or 8 hours by public means.