Nyungwe National Park

Into the Heart of Rwanda’s Rainforest

Looking for a safari that’s more forest than savannah? Discover Nyungwe National Park—a lush, ancient rainforest in Rwanda’s southwest teeming with life and adventure.

Quick Facts

• Location: Southwestern Rwanda, bordering Burundi
• Distance from Kigali: ~225 km (5–6 hours by road)
• Size: 1,020 km²
• Established: 2004 (national park status)
• Best time to visit: June – September, December – February (drier seasons)

What Makes Nyungwe Special?

• Chimpanzee Trekking: Get up close with our closest wild relatives
• Canopy Walk: A 70-meter-long suspension bridge over the forest canopy
• Primate Paradise: Home to 13 species of primates including colobus monkeys
• Birding Heaven: Over 300 bird species, many of them endemic to the Albertine Rift

Wildlife You’ll See

Nyungwe’s dense forest is alive with biodiversity:

• Primates: Chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, baboons
• Birds: Great blue turaco, Rwenzori nightjar, and other Albertine Rift endemics
• Others: Forest duikers, mongoose, reptiles, and butterflies

Top Things to Do

• 🐒 Chimpanzee Trekking: The highlight of most visits (early morning departures)
• 🌉 Canopy Walk: A thrilling walk above the treetops with stunning views
• 🥾 Forest Hikes: Over 130 km of well-maintained trails through diverse terrain
• 🦜 Birdwatching: Especially rewarding for serious birders and photographers
• 🤝 Community Tours: Visit tea plantations and local cultural sites nearby

Where to Stay

• Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House (on a working tea estate)
• Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
• Budget: Gisakura Guest House, local eco-lodges near the park entrance

How to Get There

🚗 By Road

Drive from Kigali via Huye (Butare). The road is scenic and well-paved, with options to stop at the Ethnographic Museum or tea estates along the way.

🛩️ By Air

Akagera Aviation offers charter flights to a nearby airstrip. Helicopter transfers can be arranged through luxury lodges.

What to Pack

• Hiking boots and rain jacket (forest terrain can be slippery)
• Insect repellent and long-sleeved layers
• Camera or binoculars for birdwatching
• Reusable water bottle and snacks for long hikes
• Gloves for grip during chimp treks

Traveler Tips

• Chimpanzee trekking requires an early start (be at the park HQ by 5 AM)
• Permits should be booked in advance, especially in peak seasons
• Consider combining with a stay at Lake Kivu or Nyungwe Forest Lodge
• Mobile signal is weak—download maps or guides in advance