Nyungwe Forest National Park; Location, Activities, Map, & More

Nyungwe Forest National Park, famously known for chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks, is an iconic tourist destination of Rwanda, holding the largest natural tropical rainforest of Rwanda and the biggest remaining montane forest in Africa, Nyungwe Forest, which occupies an area of 970 square Kilometers.

Chimpanzee tracking is one of the major activities carried out in Nyungwe forests attracting a great number of tourists from around the world to catch glimpses of these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats.

Nyungwe forest is a home to two chimpanzee-habituated chimpanzee groups with the largest currently holding approximately sixty individual chimps inclusive of the infants and the smallest holding about 35 individual chimpanzees and is tracked in Cyamudongo forest just adjacent to Nyungwe forest in the park.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the southwestern regions of Rwanda, in Rusizi District, in a town called Cyangungu, south of Lake Kivu, approximately 225 kilometers from Kigali city and bordering Burundi to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the West.

The park features a diversity of stunning landscapes ranging from rolling mountains, and hills to flat terrains. the forest holds over 1,050 different plants and tree species inclusive of extremely tall trees standing at heights of about 1,800m above sea level. Some of these tree species include the Prinaria excelsior, Carapa, Cyathea, and Engtandophrama, among others.

There are tree species in the forest that can grow up to about 2,500m above sea level like the macaranga, balthacaria, and podocarps.

The Podocarps and Erica Johnstoni bamboos thrive at heights of 2,900 above sea level. The forest is featured with other different vegetation like the flowering plants, mosses, and ferns which create a dense vegetation covering most parts of the forest.

A combination of diverse vegetation and landscapes, which is accompanied by different water streams found in the forest make it a perfect habitat to a variety of wildlife ranging from different animal species and bird species.

The park is documented to hold about 85 mammal species inclusive of the 13 different primate species with the major primates of the park being chimpanzees

The park is documented to hold over 1,000 plant species inclusive of the rare and endemic species, 85 mammal species inclusive of 13 primate species,s and 300 bird species inclusive of the endemic species such as the Albertine Rift endemic birds.

These great numbers make Nyungwe Forest National Park a significant biodiversity hotspot in Rwanda and Africa at large making it one of the top tourist destinations in the country.

Things to do while at Nyungwe Forest National Park

Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, nature lover, or someone looking to refresh in a serene natural environment, Nyungwe Forest National Park has something fascinating for everyone.

It takes you from the lush rainforests featured with diverse flora and fauna, stunning landscapes, and waterfalls to a variety of hiking trails through the forest and those on suspended bridges above it offering panoramic views of the forest canopy and wildlife.

Things to do while at Nyungwe Forest

For those nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility, Nyungwe forest offers peaceful surroundings that are perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst nature’s beauty.

Top things to do in Nyungwe Forest 

Chimpanzee Tracking;

In Rwanda, chimpanzee tracking adventurous activities are famously known to be carried out in the Nyungwe forest. The forest is documented to hold over 400 individual chimps living in different groups and hence found across their different habitats in the forest.

Among these, only two groups, that’s approximately 120 chimpanzees are habituated and are the only ones open for tracking.

Although chimpanzee tracking is a year-round adventure, chimpanzees are best tracked during the dry seasons as the forest is vibrant, chimps very active spread throughout the forest and the trails are dry making the forests easily be accessed hence offering an immersive experience compared to when you track in the rainy seasons.

Chimpanzee tracking adventures activities start as early as 6:00 AM with a small briefing at the park headquarters.

Chimpanzees are best tracked in the morning hours when they are still in their habits before setting off to distant parts of the forest in search of food and for fun.

Chimpanzee tracking is a physically demanding activity compared to gorilla tracking as it involves following up on those jumpy and playful primate species for an immersive experience. Sometimes they may wander very deep into the forest requiring you to track them for a good time before encounters.

They get time to settle either in the tree branches or on the ground and this way you are able to observe them play, groom, and feed, among others and you are also able to take beautiful photos for memories.

