Nyungwe National Park lies in the southwest of Rwanda, near the borders with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The park is within the Albertine Rift, a branch of the East African Rift system. It spans approximately 1,019 square kilometers and includes parts of Nyamagabe and Rusizi districts.
Its altitude ranges from 1,600 to 2,950 meters above sea level, with the highest point being Mount Bigugu.
Established in 2004, Nyungwe was designated a national park by the Government of Rwanda following several decades of conservation under different legal categories.
It was previously a forest reserve under Belgian colonial administration in 1933. Today, it is managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), with operational and technical support from African Parks under a long-term management agreement signed in October 2020.
Ecological and Scientific Importance
Nyungwe is one of the oldest remaining montane rainforests in central and eastern Africa. It is classified as a tropical montane cloud forest due to its persistent high humidity, heavy rainfall, and altitude-driven microclimates.
The forest plays a critical role in safeguarding the upper catchments of the Rukarara and Kamiranzovu wetlands, both of which feed into the Congo and Nile basins. Hydrologically, it is one of the most crucial water catchment areas in Rwanda.
Scientifically, the park contains over 1,068 plant species, 322 bird species, and 75 mammal species, including thirteen primate species.
The forest is an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a Centre of Plant Diversity, designated by BirdLife International and the IUCN, respectively. Many of its species are endemic to the Albertine Rift, making it a conservation priority under international frameworks.
Role in Rwanda’s Protected Area Network
Nyungwe is strategically relevant to Rwanda’s tourism model, which emphasises high-value, low-impact conservation.
It complements Volcanoes National Park in the north and Akagera National Park in the east, thereby completing the country’s triad of ecosystem-based conservation zones: rainforest, mountain, and savannah.
In 2023, UNESCO designated Nyungwe as a World Heritage Site for its ecological significance and its contribution to biodiversity protection.
The decision reinforced international interest in Nyungwe as a research, education, and eco-tourism destination.
Although it remains less visited than Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe has recorded steady increases in annual permit bookings, especially for its chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk experiences. Its management continues to balance visitor access with strict ecological monitoring, especially in core zones.
Visitor Essentials – Access, Permits, and Best Time to Visit
Getting to Nyungwe National Park
- By road from Kigali:
Most visitors travel from Kigali to Nyungwe by road. The Kigali to Nyungwe drive via Huye and Nyamagabe covers approximately 225 kilometers. The journey typically lasts six to seven hours by private vehicle or tour van. - Domestic air transfers:
Akagera Aviation offers chartered helicopter flights between Kigali International Airport and Nyungwe. Flight duration is roughly 45 minutes. This service suits high-end clients or time-constrained itineraries. - Public transport:
Regular buses run from Kigali to Rusizi or Nyamagabe via Nyungwe. From there, travelers must use private taxis or lodge-arranged transfers to access the park gates. Public access to trailheads is limited without prior coordination. - Nearest airstrips:
Kamembe Airport in Rusizi is the closest commercial airport. It lies approximately 55 kilometers from the western park entrance. RwandAir operates limited flights between Kigali and Kamembe.
Park Entry Requirements and Fees
- Entry permit:
As of 2025, Rwandan citizens pay 5,000 Rwandan Francs. East African Community citizens pay 10 USD. Foreign non-residents pay 100 USD for general park entry. Fees apply per person per day. - Chimpanzee trekking permit:
Required for access to chimp groups. The fee is 150 USD for foreign non-residents, 75 USD for foreign residents, and 25 USD for Rwandan nationals. The permit includes guiding and 1 hour of chimp observation. - Canopy walk fee:
Foreign non-residents pay 60 USD. Foreign residents pay 50 USD. Rwandan nationals pay 10,000 Rwandan Francs. Entry is limited to guided group tours at fixed intervals. - Colobus monkey tracking:
An optional permit costs 60 USD for non-residents. Multiple colobus troops are accessible within the Uwinka area. - Children’s policy:
Minimum age for chimpanzee trekking is 15 years. The canopy walk has a minimum age requirement of 6 years. - Payment:
All permits must be secured in advance via the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) website or through a licensed tour operator. On-site payment is not accepted at most trailheads.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry seasons:
June to September and December to February are optimal for trekking. Trails remain accessible, and forest visibility improves during these periods. - Rainy seasons:
March to May and October to November receive the highest rainfall. Paths can become slippery. However, bird activity and forest fog create unique photographic conditions. - Seasonal variations in chimp behavior:
During wet months, chimpanzees forage closer to the main trails. In the dry season, they may range further. Guides adjust tracking routes accordingly. - Visitor flow:
Peak visitation months are July, August, and December. Booking is crucial during these times.
