Nyungwe Forest National Park: Discovering Rwanda's Hidden Gem
Home to more than 1,000 plant species, 75 different types of mammal and 300+ recorded bird species, the Nyungwe Forest is a highly biodiverse area of montane rainforest in the southwest of Rwanda. It hugs the country’s border with Burundi near the shores of Lake Kivu and connects to the mountainous landscapes of Kibira National Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park lies at the meeting point of several biogeographical zones and encompasses a variety of microhabitats that allow many different species to thrive. Some are only found here in the montane forests of the Albertine Rift, making the protection of the area incredibly important.
Nyungwe is particularly renowned for its primates, with 13 different species recorded within the forest. In addition to chimpanzees and Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus, you may spot grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons and vervet monkeys along the nature trails in Nyungwe. The park also boasts some of the best birdwatching in Rwanda, with many species endemic to the area.
The Nyungwe Forest Reserve was created in 1933 by the Belgian colonial government in a bid to slow the conversion of native forests to agricultural pastures. Following independence in 1962, the reserve was reduced due to fires, logging and small-scale agriculture, with many of its animals hunted for meat. During the 1994 war and genocide, many of the reserve’s facilities were destroyed and staff were forced to flee, with the last elephant killed by poachers shortly after.
With peace and stability returned to the country, the Rwandan Government upgraded the Nyungwe Forest to a National Park in 2005, which helped to secure its protection. Today, it encompasses more than 1,000 square kilometres of bogs, grassland and swamps, as well as what is considered the best-preserved montane rainforest in Africa.
Canopy Walk
A highlight of visiting the Nyungwe Forest is experiencing the Canopy Walk, a 160-metre-long suspended walkway that hangs 70 metres above the forest floor. It offers panoramic views across the park and Lake Kivu while enjoying up-close encounters with birdlife. The Canopy Walk forms part of a two-hour-long rainforest safari along the Igishigishigi Trail, which departs from the Uwinka Reception Centre.
NB. Children under the age of 6 are not permitted on the Canopy Walk.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Nyungwe Forest National Park’s chimpanzee population is second only to that of Kibale National Park in Uganda and embarking on a guided trek to see these playful primates is a “must”. Starting early in the morning, you’ll trek through the forest in a small group of up to eight people to observe chimpanzees swinging through the trees and cuddling their young. The dry seasons of December to February and June to mid-September are the best times to view chimpanzees. It’s important to be aware that the terrain can be slippery throughout the year, so you should come prepared with wet-weather gear and long sleeves/pants to protect against the undergrowth.
NB. Primate tracking permits are required in Nyungwe National Park and can be purchased from Rwanda Development Board offices or through your tour provider.
Colobus Monkey Trekking
The Nyungwe Forest is home to the largest number of Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus monkeys in Africa, with these unique primates living high up in the trees. While this often makes them difficult to see, Nyungwe is renowned as one of the best places to see them in the wild, with sightings almost guaranteed. The dry seasons of December to February and June to mid-September are the best times to view colobus monkeys. Along the way, you may also spot grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest and owl-faced monkeys.
NB. Primate tracking permits are required in Nyungwe National Park and can be purchased from Rwanda Development Board offices or through your tour provider.
Bird Walk
The Nyungwe Forest is one of the top birding destinations in Rwanda, with more than 300 different species recorded here. With the help of a local guide, you may encounter great blue turacos, paradise flycatchers and gigantic forest hornbills, as well as green pigeons and red-faced woodland warblers. Red-throated alethes, Kivu ground finches and Rockefeller's sunbirds can also be spotted while forest hiking in Rwanda, with many easily identifiable by their calls.
Ngungwe Forest National Park is around 210 kilometres or five hours’ drive from the capital of Rwanda, Kigali, and the country’s main aviation gateway, Kigali International Airport. It receives international flights from major African cities, as well as from Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Istanbul and Dubai. Generally speaking, the road between Kigali and Nyungwe Forest National Park is good, with the opportunity to stop at Nyanza King’s Palace in Nyabisindi along the way.
Closer to the park is Kamembe Airport, which is just 1.5 hours away and has regular flights to and from Kigali.
Visas are required for entry into Rwanda by citizens of all countries, with some issued for free on arrival and others paid. You will also need a passport with at least six months of validity and with at least one free page for entry and exit stamps.
Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie countries can stay for up to 30 days with a valid passport and are issued a visa free of charge on arrival. Citizens of East African Community Member States can stay in Rwanda for a period of six months.
Citizens of the following countries are granted a 90-day visa free of charge upon arrival: Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Mauritius, Philippines, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Singapore and Qatar.
Citizens of all other countries can apply online or at the Rwandan consulate in their home country.
Most governments recommend that travellers are up-to-date with tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria and typhoid shots. A yellow fever certificate may be required if you are arriving in Rwanda from certain parts of the Americas and Africa, including Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
Malaria is an issue in some parts of Rwanda, so it’s a good idea to chat with your doctor about suitable anti-malarial drugs. Additionally, pack long-sleeve shirts and pants to prevent getting mosquito bites in the evening.
The dry season months (December to February and June to September) are considered the best times to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park, with the trails much more suitable for trekking. That being said, it can rain throughout the year, so you should come prepared with wet-weather gear.
The rainy seasons (October to November and March to May) are ideal for birdwatching, although the trails can be muddy and slippery. Accommodation rates are often reduced during this period, with fewer other tourists visiting the park.
Want to experience the Unique flora and fauna in Nyungwe Forest National Park? Chat with our East Africa tourism specialists about planning your adventure. Our eco-tourism in Rwanda trips can be combined with gorilla trekking and safari experiences in Akagera National Park.
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