When planning a chimpanzee tracking adventurous activity, you need to be careful when choosing the tracking gear as it affects your tracking experience positively or negatively.

A good chimpanzee tracking gear should include long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, sturdy comfortable boots, insect repellants, a sun hat, sunscreen creams, light rain jackets, hiking poles, light garden gloves, a good digital camera, and a pair of binoculars for magnificent views of chimps at a distance while they are hanging around in the tree branches.

Trackers are advised to pack right and light and they should also pack and dress in layers so that they can easily alternate them depending on the type of weather as Rwanda is featured with a tropical climate which is known to be dynamic.

As of current information, a chimpanzee tracking permit in Rwanda costs USD 100 per individual for foreign nonresidents and is issued by the Rwanda Development Board. This price can slightly vary often depending on the season and extra charges in the park fees where necessary.

A traveler can acquire a chimpanzee tracking permit directly from the park headquarters or through a licensed tour operator planning for his/her safari.

Besides paying the 100 US dollars for the permit, you will also be required to 100 USD as a park entry fee. Other extra fees may include a porter fee in case you need assistance with your gear and a tip to the park guide at your own will.

Chimpanzee tracking comes with an age limit set to 15 years therefore individuals below that age are not allowed access to the chimp habitats for a number of reasons.

Monkey Tracking

Nyungwe National Park is one of the top destinations in East Africa and Africa at large to spot different primate species inclusive of the rare ones that are absent in different National parks like owl-faced monkeys.

Although it is known for chimpanzee tracking, travelers to this destination get a chance to track and see different small fascinating primate species like Chimpanzees

Ruwenzori colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Silver monkeys, Owl-faced monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Olive baboons, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, Blue monkeys, and golden monkeys though they are very scarce because of their small number which makes tracking them very challenging.

These primates move in big troops of 50 and beyond depending on their species and can be seen spread across a certain region of a forest.

The popular trails taken in the forest when tracking these primates include the Kamiranzovu trail which takes you through marshes and orchids, the Bigugu trail which goes all the way to the peak of Mount Bigugu, the waterfall trail which starts from Gisakura guest house and takes you up to the Tea estate. This is a common trail specifically for those travelers who want to track black and white colobus monkeys.

The last most loved trail is the Unwika Campsite trail which is divided into two trails named Red and Gray. It is featured with a variety of different primate species offering travelers a more immersive experience.

Canopy and Forest walks

At Nyungwe Forest National Park, you can either choose to go for a canopy walk, low-ground forest walks or both depending on your personal interests.

Nyungwe Forest is one of the leading destinations in East Africa offering an extraordinary canopy walk. The canopy walk at the forest takes place at the 45 meter above the ground suspended bridge which offers panoramic views of the forest canopy featured with different bird and primate species which are seen roaming around.

Top things to do in Nyungwe Forest

Canopy walks are one of the most though of adventurous activities in the forest that is mostly done and fun with loved ones.

The park features a variety of hiking trails holding over 15 well-maintained trails with each offering a unique experience. These trails come with different demands of fitness as some are shorter and others very long taking you very deep into the forest covering a distance which lasts for about 8 hours.

They are featured with different terrains hence demanding different levels of fitness. The Igishigishigi Trail is the shortest amount them all and the Bigugu trail leading up to the mountains is the most challenging trail to trek taking about 5 hours to complete.

The waterfall trail takes you for refreshments at the stunning only waterfalls present in the forest. These trails offer a chance to explore the park’s rich biodiversity inclusive of the different primates, small mammals, reptiles, birds, butterflies, and different plant species up close.

Bird watching

Nungwe forest is one of the top birding destinations of Rwanda boosting over 300 bird species inclusive of the 27 Albertine endemic species. Because of its rich biodiversity specifically in birds, the park is more thought of by bird lovers in Rwanda.

