Discover the wonders of Nyungwe National Park with Go Safaris Africa, your gateway to Rwanda’s most pristine montane rainforest. Home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, Nyungwe offers an unforgettable wildlife experience in the heart of Africa.
With Go Safaris Africa, you can embark on thrilling chimpanzee trekking adventures, walk across Africa’s only canopy walkway, and explore scenic hiking trails leading to stunning waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. Whether you're a nature lover, birdwatcher, or adventure seeker, our expertly guided tours ensure a seamless and enriching journey.
Book your Nyungwe National Park safari with Go Safaris Africa today and experience Rwanda’s ultimate rainforest adventure!
Nyungwe National Park: Rwanda’s Pristine Rainforest Haven
Nyungwe National Park, also known as Nyungwe Rainforest, is one of Africa’s most ancient and biodiverse tropical forests. Located in southwestern Rwanda, this lush sanctuary spans over 1,000 square kilometers, offering a haven for an incredible variety of wildlife, primates, and bird species.
Home to 13 primate species, including the chimpanzee and Ruwenzori colobus monkey, Nyungwe is a top destination for chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks. The park also boasts over 300 bird species, many endemic to the Albertine Rift, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors can explore scenic hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and rich montane landscapes teeming with biodiversity.
Whether you're tracking chimps through ancient forests, walking across East Africa’s highest canopy walkway, or enjoying the tranquility of nature, Nyungwe National Park offers an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Primate Species Found in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is a primate lover’s paradise, home to 13 primate species, making it one of the best places in Africa for primate trekking. The park’s dense montane rainforest provides a rich habitat for various primates, including endangered and endemic species.
(Pan troglodytes)Chimpanzees
The most famous primates in Nyungwe, these intelligent and social great apes can be tracked in the park.(Colobus angolensis ruwenzorii)Ruwenzori Colobus Monkey
Known for their striking black-and-white fur, these monkeys live in large groups, sometimes exceeding 400 individuals.(Allochrocebus lhoesti)L'Hoest's Monkey
A rare and shy monkey with a distinctive white beard, often seen on the forest floor.(Cercopithecus hamlyni)Owl-Faced Monkey
Also called the Hamlyn’s monkey, this elusive species has a unique facial pattern resembling an owl.(Lophocebus albigena)Grey-Cheeked Mangabey
A medium-sized primate with dark fur and a distinctive mane, commonly seen in the canopy.(Cercopithecus mitis)Blue Monkey
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Mauris eu massa orci.(Cercopithecus kandti)Golden Monkey
A rare species found only in the Virunga region but sometimes spotted in Nyungwe’s bamboo forests.(Chlorocebus pygerythrus)Vervet Monkey
Small, grayish monkeys with black faces, commonly seen in open areas and near the forest edges.(Cercopithecus ascanius) Red-Tailed Monkey
Recognizable by their reddish tail and white nose, they are active and social primates.(Cercopithecus denti)Dent’s Mona Monkey
A rare and lesser-known species found in dense parts of the rainforest.(Cercopithecus doggetti)Silver Monkey
Similar to the blue monkey, this species has a silvery sheen to its fur and is relatively uncommon.(Papio anubis)Baboon
The largest primate in the park, olive baboons are highly social and adaptable.(Allenopithecus nigroviridis)Allen’s Swamp Monkey
A semi-aquatic primate rarely seen but known for its ability to swim and forage near water bodies.
A Paradise for Primate Lovers: Discover Nyungwe’s Rich Primate Diversity
Nyungwe National Park is home to 13 primate species, making it one of the richest primate habitats in Africa. Its vast montane rainforest provides a sanctuary for chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, mangabeys, and other rare primates, many of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Nyungwe’s diverse primate population makes it a must-visit destination for primate lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering some of the best chimpanzee trekking and monkey tracking experiences in Africa.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise: 300 Bird Species in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is home to over 300 bird species, making it one of Africa’s top birding destinations. Nestled within the Albertine Rift, the park boasts a high concentration of endemic and rare species, attracting birdwatchers from around the world.
