Rwanda safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park in 2025 : The Nyungwe Forest National Park is one Africa’s oldest rainforests, famous for its rich variety of plant and animal life and stunning scenery. This park is situated in the southwestern part of Rwanda, right next to Burundi, and connects to Kibira National Park to the south, and Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. This lush rainforest is likely the best-protected montane rainforest in Central Africa. Within Nyungwe National Park, you’ll find over 1,050 plant species, 250 unique endemic Albertine rifts and 200 orchids. The park is also home to about 120 butterfly species, 85 mammal species, 38 reptiles, and many more.
Nyungwe Forest National Park was established in 2004 and covers an area of approximately 970 square kilometers, encompassing of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs. In October 2020, the Rwanda Development Board signed an agreement with African Parks to assume management of Nyungwe National Park for an initial 20 years, with all tourism activities now overseen by the Rwanda Development Board. The park is particularly famous for its primate populations, including chimpanzees and large groups of white and black Colobus monkeys.
Exciting activities to do at Nyungwe Forest National Park in 2025
This remarkable National Park is known for activities such as chimpanzee tracking, Colobus monkey tracking, Grey-cheeked mangabey tracking, guided forest walks/hiking thanks to its 15 hiking trails, bird watching, canopy walks, and tea plantation tours around the National Park.
Canopy walk
The canopy walk is one of the must-do activities when you visit Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda, which is known for its rich variety of plant and animal life. Starting from the Uwinka Reception Centre, you’ll hike for about an hour to reach the walkway. Along the way, you’ll encounter plenty of butterflies, striking orchids, and vibrant birds, many of which are unique to this area. You might even come across some of the thirteen species of monkeys that call Nyungwe home. The steep forested slopes have well-maintained footpaths, which can become muddy, especially after rain.
Nyungwe Forest sits on a 1015sq Km making it the largest remaining area of Tropical Afro Montane rainforest in East Africa. The Canopy Walk in Nyungwe forest is a 3-hour thriller on a 200 meters long trail located 50 meters above the forest cover. The stunning views you’ll get from the treetops provide a unique perspective of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda is best done in Nyungwe Forest, home to around 400 chimpanzees living in various clans. The park is home to only two chimpanzee groups habituated for tourism activities. Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park involves tracking along the jungles of the forest in search for these creatures in their natural habitat. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest National Park starts in the morning with a briefing about the chimps tracking rules and regulations, expectations and carryon items. And thereafter, you’ll be allocated an armed ranger guide and a chimp family.
During the chimpanzee tracking, you’ll also have the chance to spot other creatures that call the park home such as rare owl faced monkeys, golden monkeys, Angola colobus monkeys, stunning butterflies as well as different bird species. Once have find these fascinating chimpanzees, you will be allowed only one hour interaction as you observe how they a carry out their daily activities such as grooming, playing, feeding and have a chance to take pictures. Note that this activity is conducted in groups of a maximum of eight (8) people just as it is with gorilla trekking. The Chimpanzee trekking permit cost $100 per person per trek. The chimpanzee permit fee includes park entrance, ranger and guide assigned to move with you and your group. The permits are issued by Rwanda development board which is in charge of all tourism activities in Rwanda.
Birdwatching tour
If you’re a bird enthusiast, Nyungwe Forest is probably the top spot for birdwatching in Rwanda. Birdlife International notes that Nyungwe National Park is home to more than 300 different bird species, of which 27 can only be found in the Albertine region. One of the highlights for birdwatching tours in Nyungwe Forest is opportunity to spot bird species such as Red-collared Babbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, Grauer’s Warbler, Regal, Blue-headed and Purple Breasted Sunbirds, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and Neumann’s Warbler.
You can also spot bird species such as White Bellied Robin chat, Doherty’s Bush Shrikes, grey-chested kakamega, Rwenzori Nightjar, White Tailed Flycatcher and the Yellow Eyed Black Flycatcher. If you have a little more time and get lucky, you might also catch glimpses of species like the Kungwe Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, and Willard’s Sooty Boubou. Some of the rarest birds in the park include the Congo Bay Owl, Albertine Owlet, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing, along with Rockefeller’s Sunbird. These birds are reported occasionally, but they are not often spotted. With the help of knowledgeable park guides, birders can easily see these birds along the park’s well-maintained trail
Monkey tracking
Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda is one of the best places to spot small primates in Africa. While many visitors go there mainly for chimpanzee tracking, but the park also offers tourists chance to trek to see other primates that dwell in the park. The forest has 13 species of primates with the monkeys the dominant specie including Rwenzori Colobus monkey is endemic to this forest. Other monkey species you will see while on a monkey tracking include the Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys, Blue-Monkeys, L’hoest Monkeys, Owl Faced Monkeys and Mona Monkeys. The best time to trek to see these playful monkeys in their natural habitat is during the morning when they are active feeding and grooming before they rest.
Hiking through the Forest
If you’re looking to hike in Nyungwe Forest, you’ll find a variety of trails to explore. These paths let you see an array of plants, colorful birds, butterflies, and if you’re fortunate, you might even spot some primates. Some of the notable trails include Igishigishigi, Karamba, Umugote, Umoyove, Uwinka, Irebero, Imbaraga, Bigugu, and Isumo Trail. The Isumo Trail is special because it takes you through lush tea fields, steep rainforest ravines, and leads to the largest waterfall in Nyungwe National Park. Depending on your choice, hikes can last anywhere from just an hour to a full day.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information and inquiries about Rwanda safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park in 202and book with our tours and travel companies, such as Achieve Global Safaris, who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Rwanda.
