Nyungwe National Park

Located in the southwest Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is the prime chimpanzee tracking destination in Africa. The Nyungwe National Park, near the border with Burundi, is defined by it lush green rainforests, untapped nature, montane vegetation, rolling hills and it seems to blow the minds of all who visit it during the Rwanda wildlife safari/Rwanda Adventure Tour. The explored world of Nyungwe National Park is worth visiting during your time in East Africa to get the opportunity to hike on the “Longest Canopy Walk in Africa,” where people can explore the whole extent of the 1,019 km² jungle. Over time, Nyungwe National Park has stood as the leading chimpanzee trekking national park in Rwanda, with many of the close relatives of mankind sharing more than 98% of their DNA with us residing in the unexplored forest.

Since the establishment of the Nyungwe Forest in 2004, the conservation efforts by the Rwanda Development Board has significantly transformed the chimpanzee population, boosting the primate tracking experience around the area. Despite the chimpanzee tracking experience, Nyungwe National Park is also a dream destination for primate lovers who are interested in primate trekking for different species of monkeys.

Nyungwe National Park is the home of Rwanda Luxury Tours, which leads travelers to endless scenic adventures, chimp tracking, primate tracking, and refreshment in the tranquil world around the “ Land of a thousand hills”. Moreover,the wildlife safari tour to this park is an introduction to the hidden animals like the Common chimpanzees, Angola Colobus, Ruwenzori Colobus, Hamlyn’s monkey, Red-tailed monkey, Dent’s mona monkey, Olive baboon, Grey-cheeked mangabey, among others.

Not missing out on the Birding trips to Nyungwe Park that bring to light about 300 species of birds of Rwanda. The endless lists of birds compare to those of other Rwanda wildlife sanctuaries like Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park.

What to do in Nyungwe Park-Activities & Attractions

Hiking in the jungle of Nyungwe

Nyungwe Forest is a rich wonderland in East Africa housing several natural features and creatures that are worthy exploring. Hiking in this lush green world unfolds the shimmering beauty of Rwanda’s wildlife that is seen along the 13 trails in the forest. Moreover, lengthy adventures can be organized where hikers spend more than 7 days in the area observing the wildlife and flora.

Chimpanzee tracking/trekking

Unlike other national parks in the country, Nyungwe Forest is the dream place to host an authentic chimpanzee tracking experience in Africa. The park is a primate paradise, together with Volcanoes National Park, the home of gorillas and golden monkeys. The trekkers are allowed to spend at least one hour with primates while chimp tracking in Nyungwe Reserve. The experience is a guided one, with a maximum of 8 trekkers allowed to meet a single group of the apes.

Monkey tracking/ Primate Tracking

Nyungwe is the landing place to organize a primate tracking trip as it hosts close to 13 species of the monkeys. While journeying in the dark and thick montane rainforests, trekkers have the opportunity to sight mona monkey, Blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey and the Owl-faced monkey. The monkey tracking experience can be done either before or after doing the chimp tracking or gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

The Canopy Walk

Watching the tranquil and lush green forest from the top along the “ longest canopy walk in Africa” is one of the most rewarding adventures in Rwanda. The canopy walking tour is a unique moment that cannot be found elsewhere in East Africa, making it a must-do activity while on African holiday tours. Indulging in the high hike about 70 meters above the ground makes one to walk over the tall natural trees that have been in existence since the ice age.

Bird watching in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest is a place filled with a vibrant birding atmosphere like no other in East Africa. The bird watching tour opens up over 350 species of birds to the people who can see both migratory and endemics. The large list of birds includes 27 Albertine Rifts that are endemic to that area along the Rift Valley. During the nature walks inside the rainforest, the commonest birds that will not leave the sight of travelers include; the Rwenzori Turacos and many more.

The Best Time to go to Nyungwe Forest Park

In case you wish to visit the chimp sanctuary in Rwanda, the tours to the Nyungwe Forest Park are best during the dry months from June to September and December to January. During this period, the low rains ensure less muddy tracks; the walking trails are not slippery, and this ensures success during the chimpanzee trekking activity.

How to Get to Nyungwe

From the capital in Kigali, its takes about 1-2 hours to drive to the southwest of Rwanda near the border with Burundi to witness the epic Africa adventure trip in one of the largest protected forest reserves.