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Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park

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Why visit Nyungwe National Park?

Visit Nyungwe National Park for its remarkable biodiversity and the opportunity to track chimpanzees in one of Africa’s largest remaining montane rainforests. Located in south-west Rwanda, the park is home to 13 recorded primate species, including chimpanzees and sizeable troops of Angolan colobus monkeys. Chimpanzee tracking begins early in the morning, accompanied by specialist guides who follow vocalisations and fresh signs through the forest to locate a habituated group.

Nyungwe also protects an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through high-altitude forest, waterfalls and ridgelines, as well as an elevated canopy walkway suspended approximately 60m above the forest floor. The park forms part of the Albertine Rift and supports a rich variety of birdlife, orchids and butterflies. For travellers seeking to explore beyond Rwanda’s well-known gorilla experiences, Nyungwe offers a different perspective on the country’s landscapes and wildlife.

Did you know?

Nyungwe National Park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, home to over 1,000 plant species, 300+ bird species, and 85+ mammal species.

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees share about 98 % of their genes with humans and are one of the few wild animals known to make and use simple tools like sticks to fish for insects, skills once thought unique to humans.

Highlights of Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee and monkey trekking: With 13 primate species seen (including chimpanzees) in and around the forest days can be spent trekking through the forest in search of these magnificent creatures. The majority of the chimpanzee population in Rwanda is confined to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Canopy Walk: Suspended about 50 m above Nyungwe’s ancient rainforest, East Africa’s only canopy walkway lets you cross swaying suspension bridges between towering trees. Experience misty treetops, distant birdsong, tangled lianas, and the full scale of one of Africa’s most biodiverse forests.
Bird Watching: Spot over 300 bird species, including rare turacos and sunbirds, as you wander trails and hidden lookout points, witnessing the vibrant colors, calls, and courtship displays of Nyungwe’s incredible avian life.
Waterfall Trekking: Hike to scenic waterfalls like Gisakura and Uwinka, passing dense rainforest, mossy rocks, and sparkling streams while discovering the hidden beauty of Nyungwe’s natural waterways.
Big Tree Trail: Walk among ancient, towering trees that have stood for centuries, marveling at their massive trunks, sprawling canopies, and the life they support in one of Africa’s oldest forests.
Nature Walks: Follow guided trails through thick rainforest undergrowth, learning about medicinal plants, orchids, insects, and other unique species while experiencing the sights and sounds of the forest up close.
Night Walks: Discover the park’s nocturnal world as you spot tree frogs, bush babies, and other creatures that emerge after dark, gaining a rare perspective on Nyungwe’s wildlife ecosystem.
Cultural Visits: Engage with local communities near the park, learn about traditional Rwandan life, conservation efforts, and how people live in harmony with the surrounding rainforest.

Gallery

One&Only Nyungwe House Landscape, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

One&Only Colobus Monkey Trekking, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

One&Only Waterfall Trek, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

One&Only Canopy Walk, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

One&Only Colobus Monkey Trekking, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

Where to stay

Best hotels in Nyungwe National Park

Nothing but the best. Browse our handpicked, tried-and-tested luxury hotels.

Luxury Resort

One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park

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Good to know

Getting to Nyungwe National Park

Kigali International Airport is the closest international airport, and the main International Gateway in Rwanda. From here, the drive to Nyungwe National Park usually takes between four and five hours.

Is Nyungwe National Park a good place for families?

Nyungwe National Park is better suited to families with older children. There is a minimum age of 15 for the chimpanzee trekking, because the trek can be long and strenuous.

Which destinations combine well with Nyungwe National Park?

If you are visiting Rwanda, a trip to Volcanoes National Park is highly recommended, and it pairs beautifully with Nyungwe National Park. Volcanoes National park is one of the only places in the world where you can see mountain gorillas up close in the wild.

The journey from Nyungwe National Park to Volcanoes National Park usually takes between five and six hours.

When to go

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Nyungwe National Park is during the dry months of June to September and December to February, when trails are easier and wildlife is more visible.