Nyungwe Forest National Park

Rwanda

Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, a chimpanzee park and a birding park, with a canopy walkway that even non-birders remember. Colobus troops, Albertine Rift endemics, steep trails. Tracking success is good but the walking is honest.

Uwinka is the usual hub. Chimpanzee tracking starts early. The canopy walk is a separate activity. Waterfall and colobus trails fill the rest of a two-night stay. One night is rushed.

Nyungwe sits in the south-west, on the way to or from Lake Kivu. It is the Rwanda counterpart to Kibale, not to Volcanoes. If you only have gorilla time in Rwanda, skip it. If you have a week, do not.

Wildlife

Chimpanzees, colobus, and one of Africa’s richest forest bird lists, including Albertine Rift endemics.

What we book here

• Chimpanzee tracking
• Canopy walkway
• Colobus or waterfall trails
• Combine with Lake Kivu or Volcanoes

Where we put you

One&Only Nyungwe House at the top, and simpler canopy-road lodges near Uwinka. We quote the walk you can actually reach at dawn.

Getting there

A long but scenic drive from Kigali via the Nile–Congo divide, or via Lake Kivu from Musanze. From Volcanoes plan a full transfer day.

How we combine it

Volcanoes gorillas, Lake Kivu, Gishwati, or a south Rwanda birding circuit.

Best time

Tracking is year-round. Trails are steep and can be muddy after rain.

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