NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in southwestern Rwanda, on the border with Burundi. Nyungwe is the best preserved montane rainforest in Central Africa, located in the watershed between the basin of the Congo river to the west and the basin of the Nile river to the east. Its habitats include rainforest, bamboo forest, grassland, and swamps and bogs, which allow for high diversity of animal species. The park contains 13 primate species, 275 bird species, and 85 mammal species. The number of endemic species found in Nyungwe Forest is greater than any other forest in the Albertine Rift Mountains region.

Most notable are the chimpanzees of Nyungwe, with which you can track and spend time in their natural habitat. Trek with chimpanzees and other primates, explore the forest through an extensive trail network in the forest, visit a breathtaking waterfall, or take in a bird’s eye view from the treetops on Nyungwe’s canopy suspension bridge.

Seasons

Nyungwe Forest is open year-round, but the wet months from October to May are the best time for chimp trekking, when they have abundant food sources, and forest birding, when many migratory birds arrive. General hiking in the forest and spotting other primates is typically easier in the drier months from June to September. Hiking is more feasible because trails remain drier. Nyungwe is a true rainforest and rain gear is recommended any time of the year. It typically receives more than 2,000mm of rain per year, and combined with the high altitude, the climate is cool and wet. Temperatures remain consisted year-round due to its location near the equator, with a range from around 68°F in the day to 50°F at night.

Wildlife

Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to 86 mammal species, but many are elusive and rarely encountered. The primates in Nyungwe are the stars of the show here. Nyungwe has habituated troops of captivating chimpanzees that you can track through the rainforest. Other primates include the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, and the red-tailed monkey. Nyungwe also has very large troops of playful Angolan colobus monkeys. The local subspecies is endemic to the Albertine Rift mountains and exists in much larger groups that found elsewhere. Nyungwe is recognized as an Important Bird Area, with over 300 species recorded, including many that are endemic to the region. The best time for birding is January to June when the trails are dry and the birds are calling. Migratory birds arrive from November to April.

ACTIVITIES

Embark on one of the most incredible wildlife experiences and track a habituated group of chimpanzees in the rainforest. Follow your guide and as they follow signs on the forest floor to lead you to a family of chimps.
Walk along forest paths in search of Nyungwe’s other primates, small mammals, and birds on the way to a beautiful waterfall.
Adventure into the depths of the rainforest on a jungle trek with views into neighboring Burundi, or a canopy walk across the only treetop walkway in East Africa.
Visit the lush Gisakura Tea Estate that surrounds the rainforest with a guided tour of the estate and a private dining experience.