Nyungwe National Park

An ancient emerald kingdom of misty canopies, cascading waterfalls, and rare primates—Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests.

Park Overview

• Size: 1,019 km² of pristine montane rainforest

• Location: Southwestern Rwanda, bordering Burundi & DRC

• UNESCO Status: A vital biodiversity hotspot in the Albertine Rift

• Key Features:

  • Home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees & Angolan colobus

  • Over 1,000 plant species, including giant ferns & orchids

  • 300+ bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics

  • Source of 70% of Rwanda’s freshwater (Congo-Nile Divide)

Unmissable Experiences

1. Chimpanzee Tracking

• Habituated Groups: Track one of two habituated chimp communities (60+ in the main forest / 20 in Cyamudongo).

• Experience: A thrilling 3-5 hour trek through steep, misty terrain—listen for their pant-hoots!

• Best Time: Early morning (6:30 AM departure).

2. Canopy Walkway Adventure

• East Africa’s Only Canopy Walk: A 160m-long, 70m-high suspension bridge offering aerial views of the forest.

• Spot: Monkeys, birds, and panoramic vistas over the Congo-Nile Divide.

3. Waterfall Hikes

• Kamiranzovu Falls: A 3-hour hike to a 50m cascade (Rwanda’s tallest).

• Ndambarare Falls: Shorter trek through tea plantations to a serene waterfall.

4. Birdwatching (Albertine Rift Endemics)

• Rarities: Great blue turaco, red-collared babbler, Rwenzori turaco.

• Expert Guides: Know the best spots for the elusive Rockefeller’s sunbird.

5. Colobus Monkey Trekking

• 500+ Angolan Colobus: The largest arboreal (tree-dwelling) troops in Africa.

• Dramatic Sight: Watch them leap through the canopy in synchronized black-and-white waves.

6. Congo-Nile Trail (3-Day Trek)

• 32km Backpacking Route: Traverses ridges, valleys, and remote villages.

• Self-Reliant: Camp under stars with porters (gear provided).

7. Community & Culture

• Tea Plantation Tours: Nyungwe’s slopes produce Rwanda’s finest tea.

• Traditional Brewing: Learn banana beer (Urwagwa) and honey wine (Ikigage) making.

• Blacksmiths & Pottery: Hands-on workshops in Banda Village.

8. The “Amazing Tree” (Igiti Cy’Umukobwa)

• Sacred Fig Tree: A 500-year-old giant, revered in local folklore.

Accommodations