Nyungwe National Park is a rich and ancient rainforest. This extensive rainforest plays home to multiple chimpanzee species, colobus monkeys, and owl-faced monkeys.

A suspension bridge allows visitors to explore the canopy and look over the forests and a valley nearby. The Igishigishi trail takes you to wild orchids, birds, and waterfalls.

Besides rainforests, there are swamps, bogs, bamboo, and grassland.

How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe is in Southwestern Rwanda. It borders lake Kivu, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Travel by air to Kigali International Airport and drive to Nyungwe. The roads are passable. You will be ushered in by monkeys crisscrossing your path.

The drive lasts 5 hours with some stopovers along the way.

Cyangugu is the town closest to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Your tour operator will arrange for transportation.

What to wear while on Safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Wear a rain jacket in case of rain. Carry a hat, drinking water, sunblock, binoculars, a camera, and a flashlight/torch for pre-dawn excursions. Gloves and hiking boots will protect your hands and feet.

Wear neutral colors like browns and greens. Clothing should provide full coverage. Don’t wear shorts or short sleeves.

When to Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park

You can go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest all year. October to May is the best window for both birding and chimpanzee trekking.

The drier months (June-September) are better for hiking and viewing primates like colobus monkeys. Between October to February, the rains are not so heavy.

June-September is the peak gorilla trekking season in Rwanda. More visitors will be coming to Nyungwe.

Fewer visitors come in March-May, and October-November because of rain and slippery trails. The weather is more pleasant in June-September.

June to September – Dry Season

 

Accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park

• Nyungwe Top View Hotel
• Gisakura Guest House
• Birdwatching In Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Nyungwe Forest National Park  Attractions

• Chimpanzee trekking – Go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe any time of the year because there is a large Chimpanzee population. The rate is $90 for foreign nonresidents.
• Birding – Nyungwe is a virgin tropical rain teeming with bird life. At least 300 bird species make their home in this rainforest. Birding costs $50 for foreign nonresidents.
• Tropical Waterfall – Nyungwe has several waterfalls, but Kamiranzovu or Swallowing Elephant is the most popular. Foreign nonresidents pay $50.
• Hiking nature trails – hiking in Nyungwe can take anything from just 4hours to 3 days. Nyungwe forest trails measure a massive 130km, which is plenty for anyone. Take a hiking stick if you need it.
• Canopy walk – This elevated suspension bridge with spectacular views attracts local and international visitors. Look over the untouched forest, valley, and waterfalls. Foreign nonresidents pay $60 to go on the Canopy walk.
• You can go colobus monkey trekking too.
• Camping is the only way to sleep inside the park. The fee is $40. All the hotels and lodges are outside.