Nyungwe National Park

Rwanda’s Lush Green Heart of Biodiversity

Tucked in the southwest corner of Rwanda, where mist clings to the hills and ancient trees whisper stories of the past, Nyungwe National Park feels like a place from a forgotten world. Sprawling across more than 1,000 square kilometers, Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically rich montane rainforests—a haven of biodiversity, conservation, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

With its soaring canopies, winding trails, and wildlife hidden in the shadows, Nyungwe is not just a park—it’s a living ecosystem teeming with life, mystery, and movement. For travelers seeking meaningful encounters with nature and deep peace in the wilderness, Nyungwe delivers on every front.

Chimpanzee Trekking – Into the Primal Forest

Nyungwe is Rwanda’s premier destination for chimpanzee trekking, offering intimate encounters with our closest wild relatives. Setting out in the early morning mist, travelers follow expert trackers through tangled vines and mossy paths, listening for hoots, rustling leaves, and distant calls. The moment you lock eyes with a chimp swinging overhead or grooming its young, you feel the unmistakable connection between species—raw, emotional, and unforgettable.

The park is home to over 13 primate species, including L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and blue monkeys, making it one of the top primate destinations in East Africa.

Canopy Walk and Forest Hikes – Above and Below the Trees

One of Nyungwe’s most iconic experiences is the Canopy Walkway—a 70-meter-high suspended bridge that stretches 160 meters across the rainforest. Walking above the treetops offers a breathtaking perspective of the forest below, with panoramic views, bird calls all around, and the wind dancing through the trees. It’s exhilarating and serene all at once.

For those who prefer to stay grounded, Nyungwe offers 130 kilometers of hiking trails, from gentle walks to full-day treks like the Igishigishigi Trail, Kamiranzovu Swamp Trail, or Bigugu Peak Hike, each offering rich forest immersion, waterfalls, orchids, and encounters with rare plant life.

Birdwatching Paradise – A Symphony in the Trees

Nyungwe is a bird lover’s paradise, with over 300 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics. From Ruwenzori turacos and Great blue turacos to Red-collared mountain babblers and Green pigeons, the forest sings with color and sound. Guided birding walks offer a chance to spot elusive species that make Nyungwe a top destination on any East African birding circuit.

Culture and Conservation Hand-in-Hand

Nyungwe isn’t just about wildlife—it’s deeply rooted in the heritage of the communities that live around it. The park has become a model of community-inclusive conservation, with local people involved as guides, rangers, lodge staff, and cultural hosts. Through cultural visits, travelers can meet tea growers, traditional medicine keepers, or dancers who share the music and wisdom of the region’s deep traditions.

Revenue from tourism directly supports education, healthcare, and conservation initiatives in nearby villages. Every visit contributes to sustaining this forest—not just for Rwanda, but for all of humanity.

A Walk Through Nature’s Sacred Silence

In a world that moves too fast, Nyungwe Forest invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and listen. It’s a place where everything is alive—from the rustling ferns to the chatter of monkeys—and where every path leads you deeper into wonder. Whether you come to track chimps, walk the canopy, or simply sit in stillness among towering trees, you’ll leave Nyungwe changed.

For the conscious traveler, Nyungwe is not just a stop—it’s a sanctuary. A place where wilderness, culture, and conservation converge, and where your presence helps protect one of Africa’s last untouched rainforests.