NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically rich rainforests, making it a top destination for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and primate safaris. Located in the mountainous southwest, the park is home to over 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and the endemic L’Hoest’s monkey of the Albertine Rift. With more than 15 well-maintained trails, Nyungwe offers both short guided walks and immersive multi-day forest experiences for nature lovers.
Nyungwe Forest is also a biodiversity hotspot, supporting over 1,068 plant species, 140 orchid species, and 322 recorded bird species, including rare Albertine Rift endemics such as the Red-collared Babbler. Wildlife enthusiasts can also spot mammals like serval cats, mongooses, Congo clawless otters, and occasional leopards. Popular activities include walking to the stunning Isumo Waterfall and experiencing the iconic Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge offering breathtaking views of the rainforest. Surrounded by lush tea plantations that attract colobus monkeys and forest birds, Nyungwe also plays a vital ecological role as Rwanda’s major water catchment, supplying over 70% of the country’s water. It is even believed to host one of the most remote sources of the Nile, making it both a conservation and adventure tourism highlight in Rwanda.
Attractions & Activities in Nyungwe
Chimpanzee Trekking
Nyungwe National Park is home to Rwanda’s largest population of chimpanzees, making it one of the top destinations for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. Additional chimpanzee populations can also be found in
Gishwati-Mukura Forest National Park, another important conservation area in western Rwanda.
Within Nyungwe, approximately 100 chimpanzees live in Cyamudongo Forest, a small but dense 7.5-square-mile forest fragment. Although chimpanzees can sometimes be spotted during general forest walks, booking a guided chimpanzee trekking experience significantly increases your chances of a successful encounter.
Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees are highly mobile and often travel quickly through the forest, making tracking more challenging. Visitors should be prepared for a physically demanding trek through thick vegetation and steep terrain. However, the reward is a one-hour close observation of their natural behavior, including feeding, grooming, and communication.
The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is between June and August, when fig trees are in fruit and chimpanzees are easier to locate. This period offers the highest sighting success rates and an exceptional wildlife experience in Rwanda’s ancient rainforest.
Canopy Walk
A canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park is one of the most thrilling eco tourism experiences in Rwanda, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rainforest from above. The famous Canopy Walkway is a suspended bridge hanging about 60 meters (200 feet) above the forest floor, providing panoramic views over the dense rainforest and even extending toward the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This guided experience typically lasts around two hours and begins with a scenic hike along the Igishigishigi Trail before reaching the suspension bridge. Along the way, visitors enjoy the rich biodiversity of Nyungwe, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a prime destination for Rwanda nature tours.
From the canopy, travelers can spot a variety of wildlife including monkeys, butterflies, and numerous bird species moving through the treetops. The canopy walk offers a rare perspective of Nyungwe’s ecosystem, making it a must-do activity for adventure travelers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts exploring Rwanda.
Bird Watching
Nyungwe National Park birdwatching is one of the top wildlife experiences in Rwanda, making the park a premier destination for birding safaris in East Africa. The park is home to over 317 bird species, including 26 Albertine Rift endemics that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
With more than 121 forest-specialist species, birdwatching in Nyungwe is highly rewarding, although it requires patience due to the dense rainforest vegetation. Hiring an experienced birding guide significantly improves your chances of spotting rare and elusive species such as the blue-headed sunbird and dwarf honeyguide.
Many lodges near Nyungwe National Park also offer guided birding experiences in surrounding tea plantations, where forest edge species are commonly seen. The best time for birdwatching in Nyungwe is early morning and late afternoon when birds are most active, feeding, and calling through the forest canopy.
Colobus Monkey Tracking
Nyungwe National Park is home to one of the most remarkable primate experiences in Rwanda: colobus monkey tracking. The park hosts large troops of colobus monkeys, making it one of the best places in Africa to observe these striking primates in their natural habitat.
Unlike most colobus monkeys that live in small groups, Nyungwe’s populations form exceptionally large troops of hundreds of individuals. This unique behavior makes them easier to locate during guided forest walks and primate tracking excursions.
The park is specifically home to the Rwenzori colobus, a subspecies of the Angolan black-and-white colobus, easily identified by its bold black-and-white fur. Compared to chimpanzee trekking, colobus tracking in Nyungwe is less strenuous and usually involves a relaxed forest walk lasting between 15 minutes and one hour.
Once a troop is found, visitors enjoy a full hour observing these agile monkeys as they leap gracefully through the forest canopy, offering excellent photography opportunities and a memorable Rwanda primate safari experience.