Nyungwe Forest: Chimpanzees, Canopy Walks & Biodiversity
A Hidden Jewel in Rwanda’s Crown
Tucked away in the southwest corner of Rwanda, bordering Burundi and overlooking Lake Kivu, lies one of Africa’s most precious ecological treasures: Nyungwe Forest National Park. Unlike Rwanda’s more globally renowned Volcanoes National Park, which draws visitors for its iconic mountain gorillas, Nyungwe remains a largely untapped sanctuary—a mystical rainforest that offers rich biodiversity, ancient landscapes, and an unforgettable immersion into pristine tropical wilderness. For travelers in search of deeper connection with nature, unique primate encounters, and aerial adventures, Nyungwe emerges as an extraordinary destination that speaks to the soul of Africa.
This rainforest is not merely a natural wonder—it is a living archive of evolution and conservation, a place where scientific intrigue meets poetic beauty. With its chimpanzees swinging through tangled vines, endemic birds calling from dense canopies, and mist dancing above the treetops, Nyungwe Forest invites visitors into a world that feels both otherworldly and timeless.
Unveiling the Ancient Soul of Nyungwe
Nyungwe Forest is believed to be one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, having survived the Ice Age and countless climatic shifts. Spanning over 1,000 square kilometers, this montane rainforest forms part of the Albertine Rift, a region famed for its unique ecosystems and high levels of endemism. The park’s terrain ranges from dense jungle and bamboo groves to swampy marshes and grassy ridgelines. This variety of habitats supports one of the richest arrays of flora and fauna on the African continent.
More than 1,068 plant species have been identified in the park, including over 140 orchids and 200 types of trees. Some of these species are found nowhere else on Earth, further elevating Nyungwe’s status as a biological hotspot. The forest’s ecological value cannot be overstated; it serves as a critical water catchment area and is the source of many rivers, including one of the headwaters of the Nile.
While the scientific significance of the forest is immense, the emotional experience of walking under its ancient canopy is equally powerful. The interplay of birdsong, rustling leaves, and occasional primate calls creates a sensory symphony that reminds visitors that they are guests in a world untouched by time.
Chimpanzee Trekking: A Close Encounter with our Primate Cousins
Among Nyungwe’s most celebrated inhabitants are its two habituated groups of wild chimpanzees, which offer visitors a rare and exhilarating opportunity for intimate primate observation. Although chimpanzees are found across several African countries, few places offer such a reliable and immersive experience as Nyungwe.
Chimpanzee trekking typically begins at dawn. Trekkers are guided by skilled rangers and trackers who use early morning calls and prior knowledge of chimp movements to locate the groups. The hike can range from easy to strenuous depending on the chimps’ location on any given day. Once located, visitors are allowed one hour to quietly observe the troop.
Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees are often more active and social during encounters, displaying a complex array of behaviors that can include grooming, tool use, vocal communication, and even political hierarchies within the group. Observing these behaviors in the wild is a profoundly moving experience—it offers a direct insight into the shared ancestry and emotional intelligence that humans and chimps possess.
While seeing chimpanzees is not guaranteed due to their mobility and the density of the forest, the thrill of the search, the knowledge of the guides, and the sheer beauty of the surrounding ecosystem make the trek a deeply rewarding adventure.
The Canopy Walk: A Perspective from the Sky
One of the most iconic features of Nyungwe Forest is its canopy walkway, a suspended bridge that stretches 160 meters across a deep forest gorge, hovering at a height of 70 meters above the forest floor. This aerial adventure offers not only stunning views of the lush treetops and valleys but also a unique perspective on rainforest ecology.
Constructed in partnership with conservation organizations and designed to have minimal impact on the surrounding trees, the canopy walk is the first of its kind in East Africa. It is accessible via a moderately challenging hike, which in itself passes through diverse vegetation zones and offers opportunities for spotting various bird and monkey species.
Stepping onto the narrow, swaying bridge may test the nerves of some visitors, but the panoramic reward is undeniable. From this vantage point, the forest reveals its many layers—from towering mahoganies to blooming orchids, and from darting butterflies to sunlit fog weaving through ancient branches. The experience evokes both a thrill of adventure and a profound respect for the complex life systems that exist high above the forest floor.
Biodiversity of Global Importance
Nyungwe is a sanctuary of astounding biological richness, boasting 13 species of primates, over 300 bird species, 85 mammal species, and countless butterflies and amphibians. In fact, Nyungwe is regarded as one of the most important sites for bird conservation in Africa, designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
Notable species include the Albertine Rift endemics such as the Ruwenzori turaco, red-collared mountain babbler, and Grauer’s swamp warbler. The forest is also home to endangered primates like the L’Hoest’s monkey, owl-faced monkey, and the grey-cheeked mangabey. The chance to witness so many rare species in a single ecosystem is part of what makes Nyungwe such a treasured ecological marvel.
Importantly, this biodiversity is not just for display. Nyungwe plays a vital role in regional climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and watershed protection. Its health has direct implications for communities and ecosystems well beyond Rwanda’s borders. Conservation here is not a local issue—it is a global priority.
Cultural Heritage and Local Engagement
Nyungwe is not only a repository of natural wonders but also of cultural and historical depth. The forest holds spiritual significance for many local communities and has been home to centuries-old traditions of healing, farming, and storytelling. Guided cultural tours in nearby villages provide insights into traditional medicine, beekeeping, tea cultivation, and basket weaving.
One of the highlights of a visit to the region is the scenic drive through the Gisakura Tea Estate, which borders the park and offers opportunities for tasting and learning about Rwanda’s high-quality teas. Interacting with local farmers and artisans adds a meaningful human dimension to the trip and reflects Rwanda’s emphasis on community-based tourism.
Through education, employment, and revenue-sharing mechanisms, the communities surrounding Nyungwe have become vital partners in conservation. Visitors contribute directly to these initiatives simply by participating in park activities, ensuring that tourism supports both environmental stewardship and human development.
Planning a Visit: What to Know Before You Go
Nyungwe Forest is accessible from Kigali by road—a journey of approximately six to seven hours, which can be broken up with overnight stops in Huye or Lake Kivu. The forest can also be reached more swiftly via a domestic flight to Kamembe Airport near Cyangugu.
The best time to visit Nyungwe is during the dry seasons from June to September and from December to February. However, the rainforest climate means that rain is always a possibility, and visitors should come prepared with waterproof clothing and durable hiking shoes. Accommodation options range from luxury forest lodges to more modest guesthouses, all offering tranquil settings that complement the immersive forest experience.
Chimpanzee trekking permits cost around USD 150 per person, and the canopy walk can be booked for an additional fee. Advance booking is advised, especially during peak seasons, and travelers are encouraged to engage reputable tour operators for seamless logistics and interpretation.
Discover Nyungwe with Muhiga Safaris
Nyungwe Forest is not just a destination; it is an experience that rekindles curiosity, inspires wonder, and renews one’s connection to the natural world. From its deeply intelligent chimpanzees to its sky-kissing canopy bridge and hidden orchids, this forest beckons with quiet power and timeless grace.
For those seeking to unlock its mysteries and navigate its paths with purpose, Muhiga Safaris offers curated itineraries that blend comfort, authenticity, and ecological sensitivity. With their local expertise, conservation ethos, and commitment to personalized travel, Muhiga Safaris ensures that every journey into Nyungwe is meaningful—not just for the traveler, but for the forest and its communities as well.
To witness Rwanda’s biodiversity at its most breathtaking, to walk among giants both animal and arboreal, and to return home changed by the whispers of the wild—book your Africa tours and safaris with Muhiga Safaris today.