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Nyungwe Forest National Park
Southwestern Rwanda · RW · national park

Nyungwe ForestNational Park

One of the oldest and most biodiverse montane rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe spans 1,019 square kilometres of ancient forest harboring 13 primate species, 310 bird species, and a s…

Best Time to VisitJune to September (main dry season); December to February (short dry)
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8+
Species of Wildlife
6
Safari Activities
6
Park Highlights
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Safari Tours

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Overview

Nyungwe Forest National Park

One of the oldest and most biodiverse montane rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe spans 1,019 square kilometres of ancient forest harboring 13 primate species, 310 bird species, and a spectacular canopy walkway suspended 50 metres above the forest floor.

Park Highlights
01East Africa's largest remaining montane rainforest
02Canopy walkway — 50m above the forest floor
0313 primate species including habituated chimps
04310 bird species — 27 Albertine Rift endemics
05Groups of 400+ Ruwenzori colobus — largest primate troops in Africa
06Ancient forest — estimated at several million years old
Best Time to Visit

June to September (main dry season); December to February (short dry)

Climate

Cool and wet montane, 10-22°C, frequent afternoon showers

Location

RW, Southwestern Rwanda

Plan Your Visit

Ready to explore Nyungwe Forest National Park? Our experts craft bespoke itineraries tailored to your travel dates and interests.

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Flora & Fauna

Wildlife & Activities

Animals
ChimpanzeeRuwenzori ColobusL'Hoest's MonkeyOwl-faced MonkeyGrey-cheeked MangabeyServalGiant Forest HogVarious chameleons
Activities
Chimpanzee trackingCanopy walkwayColobus monkey trekBirdwatchingWaterfall hikesTea plantation tours
Where to Stay

Exceptional Lodges

Hand-curated properties ranging from intimate tented camps to landmark lodges — chosen for extraordinary service and unrivalled wildlife access.

Safari Experiences

Safari Tours

Rwanda Primates & Rainforest
8 Days

Rwanda Primates & Rainforest

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Good to Know

Nyungwe Forest National Park: Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nyungwe Forest National Park located, and how do I get there?

Nyungwe sits in south-western Rwanda, close to the Burundi border and Lake Kivu, and is usually reached by road from Kigali in several hours or by a short flight to the Kamembe area. Ecological Wilderness Adventure arranges transport and guiding so the journey is part of the itinerary rather than something you have to organise yourself.

What is the Nyungwe canopy walkway and how high is it?

It is a suspended walkway that carries visitors through the forest canopy roughly 50 metres above the forest floor, giving open views over the treetops instead of the shaded understory. It is one of the park's signature experiences and pairs well with a guided forest walk on the same day.

Which primates can I see in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

The park harbours 13 primate species, a list that includes chimpanzees alongside monkeys such as the Ruwenzori colobus, which moves in unusually large troops. Chimpanzee trekking requires a permit and an early start, and Ecological Wilderness Adventure can build this into a tailored Nyungwe itinerary and quote it on request.

Is Nyungwe a good destination for birdwatchers?

Yes. Nyungwe supports 310 recorded bird species, making it one of the richest forest birding sites in the Albertine Rift, with turacos and other forest specialities among the highlights. Because the forest is dense, birding is most productive with a knowledgeable local guide and a slow-paced walk.

How long should I spend in Nyungwe, and when is the best time to visit?

Most travellers do well with two to three nights, which allows time for the canopy walkway plus at least one primate or birding trek. The drier months from roughly June to September and December to February generally make forest trails easier underfoot, though Nyungwe is a rainforest and can be wet at any time of year.

Is Nyungwe part of a Tanzania safari, or a separate Rwanda trip?

Nyungwe is in Rwanda, so it is normally combined with other Rwandan parks such as Volcanoes or Akagera, or added to an East Africa itinerary alongside Tanzania. Ecological Wilderness Adventure can tailor a cross-border routing and quote it on request.