Canopy Walk Experience in Nyungwe National Park
The Nyungwe canopy walkway is a suspended bridge system constructed within the upper tree canopy of the Uwinka zone.
It lies approximately two kilometers from the Uwinka Reception Centre, which serves as the central park entry point for guided walks.
The walkway stretches for 160 meters in total, divided into three sections. Its longest suspended segment measures 90 meters and rises 70 meters above the forest floor.
This structure was completed in 2010 as part of a Rwanda Development Board project to expand eco-tourism infrastructure within the park. It remains the only suspended canopy bridge of its kind in East Africa.
The walk is secured by vertical suspension cables and steel frames anchored into concrete-reinforced platforms.
Its design meets international safety standards, though it is subject to occasional weather-related closures.
What Visitors See and Experience
The canopy walk offers a rare mid-canopy perspective of a montane rainforest system. From this elevation, one can observe vertical forest stratification, including emergent tree crowns, upper-canopy foliage, and occasional bird or primate movement in the upper levels.
Species commonly sighted include blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and various Albertine Rift-endemic birds, such as the Ruwenzori turaco. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for photography.
Humidity levels at canopy height are lower than those in the forest interior, resulting in a cooler, more ventilated experience. However, fog may reduce visibility early in the morning, especially during the rainy season.
Walk Duration, Scheduling, and Access
The whole canopy walk takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, including the briefing, the approach trail, time on the bridge, and the return. An RDB guide must accompany visitors.
Departures run at three fixed intervals per day: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 1:00 PM. All walks begin at the Uwinka Centre. Guides deliver a mandatory safety briefing and distribute helmets and walking sticks to participants.
The trail to the canopy walk follows the Igishigishigi path, named after a local fern species. It is approximately 600 meters one way, with moderate inclines and well-maintained steps.
Only visitors who have booked and paid in advance may join the walk. Permits are not issued on-site. The maximum group size is eight persons per departure slot.
Safety, Age, and Physical Requirements
Children under 6 years old cannot use the canopy bridge. Participants should have reasonable physical fitness to complete the approach and return trails, especially during wet conditions.
While the walkway is stable, it sways lightly during passage. Visitors with acute height aversion or vertigo should reconsider their visit. Handrails are present on both sides of the bridge. No running, jumping, or leaning is allowed during crossing.
Footwear with grip is strongly advised. During the rainy season, waterproof gear and double-layered clothing are recommended. Cameras must be secured with shoulder straps or a harness.
Chimpanzee Trekking and Other Primates in Nyungwe
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park requires a valid permit and is conducted in designated sectors with habituated chimp groups.
The main tracking zones are the Uwinka and Cyamudongo sectors. Uwinka has a larger population, while Cyamudongo Forest, a separate fragment of the park, offers higher tracking success due to its higher group density.
Treks begin between 5:00 and 6:00 AM, depending on ranger briefings and weather conditions. Each tracking team consists of an RDB guide, two trackers, and up to 8 visitors.
The total excursion may last from three to six hours, depending on the chimp’s location and the trail’s difficulty.
Visitors are allowed a single hour of proximity to the chimpanzees once they are located. The one-hour rule exists to reduce behavioural disturbance and disease risk.
Guides communicate using low-volume signals to help locate the groups based on vocalisations and movement.
Tracking routes are not fixed. Teams often leave established trails to follow fresh signs, including dung, broken foliage, or distant hooting. Trails can be steep, slippery, and humid, especially during the wet season.
