Photo: supplied by East Africa Trails Quick facts
- Country
- Rwanda
- Nearest gateway
- Kigali (about 5-6 hours by road) or Kamembe airport (short flight from Kigali)
- Best time
- June to September and December to February
- Size
- About 1,020 sq km
- Biodiversity
- 13 primate species and many Albertine Rift endemics
- Habitat
- Montane rainforest, among the oldest in Africa
- Time needed
- Two nights
- Rain
- Can fall in any month; bring waterproofs
An old, wet forest
Nyungwe is one of the largest and oldest montane rainforests in Africa. It sits in the Albertine Rift, and it’s part of a system of forests that stretches into Burundi. It’s thick, misty and full of tall trees, ferns and orchids. It’s also one of the most important places in Africa for biodiversity, with dozens of mammal species and hundreds of birds.
Nyungwe is Rwanda’s quiet park. Fewer visitors go here than to the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. If you enjoy forest walks and don’t need to see big game, it’s a reward.
Primates
Thirteen primate species live in Nyungwe. Chimpanzees are the headline, and treks start early in the morning to find them while they’re still near their nests. Colobus monkeys are also a highlight: troops of several hundred Angolan colobus move through the trees together, and you can track them at a more relaxed pace. L’Hoest’s monkeys, owl-faced monkeys and blue monkeys are also seen.
The canopy walkway
The canopy walkway is a suspension bridge, high above the forest floor, and offers a view over the treetops that’s hard to get elsewhere. It’s a short walk from the trailhead and can be done in less than an hour. It’s suitable for anyone comfortable with heights.
Birds and walks
There are more than 300 bird species, and more than two dozen are Albertine Rift endemics. Dedicated birders come for the Rwenzori turaco and other specialities. Marked trails lead to waterfalls, viewpoints and quiet forest, and are easily walked with a guide.
When to go
June to September and December to February are the drier windows. The forest is wet most of the year, and it can rain at any time, so bring waterproofs. Trails can be slippery between March and May.
Getting there
The road from Kigali takes about five to six hours, passing through Huye. The trip is on a paved highway through green hills and tea plantations. There are also flights from Kigali to Kamembe. You can visit Akagera and Volcanoes on the same trip.
Costs and where to stay
Activity fees are set by the Rwanda Development Board. Chimp trekking costs less than gorilla trekking, and canopy walk fees are modest. Accommodation includes luxury lodges inside the park and simple guesthouses near Gisakura. Book early if you visit during peak months.
What you can do here
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Canopy walkway
- Colobus monkey tracking
- Waterfall and forest hikes
- Bird watching
- Gisakura tea plantation tour
Nyungwe Forest National Park: common questions
How does chimp trekking in Nyungwe compare with Uganda?
Nyungwe's chimp treks start early, involve steep, muddy terrain, and success is less predictable than in Kibale. The forest is more remote and quiet, and the scenery is lovely. If the chimps are your priority, Kibale in Uganda offers better odds.
Is the canopy walkway worth it?
Yes. It's a suspension walkway that takes you high above the forest floor, with views over the treetops. It's a short walk from the trail and suitable for most visitors who are comfortable with heights.
How long does it take to drive to Nyungwe from Kigali?
About five to six hours, or somewhat longer with stops, depending on which side of the park you visit. The road goes through Huye and is well paved. Flights from Kigali to Kamembe are an alternative.
When is the best time to go?
June to September and December to February are drier, and the trails are less slippery. Wet periods bring muddy trails and more cloud, but the forest is lush and the chimps can still be found.
Can you combine Nyungwe with the gorillas?
Yes. Volcanoes National Park is in the north and Nyungwe is in the southwest, so a typical Rwanda itinerary starts in Kigali, goes to Nyungwe, then to Lake Kivu and Volcanoes, and finishes in Kigali.
Guides for planning your visit
Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania
Where to track wild chimpanzees in East Africa: Kibale, Budongo, Nyungwe, Gombe and Mahale compared, with permit costs, fitness and timing.
Nearby and similar parks
Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda's gorilla park, just two hours from Kigali, with twelve habituated families and five volcanoes.
Akagera National Park
Rwanda's only savanna park, restored from near-collapse and now home to lions, black rhinos and all of the Big Five.
Kibale National Park
The world's best-known place to see wild chimpanzees, with 12 other primate species in the same forest.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
A small, recovering forest in western Rwanda, with chimpanzees, monkeys and quiet trails away from the crowds.
Last updated 20 September 2026. Fees, permit prices and access rules change; we check them against official sources and operators, but confirm the current figure before you pay. Rift & Reef is not an official park authority.