The popular and loved bird species spotted at the park include the Ruwezori Double Collared Warbler, Rwenzori Nightjar, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, White Bellied Robin-chat, White Tailed Flycatcher, Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Barred long Tailed Cuckoo, Blue Turaco, Chapin’s flycatcher, Doherty’s Bush Shrikes, grey-chested Kakamega, Handsome Francolin, Lagden’s Bush Shrikes, Mountain Sooty, Boubou, Pockefellers’s sunbird, Purple Throated Sunbird, and the Red-collared mountain Babbler,

These are best seen while on guided nature walks with an experienced and knowledgeable birding guide through the well-maintained trails leading to different parts of the park.

Birding at Nyungwe forest is best watched during dry seasons when the forest is vibrant, birds very active and the trails are trackable. A birding permit of Nyungwe National Park only costs USD 50 and is issued by the Rwanda Development Board.

The Congo Nile Trail Biking expeditions;

The Congo Nile trail also passes through Nyungwe forest offering hikers or bikers to explore that particular section of the park it covers. They can also decide to wander off to different regions and catch views of the rich biodiversity of the park.

Nyungwe Forest National Park Entrance and Activity Fees;

Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda offers a variety of activities, each with its own associated fees. Below is a table summarizing the entrance and activity fees in USD:

ActivityRwandan/EAC CitizensForeign ResidentsInternational Visitors
Park Entrance Fee   
1 Day/Night$10$60$100
2 Nights$15$90$150
3 Nights$20$120$200
Chimpanzee Trekking   
Per Person$25$75$150
Canopy Walk   
Per Person$5$20$40
Nature Walks   
Per Person$5$20$40
Other Activities   
Birding, Hiking, Monkey Trek$5$20$40
Camping   
Per Person/Night$15$15$15
Tent Hire   
Per 4-Man Tent/Night$20$20$20
Annual Pass   
Single Pass$300$300N/A
Couples Pass$500$500N/A
Family Pass (2 Adults, 2 Children)$700$700N/A

Notes:

  • Children aged 5 and below do not pay entry fees.
  • For stays beyond 3 nights, the maximum fee is $200.
  • Annual passes are available for foreign residents but not for international visitors.
  • The above fees are subject to change; it’s advisable to check the latest rates before planning your visit.

Accommodations at Nyungwe Forest 

There is a variety of accommodations in Nyungwe Forest National Park located very close, ranging from budget, and midrange to luxury suiting all travelers’ needs.

These include campsites, lodges, and hotels. Travelers are advised to book their accommodations in advance of their travel dates most especially during the peak travel seasons to avoid the stress that may come with last-minute bookings. Some of the accommodations more sought after by travelers to this destination include;

Accommodations in Nyungwe forest National Park

One & Only Nyungwe House;

This is a five-star lodge located just close to the park, in the middle of a tea estate. It is featured with 22 luxurious comfortable rooms and 6 extremely luxurious wooden villas.

The lodge comes with stunning views of the tea farm and the forest inclusive of sightings of different wildlife such as monkeys and birds roaming around the forest and close to the lodge. The strategic location of the lodge near the park offers a good starting point for your adventurous days in the park.

Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge;

This lodge offers both budget and midrange accommodations coming with free Wi-Fi, barbecue, ample space and privacy, everyday continental breakfast, local and international cuisines inclusive of yummy pizzas, among others making it the right destination to hold you in comfort during your adventurous days at the park.

Kitabi Eco-Center;

This comes with stunning views of Mout Kitabi, an early morning continental breakfast, excellent services, international dishes, children pay ground, ample parking space, and very comfortable rooms.

Nyungwe Top View Hotel;

This is located just close to the park headquarters hence offering great scenic views of the forest. It offers excellent front desk services, shuttle services, meeting facilities,and  barbecue, among others.

It has comfortable spacious rooms that are featured with a private balcony offering great views of the forest and the mountains around. Its close location to the park makes it a good starting point for your adventurous days in the park.

Nyungwe Forest National Park Map

Nyungwe Forest National Park Map

 

 Nyungwe Forest National Park Location