With 27 Albertine Rift endemics, including the Ruwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, and Handsome Francolin, Nyungwe offers unmatched birding experiences. The park’s diverse habitats, from montane forests to bamboo zones and swamps, provide ideal environments for various bird species.
Whether spotting the vibrant Great Blue Turaco, the elusive Kungwe Apalis, or the melodious Rwenzori Batis, bird enthusiasts will find Nyungwe a true avian paradise, offering some of the most rewarding birdwatching experiences in East Africa.
Canopy Walk: A Breathtaking Adventure Above the Forest
One of the most thrilling experiences in Nyungwe National Park is the Canopy Walkway, a 160-meter-long suspension bridge hanging 70 meters above the forest floor. This exhilarating adventure offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lush rainforest, mist-covered hills, and diverse wildlife below.
As you walk across the swaying bridge, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the treetops, where you might spot colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and countless bird species unique to the Albertine Rift. The canopy walk is part of the Igishigishigi Trail, a scenic hike through the dense jungle, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers alike.
Whether you're looking for a thrill, a stunning perspective of the rainforest, or a chance to see Nyungwe’s rich biodiversity from above, the Nyungwe Canopy Walk is a must-do activity that sets this national park apart as one of Africa’s top eco-tourism destinations
Hiking Trails in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park boasts a network of scenic trails that allow visitors to explore its pristine rainforest, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re seeking chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, waterfall hikes, or canopy walks, these trails offer unforgettable adventures in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
Nyungwe National Park offers a diverse range of hiking trails, each providing unique experiences through pristine rainforest, waterfalls, ridges, and diverse wildlife habitats. Whether you're looking for scenic views, primate encounters, or challenging hikes, these trails offer something for every adventurer.
Top Hiking Trails in Nyungwe National Park:
- Igishigishigi Trail – Famous for the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, offering breathtaking views of the rainforest.
- Kamiranzovu Waterfall Trail – Leads to the largest swamp in Nyungwe, rich in orchids and wetland bird species.
- Bigugu Trail – A challenging hike to Bigugu Peak (2,950m), the highest point in Nyungwe, with stunning views.
- Uwinka Trail – A scenic but tough trail passing through dense rainforest and high-altitude ridges.
- Imbaraga Trail – A challenging trek featuring four scenic waterfalls, ideal for experienced hikers.
- Umuyove Trail – Known for mahogany trees, orchids, and birdwatching, leading to a beautiful waterfall.
- Ndambarare Waterfall Trail – A moderate hike to the picturesque Ndambarare Falls, great for nature lovers.
- Umugote Trail – Offers expansive views of Nyungwe’s lush landscapes and distant mountains.
- Muzimu Trail – A less-traveled path with panoramic views of the park and surrounding hills.
- Congo-Nile Divide Trail – A multi-day trek along the Congo-Nile Ridge, ideal for adventure seekers.
- Rukuzi Trail – A great trail for chimpanzee tracking, offering high chances of primate encounters.
- Buhoro Trail – A short and easy trail, ideal for those looking for a relaxed nature walk.
- Irebero Trail – A ridge trail offering scenic views of the park and Lake Kivu.
- Kamiranzovu Trail – A wetland and swamp forest trail, perfect for birdwatching and photography.
- Karamba Trail – Known for its historical significance, birdlife, and remnants of a former gold mine.
Each trail in Nyungwe National Park provides a unique way to explore one of Africa’s most ancient and biodiverse rainforests, making it a must-visit destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts.
Accommodations in Nyungwe National Park
One&Only Nyungwe House – A high-end luxury lodge offering world-class amenities, spacious suites, and stunning rainforest views. Perfect for those seeking exclusive comfort and personalized service.
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel – Located on a hilltop, this lodge offers panoramic views of the Nyungwe Forest, comfortable rooms, and warm hospitality.