Tourist Attractions in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Tourist Attractions in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located about six hours by road from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, this park offers a wide range of activities and is considered one of the country’s top tourist attractions.

Nyungwe is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, Angola colobus monkeys, and various other monkeys. Other wildlife includes golden cats, duikers, 75 known mammal species, 120 butterfly species, 1,068 plant species, and 140 types of orchids. The park is also an important birdwatching site, with 322 bird species, including the Red-collared Babbler and 29 species endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Chimpanzees

Nyungwe Forest and the nearby Cyamudongo Forest are home to over 400 chimpanzees, organized into different groups. Two groups have been habituated for tourism. Chimpanzee tracking is available year-round, with treks starting at 5:00 a.m. from the Uwinka and Cyamudongo sectors. These guided treks offer an opportunity to observe chimpanzees feeding, grooming, and interacting in their natural environment.

Tracking chimpanzees can be physically demanding, as they are highly mobile and often move through dense forest areas. Visitors are advised to wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers, hiking boots, a hat, and a rain jacket. Bringing a walking stick, binoculars, drinking water, and light snacks is also recommended. Hiring a porter can help make the trek more manageable.

A chimpanzee trekking permit costs $150 and can be obtained from the Rwanda Development Board or through a registered tour operator.

Monkeys

Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s best places to see small primates. In addition to chimpanzees, visitors may encounter species such as the Angola colobus, Dent’s mona monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, Hamlyn’s monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, olive baboon, red-tailed monkey, silver monkey, vervet monkey, and white and black colobus monkey. Although golden monkeys have been spotted in the park, they are rare and difficult to find.

The Ruwenzori colobus monkey, known for its black and white coloring and large group sizes, is especially popular among visitors. These monkeys can be seen on several trails in the park, including:

Kamiranzovu Trail – through marshes and orchids
Bigugu Trail – ascending Mount Bigugu
Waterfall Trail – from Gisakura Guest House to the Tea Estate, ideal for spotting colobus monkeys
Uwinka Trail – includes red (10 km) and grey (1 km) sections for primate and bird viewing

Canopy Walkway and Hiking Trails

Nyungwe Forest offers a unique canopy walkway experience, the only one of its kind in East Africa. Starting at the Uwinka Visitors Center, the canopy walk includes a 160-meter-long suspension bridge, 70 meters above the ground. It offers views of the forest, birds, and wildlife from above. While thrilling, it may be challenging for those who are afraid of heights.

Alternatively, visitors can explore one of the many hiking trails. These trails vary in length and difficulty, allowing visitors to experience the forest’s biodiversity at ground level.

Igishigishigi Trail – shortest trail
Bigugu Trail – most challenging (5+ hours)
Waterfall Trail – leads to scenic waterfalls

Hiking provides opportunities to observe monkeys, birds, plants, and waterfalls throughout the park.

Birdwatching

Nyungwe Forest is Rwanda’s top birdwatching destination, with approximately 300 bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics. Birdlife International recognizes the park as Rwanda’s most important bird conservation area.

Common bird species include:

Archer’s robin-chat
Barred long-tailed cuckoo
Blue turaco
Chapin’s flycatcher
Doherty’s bush-shrike
Grey-chested kakamega
Handsome francolin
Lagden’s bush-shrike
Mountain sooty boubou
Rockefeller’s sunbird
Purple-throated sunbird
Red-collared mountain babbler
Rwenzori double-collared warbler
Yellow-eyed black flycatcher

A guided bird walk is essential, as many species are found in specific parts of the park. Guides are trained to identify birds by sight and sound. Birdwatching is best during the dry season when migratory birds arrive.

Congo Nile Trail

The Congo Nile Trail passes through Nyungwe Forest and offers a scenic route for cyclists. Riding along the trail allows visitors to experience the park’s natural beauty, observe wildlife, and see unique plant species. Camping is necessary for multi-day rides, so travelers should come prepared with proper gear, food, and water.

Best Time to Visit

Nyungwe receives about 2,000mm of rainfall annually. The dry season runs from June to September and is the best time for outdoor activities. Daytime temperatures average 21°C (70°F), while nights are around 10°C (59°F). The rainy season spans October to May, with the heaviest rains typically falling between October and February. Visitors should bring raincoats, warm clothing, and waterproof footwear regardless of the season.

Accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Several lodges and hotels are available near the park:

Nyungwe Top View Hotel – 5.1 km from the park, with quality meals, comfortable rooms, Wi-Fi, and secure parking.
Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge – 14.2 km away, offers affordable lodging with a restaurant and bar.
One&Only Nyungwe House – near the Karamba trail and the Genocide Memorial, a luxury option.
Rwiza Village – 45.7 km from the park in Kigali, with restaurant, bar, and lounge.
Macheo Ecolodge Campsite – 37 km from Mukura Forest Reserve, offering budget accommodation and a restaurant.

Getting to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest is approximately 225 kilometers from Kigali, about a six-hour drive. From Volcanoes National Park, it is around 265 kilometers, taking roughly seven hours by road.

For a quicker trip, visitors can fly from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport, then drive about 1.5 hours to the park. Helicopter charters are also available and land directly at the helipad at One&Only Nyungwe House.