Vazquez Tours & Travel
Nyungwe National Park
One of Africa's oldest rainforests. Track chimpanzees at dawn, cross the canopy 70 metres up, and listen to the mist come alive.
Book your Nyungwe trip See the experiencesMost travellers come to Rwanda for the gorillas, and they are right to. But those who go a little further, to the misty southwest, find what many call the most magical wilderness in the country: Nyungwe Forest National Park. Tree ferns, orchids, thundering waterfalls, monkey troops and the call of chimpanzees through the mist. In 2023 it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A forest that has stood for millennia
Nyungwe survived the climate shifts that erased other forests across Africa, and its long history shows in the numbers:
- 13 primate species, about a quarter of all of Africa's primates
- 300+ bird species, including many Albertine Rift endemics
- 1,000+ plant species, from orchids and giant lobelias to towering tree ferns
- A vital water catchment feeding both the Nile and Congo basins, and considered home to the Nile's most distant source
Top experiences
Chimpanzee tracking
The headline experience. Rangers lead small groups into the forest at dawn to find a habituated chimpanzee community. Expect a hike, sometimes steep and muddy, then the thrill of watching our closest relatives feed, groom, play and call in the trees.
Tip: Sightings are never guaranteed because the chimpanzees are wild, but rangers work hard to find them and success rates are good. Permits are limited, so book early.
The canopy walkway
Near Uwinka, a suspended walkway runs through the treetops about 70 metres above the forest floor. It is one of very few canopy walks in East Africa, with sweeping views and eye-level birdwatching. A favourite for photographers and adventure seekers.
Colobus monkey encounters
Nyungwe is famous for its large troops of Angolan colobus monkeys, sometimes hundreds strong, leaping through the canopy. Guided walks, or a visit to the Cyamudongo sector, can also bring you to L'Hoest's monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and red-tailed monkeys.
Birding
Keen birders look for Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori turaco, handsome francolin and red-collared babbler. Early walks on the forest trails and around the Kamiranzovu marsh are especially rewarding.
Trails for every level
Gisakura tea plantations
On the park's edge, emerald tea estates offer a calm counterpoint to the forest. A visit is a lovely way to meet local communities and see how Rwanda's renowned tea is grown and processed.
Getting there
Nyungwe is roughly 5 to 6 hours by road from Kigali, a scenic drive through Rwanda's rolling hills that passes Huye and its National Museum. Many travellers pair it with Lake Kivu via the Congo Nile route, or fly to Kamembe Airport, about an hour from the park.
When to visit
- Dry seasons (June to September, December to February): easiest trekking conditions and best for most visitors
- Wet seasons (March to May, October to November): lush, green and quieter. Trails can be muddy, so waterproof gear is essential
Nyungwe is a mountain rainforest, so rain can arrive at any time. Come prepared and embrace the mist.
What to pack
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Long trousers and long sleeves
- Warm layers for early mornings
- Trekking gloves
- Binoculars and a zoom camera
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, water bottle
Where to stay
From luxury lodges overlooking the forest and tea estates to comfortable mid-range and budget options near the park entrances. Staying near Uwinka or Gisakura makes early chimpanzee starts much easier.
Combine Nyungwe with more of East Africa
- Volcanoes National Park: mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking
- Akagera National Park: Big Five safari on Rwanda's savannah
- Lake Kivu: lakeside days, kayaking and coffee tours
- Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania: gorillas in Bwindi, the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti
Why travel with Vazquez Tours & Travel
We are a Rwanda-based operator and we know these forests, trails and communities personally.
- Expert local guides and carefully arranged park permits
- Tailor-made itineraries built around your interests, pace and budget
- Comfortable transport and hand-picked accommodation
- Responsible tourism that supports conservation and local communities
- Seamless combinations across Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania
Plan your Nyungwe adventure
Tell us your dates and interests and we will design your journey, permits included. Ask us for a personalised quote.
Book your Nyungwe trip