Nyungwe National Park: Rwanda’s Primate and Adventure Haven

Set amidst the majestic landscapes of the Albertine Rift Mountains, Nyungwe National Park is a pristine rainforest teeming with life, making it an unrivaled destination for primate safaris, birdwatching, and hiking adventures. This ancient forest is a botanical treasure, boasting over 200 species of trees and a dazzling array of flowering plants, including the iconic giant lobelia and vibrant orchids that adorn its lush trails.

Renowned as a sanctuary for primates, Nyungwe is home to an extraordinary 13 primate species, solidifying its reputation as one of Africa’s top destinations for chimpanzee tracking and wildlife experiences. Marvel at the antics of playful Black-and-White Colobus monkeys, often seen in massive troops, and keep an eye out for the elusive L’Hoest’s monkey, a true gem of the forest.

Bird enthusiasts will find Nyungwe a paradise, as it is Rwanda’s premier birding hotspot. With nearly 300 bird species, including over 27 Albertine Rift endemics like the striking Ruwenzori turaco and the elusive grauer’s swamp warbler, this park is a dream come true for ornithologists and nature lovers alike.

For adventurers, Nyungwe offers an unparalleled hiking experience, featuring a network of well-maintained nature trails that wind through mist-shrouded mountains and dense canopies. The exhilarating Canopy Walkway, suspended high above the forest floor, offers sweeping views and an unmatched perspective of this untamed wilderness.

Whether you’re embarking on a thrilling primate safari, trekking along scenic trails, or soaking in the breathtaking biodiversity, Nyungwe National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the ultimate Rwandan adventure.

Activities in The Park

Chimpanzee Tracking

The majority of the chimp population in Rwanda is confined to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Trekking to see our closet relatives is an amazing experience, although these groups of chimps are wide ranging and there is a 30-40% chance of sighting these primates.

Black and White Colobus Trekking

There are large troops of black and white colobus monkeys residing in Nyungwe Forest. These primates often travel in groups of over 300 individuals. It is possible to purchase a permit to trek these animals. Walking through a montane rainforest and being surrounded on all levels by these active and cheeky monkeys is not to be missed.

Canopy Walkway

Departing from the Nyungwe Forest Visitor Centre, you’ll be in for some breathtaking views across the forest as you’re guided along the short Igishigishigi Trail. The trail can be steep in places, and you’ll walk for about half an hour to the starting point of the canopy trek. It’s quite an experience walking 60m above the forest floor, over the tree canopy, along the 200m, rope-style metal bridge.

The views from up here are stunning, and the adrenaline will no doubt be rushing through as the bridge sways. It can feel a bit unstable, especially in windy conditions, so we wouldn’t recommend this section of the walk for those who don’t have a head for heights – but the views from either side of the bridge, looking across to the Uwinkwa Ridge, are equally magnificent.

A suspended walkway has recently been built in the lush canopy of Nyungwe Forest. This activity lasts 1-2 hours depending on how often you stop enroute. You walk to one end of the walkway and return the same way. It is important to note that the walkway does sway and if you have a fear of heights, you might not find this activity enjoyable.

Forest Walks

Extensive networks if well-maintained walking trails leads you through the forest to various waterfalls and viewing points. There are a variety of trails:

• Coloured Trails – these are left over from the late 1980’s when an early attempt to develop tourism in Nyungwe was made. There are seven trails through the forest each marked by a particular colour. The trails range in length from the 1km Grey trail to the 10km Red trail. All the trails are well-maintained and offer the chance to see a diversity of primate and bird species.
• Waterfall Trail – this trail takes between 3-6 hours depending on how often you stop enroute. It is a very pleasant walk through the tree-fern covered ravines, across several bubbling streams until you reach a pretty waterfall. Monkeys are often seen along the way and the steep slopes allow for good views into the canopy, making this trail a favourite among the birders as it is very rewarding for true forest interior birds, with a good chance of spotting Albertine rift endemics, such as the Rwenzori turaco.
• Kamiranzoru Trail – this trail is 4km and takes about 3 hours. This trail is different from the other forest walks because it takes you through the low laying marshy areas which are rich in orchids and localised swamp associated bird species.
• Bigugu Trail – this is the toughest trail and you need to be relatively fit as it leads you up the Bigugu peak. The Bigugu peak is 2,950m high and is the highest point in Nyungwe Forest, offering fantastic views of the landscape.

In the mountainous southwest corner of Rwanda, one of Africa’s oldest mountain rainforests is also one of the country’s most exciting emerging destinations.

Universal Ventures Rwanda has made it easy for you to find the perfect lodge in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda during your chimpanzee tracking, canopy walkway, birding tour or primates tracking. Next are the accommodations we picked for you; from Luxury to budget.

The sprawling One&Only retreat, with its 22 one- and two-bedroom suites, is a destination unto itself. Geometric Imigongo designs cover interior walls with their dramatic, black-white-and-red color scheme; hand-woven decorative plates from local cooperative Indego Africa decorate the rooms; and king-size four-poster beds dominate the spacious bedrooms, all of which face the jungle through floor-to-ceiling windows.

There are a number of accommodation options; lodges, hotels, guest houses, and camps. Some of these include: Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Gisakura Guest House, Nyungwe Top View Hotel and many more.

The only wat to track the chimpanzees in Rwanda; In so many ways, tracking the chimps is so different from the mountain gorilla experience, so unlike the mountain gorillas, the chimps are moving constantly around and at high speeds, jumping from tree to tree making noise. But the gorillas are usually found sitting eating quietly with in the forest clearings. The other big difference between these two is the tracking experiences and by this this the gorillas, one is usually allowed one hour of observing and taking photos of them, but with the chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda, there is no limit, keeping up with them is also the main challenge and the biggest determining factor of the amount of time that is spent with them.

Visit the Rwanda Directorate general of Immigration and Emigration : https://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=28 which takes you to a visa application form which picks your personal information.

Depending on your travel plans, choose the best visa choice available;
– Single entry visa – allows entry in Rwanda alone for 30 days – 50 USD
– Transit Visa for 3 days – only you in the country for only 3 days – 50USD
– East African Tourists Visa – Allows you to cross to all East African countries including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda – 100 USD

The supporting document to attach is your tour Itinerary if traveling to visit rwanda, Invitation letter, other document with respect to your travel intentions or your flight details in PDF format. You MUST ATTACH documentation at this stage or the visa request will not be processed.