Primate Species Present in the Park
Nyungwe hosts thirteen primate species, the highest known concentration in Rwanda. Key species include:
- Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii): Estimated population of around 500 individuals park-wide. Social groups show fission-fusion patterns.
- Ruwenzori colobus (Colobus angolensis ruwenzorii): Frequently seen in large troops exceeding 300 individuals.
- L’Hoest’s monkey (Allochrocebus lhoesti): Recognisable by its short tail and white beard. Prefers middle-elevation forests.
- Grey-cheeked mangabey (Lophocebus albigena) and Owl-faced monkey (Cercopithecus hamlyni): Rare and difficult to spot due to cryptic behaviour.
Other notable species include red-tailed monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, and blue monkeys. Some of these species co-occur in mixed troops or exhibit overlapping home ranges.
A distance of at least 8 meters must be maintained between visitors and chimpanzees. Guides will intervene if this gap is breached. Eating, drinking, or using phones during the observation hour is strictly prohibited.
Permits must be booked in advance through the RDB system. Late arrival forfeits participation. Refunds are not issued for missed treks.
Other Activities and Highlights in Nyungwe
Guided Forest Hiking Trails
Nyungwe offers 15 maintained hiking trails spanning over 130 kilometers. These trails vary in difficulty, duration, and ecological focus. All are accessible from the Uwinka Reception Centre, unless otherwise stated.
- Igishigishigi Trail (2.1 km): Shortest and most accessible trail. Known for ferns and canopy views.
- Kamiranzovu Trail (10 km): Leads to the Kamiranzovu Swamp, a critical peatland and water catchment area. Rich in amphibians and wetland flora.
- Bigugu Trail (13.2 km): Ascends to the park’s highest peak at 2,950 meters. Requires above-average fitness and dry conditions.
- Imbaraga Trail (10 km): Named after the word for “strength” due to its multiple ascents. Recommended only for experienced hikers.
- Isumo Trail (10.6 km): Passes through tea plantations before descending to a waterfall gorge. Offers scenic views and a variety of forest types.
Each hike requires a guide, booked through the Rwanda Development Board or a licensed tour company. Most trails can be completed in 2 to 5 hours, depending on pace and conditions.
Birding and Ornithological Interest
Nyungwe is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA), home to more than 322 recorded bird species. Among these, at least 29 are Albertine Rift endemics, making the park a significant site for specialised birding tours.
Noteworthy species include:
- Albertine owlet (Glaucidium albertinum)
- Red-collared babbler (Turdoides rufocinctus)
- Great blue turaco (Corythaeola cristata)
- Regal sunbird (Cinnyris regius)
Best birding hours are between 6:00 and 10:00 AM. Guides are trained in both visual and auditory identification techniques. Binoculars and notebooks are recommended. Birdwatchers can select specific trails that favour canopy, mid-storey, or understorey birds.
Waterfalls and Scenic Excursions
The Isumo Waterfall remains the most visited scenic feature after the canopy bridge. The trail to the waterfall begins near the Gisakura sector and crosses multiple vegetation zones. The final descent into the gorge requires caution, particularly during the rainy season.
The Kamiranzovu Swamp, accessible via a separate trail, is the largest wetland within the park and holds historical significance as a probable forest refugium during the last ice age.
Panoramic viewpoints are marked along several trails. The Uwinka Overlook Point provides expansive views of the canopy ridges and hilltop profiles beyond the forest boundary.
Tea Plantation Walks and Community Interactions
Although not formally part of the park, the Gisakura Tea Estate borders Nyungwe on its western edge. Guided walks can be arranged through nearby lodges. These excursions introduce visitors to the processing cycle, harvest routines, and tea varietals cultivated in Rwanda’s upland zones.
Select community-led experiences near Kitabi and Banda villages include craft workshops, traditional drumming, and food tastings. These are managed in cooperation with the Nyungwe Management Authority to ensure community benefit-sharing.
Participation in community visits is optional but contributes directly to livelihood diversification and local conservation awareness.