Rwanda · National park
Nyungwe Forest Safaris
Ancient montane rainforest, chimpanzees and a walkway through the canopy.
Discover Nyungwe Forest
A Nyungwe Forest safari takes you to the southwest of Rwanda, where one of the oldest montane rainforests in Africa covers the ridges above Lake Kivu. Nyungwe is protected as a national park and is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and large troops of Angola colobus.
Chimpanzee tracking starts before dawn, and the canopy walkway near Uwinka lets you walk among the treetops above a deep ravine. Nyungwe is a long drive from Kigali, so we place it between Akagera and Volcanoes on our week-long Rwanda safari.
- Primates
- 13 species
- Signature
- Chimpanzee tracking and the canopy walkway
- Habitat
- Montane rainforest
- From Kigali
- About 5–6 hours by road
- Ideal stay
- 2 nights
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
What to do in Nyungwe Forest
Chimpanzee tracking
Trackers set out early to locate the chimps, and groups follow at dawn. Sightings are less predictable than in Kibale, so we pair the morning with the forest's other primates.
Safaris in NyungweThe canopy walkway
A suspended walkway strung between giant trees above a forested ravine, reached by a short trail from Uwinka. It is the best way to see the forest's birds and monkeys at eye level.
Stay on the forest edge
Colobus and forest trails
Troops of Angola colobus here can number in the hundreds, and marked trails lead to waterfalls and viewpoints across the forest.
Plan your forest daysWildlife you may see in Nyungwe Forest
Primates
Chimpanzees, large troops of Angola colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, owl-faced monkeys and red-tailed monkeys.
Mammals
Serval, golden cat and duikers live in the forest but are seldom seen.
Birds
Around 300 species, with many Albertine Rift endemics, which makes Nyungwe one of East Africa's best forests for birders.
The story of Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe lies on the watershed between the Nile and Congo basins, and streams rising in the forest feed both. It is one of the oldest and largest montane rainforests in Africa, spreading across ridges between about 1,600 and 2,950 metres.
Tea estates surround parts of the forest edge, and the drive in passes some of the most beautiful countryside in Rwanda. Inside, the forest is home to more than 1,000 plant species, including giant tree ferns and many orchids.
When to go
Nyungwe is a rainforest, so expect rain in any month. June to September is the driest period and the most comfortable for hiking. In the wetter months the forest is at its most lush and the trails at their muddiest.
- JanDrier
- FebDrier
- MarWetter
- AprWetter
- MayWetter
- JunDrier
- JulDrier
- AugDrier
- SepDrier
- OctDrier
- NovWetter
- DecWetter
Drier, peak seasonWetter, green season
Where we travel in Nyungwe Forest
Luxury lodges in Nyungwe Forest
One&Only Nyungwe House
Rooms on a working tea estate at the edge of Nyungwe Forest.
Ask about this lodgePlanning your visit
Getting there
About five to six hours by road from Kigali, or along Lake Kivu from Volcanoes.
How long to stay
Two nights gives a dawn chimpanzee trek and the canopy walkway without rushing.
Where to stay
Lodges on the forest edge cut the early drive to the trailheads.
Combine with
Akagera and Volcanoes on our 7-day Rwanda primates and Big Five safari.
Questions travellers ask
Is chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe reliable?
Less so than in Kibale. The chimps range widely over steep terrain, so sightings vary. We tell you honestly what the recent success rate has been before you book.
Is the canopy walkway safe?
Yes. It is a sturdy, well-maintained structure with high sides, and walks are led by park guides. It does suit people who are comfortable with heights.
How do we get to Nyungwe?
By road from Kigali, about five to six hours, or as part of a longer route from Akagera or Lake Kivu.
How hard is the hiking in Nyungwe?
Trails are steep in places but well made. Chimpanzee treks can be demanding; the canopy walkway trail is moderate.
More of Rwanda
Volcanoes
Bamboo and forest on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, under three hours from Kigali. Gorillas, golden monkeys and Dian Fossey's grave.
Discover Volcanoes
Akagera
Rwanda's savannah park on the Tanzanian border, run by African Parks. Lions returned in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017.
Discover AkageraSomething made for you
Any trip can be lengthened, upgraded or combined across both countries. Send your dates and the number of travellers, and you'll get a costed plan within a day.