Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park protects one of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse montane rainforests, covering 1,019 square kilometers in southwestern Rwanda. This pristine forest ecosystem, dating back before the last Ice Age, forms the largest intact mountain forest remaining in Africa and serves as a critical water catchment, feeding the Nile and Congo river systems from the same source.

The park harbors 13 primate species including approximately 500 chimpanzees across multiple habituated troops, L'Hoest's monkeys, Angola colobus (in troops of up to 400 individuals - the largest arboreal primate groups in Africa), and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The remarkable biodiversity extends to 85 mammal species, 310 bird species (including 27 Albertine Rift endemics), 1,068 plant species, and 140 orchid varieties.

Nyungwe's crown jewel is East Africa's only canopy walkway, suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, offering breathtaking perspectives over the rainforest canopy and incredible birdwatching opportunities. The park features over 130 kilometers of well-maintained trails through ancient forests, past waterfalls, and around pristine swamps. Whether tracking habituated chimps, walking among the canopy, spotting endemic birds, or exploring one of Africa's most pristine forests, Nyungwe offers transformative rainforest wilderness experiences.

Highlights

• East Africa's only canopy walkway
• 500+ chimpanzees in habituated troops
• Largest arboreal primate troops in Africa
• 27 Albertine Rift endemic birds
• Ancient montane rainforest

Things to Do

• Chimpanzee tracking
• Canopy walk
• Colobus monkey tracking
• Bird watching
• Waterfall hikes
• Nature trails

June to September and December to February for drier trekking; year-round chimpanzee tracking