Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and largest mountain rainforests — a UNESCO World Heritage Site cloaking the hills of southwestern Rwanda. It protects an exceptional 13 primate species, headlined by habituated chimpanzees and giant troops of Ruwenzori colobus that can number several hundred. A suspended canopy walkway sways 50 metres above the forest floor, and the birding and waterfalls are superb. With smart new lodges, it pairs beautifully with gorilla trekking for a complete Rwanda primate safari.
Ratings
Wildlife Density: ★★★☆☆ Infrastructure: ★★★☆☆ Photography: ★★★★☆
Adventure: ★★★★☆ Exclusivity: ★★★★☆ Price: $$$ Scenery: ★★★★★
Location: Southwestern Rwanda; near Rusizi (Cyangugu) & Huye (Butare)
Key wildlife: Chimpanzee, Ruwenzori colobus, 13 primates, 300+ birds
Best for: Chimp tracking, canopy walk, birders, gorilla-trek combos
Best time: June–September & December–February (drier)
Wildlife & Ecology
Montane rainforest, bamboo, swamps and ridges support chimpanzee, Ruwenzori colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey and many Albertine Rift endemic birds. Chimpanzees range widely and sightings can be less predictable than at Kibale, while large colobus groups are a separate strength.
Best Time to Visit
June to September and December to February are relatively drier, but rain is possible year-round. Wet-season forest is vivid and bird-rich, with slippery, demanding trails.
Conservation & Community
Nyungwe became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023 and is managed through a partnership between Rwanda and African Parks. Protection of the forest’s water catchments and work with densely settled neighbouring communities are central to the park’s management.
Activities
Chimpanzee and colobus tracking, the canopy walkway, waterfall hikes, birding and tea-estate visits provide a broad forest programme.
How to Get There
Driving from Kigali takes about 5 to 6 hours via Huye. Kamembe Airport near Rusizi is roughly an hour from the western side of the park and receives domestic flights from Kigali.