Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda

About Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe National Park covers 1,019 sq km of montane rainforest in southwestern Rwanda — one of the largest intact mountain rainforests in Africa and estimated to be over 30 million years old. The diversity within it is staggering: 13 primate species, over 300 bird species including 29 Albertine Rift endemics, and 1,068 plant species.

Nyungwe is significantly less visited than Volcanoes NP — which is partly its appeal. The forest is quieter, wilder and offers a completely different Rwanda experience from the gorilla trekking at the north.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe

Nyungwe has one habituated chimpanzee community in Cyamudongo Forest — a separate forest fragment southwest of the main park. Chimpanzee permits cost approximately $100 per person. Sightings are possible but less reliable than Kibale Forest in Uganda. The experience is more adventurous — small groups, dense forest, genuine wilderness feeling.

Canopy Walkway

The suspension bridge canopy walkway at Uwinka is one of Central Africa's most accessible high-level forest experiences. The walkway stretches 90 metres long and 50 metres above the forest floor, with stunning views over the rainforest canopy. Entry is included with a park fee (~$40 per person). No specialist fitness required. This is Nyungwe's most accessible attraction and excellent for non-trekkers.

Colobus Monkey Trekking

Nyungwe has one of Africa's largest populations of black-and-white colobus monkeys — groups of several hundred individuals have been recorded. Colobus trekking permits are $50 per person and sightings are highly reliable. The sight of a large colobus group moving through the forest canopy is spectacular.

How to Include Nyungwe on a Rwanda Trip

Nyungwe is in southwest Rwanda, 5 hours from Kigali by road. A 3-park Rwanda circuit: Kigali → Nyungwe (2 days, canopy walk + chimps) → Akagera (2 days, Big Five) → Volcanoes NP (1–2 days, gorillas) → Kigali. A 7–10 day trip covers all of Rwanda's key experiences.