Is Nyungwe National Park worth visiting?

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Is Nyungwe National Park Worth Visiting?

Hidden in the misty highlands of southwestern Rwanda lies a place of extraordinary beauty — a vast expanse of ancient rainforest teeming with life, mystery, and color. This is Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically rich tropical forests. It’s a destination that doesn’t just showcase wildlife — it embodies Rwanda’s commitment to conservation, sustainability, and nature-based tourism.

While Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park often takes the spotlight for its world-famous gorilla trekking, Nyungwe offers a completely different yet equally captivating experience. It’s quieter, wilder, and more immersive — a sanctuary for primates, birds, and nature lovers alike.

So, is Nyungwe National Park worth visiting? The answer is a resounding yes — and by the end of this article, you’ll understand why this hidden gem deserves a prime spot on your Rwanda itinerary.

1. Where Is Nyungwe National Park Located?

Nyungwe National Park is located in southwestern Rwanda, bordering Burundi to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west. The park covers approximately 1,019 square kilometers of pristine rainforest, bamboo, swamps, and grassland.

It lies about 225 kilometers (140 miles) from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, and the drive takes about 5 to 6 hours via Huye (Butare) and Cyangugu (Rusizi). The journey, though long, is incredibly scenic — winding through terraced hills, tea plantations, and charming rural villages.

The park is also part of the Albertine Rift, a biodiversity hotspot that contains numerous endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

2. A Haven for Biodiversity

Nyungwe is one of the most biologically diverse rainforests in Africa. Its ancient origins — estimated to be over 60 million years old — have made it a living museum of natural history.

Flora

The park’s elevation ranges from 1,600 to 2,950 meters, creating multiple habitats that support over 1,000 plant species, including giant ferns, orchids, and towering mahogany trees. Walking through the forest feels like stepping into another world — a lush, green cathedral where the air is thick with life.

Fauna

Nyungwe is best known for its primates. The park is home to 13 species of primates, making it one of Africa’s top destinations for primate tracking. These include:

  • Chimpanzees (the park’s star attraction)

  • L’Hoest’s monkeys

  • Owl-faced monkeys

  • Grey-cheeked mangabeys

  • Blue monkeys

  • Black-and-white colobus monkeys (which can be seen in troops of over 300 individuals!)

Beyond primates, the park harbors over 85 mammal species, including serval cats, golden cats, and forest duikers.

Birdlife

For birdwatchers, Nyungwe is pure paradise. It hosts over 322 bird species, with 29 Albertine Rift endemics. You’ll find dazzling species like the Ruwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, and Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, among others. The diversity of birdlife alone makes Nyungwe one of the best birding destinations in East Africa.

3. Activities to Do in Nyungwe National Park

There’s more to Nyungwe than just chimpanzee tracking — the park offers a variety of adventures for every kind of traveler.

A) Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee tracking is Nyungwe’s main attraction. Early in the morning, visitors set out into the forest to find one of the park’s two habituated chimpanzee groups — one in Uwinka (Nyungwe sector) and another in Cyamudongo Forest, a small, isolated patch of forest near Gisakura.

Tracking chimps is exhilarating. You follow their calls echoing through the forest, guided by expert trackers who read the forest like a book. Once you find them, you can observe them for one unforgettable hour — watching them groom, feed, and communicate.

Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees move quickly through the canopy, so the experience is more fast-paced and energetic. It’s one of the most thrilling wildlife encounters in Africa.

Chimpanzee Tracking Permit:

B) Colobus Monkey Tracking

The black-and-white colobus monkeys of Nyungwe are spectacular to see. These elegant primates, with their flowing white tails and fur, often form large groups — sometimes exceeding 300 individuals.

Tracking them is less strenuous than chimpanzee trekking and offers incredible photography opportunities. The colobus groups are usually found near Gisakura and Uwinka, making them easy to reach.

C) The Canopy Walk

Nyungwe is home to East Africa’s only canopy walkway, a suspended bridge that stretches 160 meters (525 feet) across the forest and rises 70 meters (230 feet) above the ground.

This walkway offers an unparalleled perspective of the rainforest — you literally walk among the treetops, with birds flitting past and mist rolling beneath your feet. The view from above the forest is breathtaking, especially at sunrise or after light rainfall when clouds cling to the canopy.

It’s both an adventure and a photographer’s dream.

Canopy Walk Fee:

  • USD 60 per person (includes guided hike through the forest).

D) Guided Nature Hikes

With over 15 hiking trails covering more than 130 kilometers, Nyungwe is a hiker’s paradise. These trails vary in length and difficulty — from short walks to full-day treks through the rainforest.

Some popular trails include:

  • Igishigishigi Trail: Easy 2.1 km trail offering access to the canopy walkway.

  • Isumo Trail: Leads to a stunning waterfall deep in the forest.

  • Ngabwe Trail: Offers scenic views of Lake Kivu and the surrounding tea plantations.

  • Bigugu Trail: A challenging hike to Nyungwe’s highest peak (2,950 meters).

Along these trails, expect to see monkeys, butterflies, exotic plants, and an array of birds.

E) Birdwatching

Birding in Nyungwe is an unmatched experience. The park’s high altitude and diverse vegetation attract rare species that are hard to find elsewhere. Specialized birding guides can help you spot sought-after species like:

  • Red-collared mountain babbler

  • Ruwenzori batis

  • Chapin’s flycatcher

  • Shelley’s crimsonwing

Whether you’re a casual birder or a seasoned enthusiast, Nyungwe will exceed your expectations.

F) Cultural Encounters

Beyond the forest, Nyungwe’s surroundings offer rich cultural experiences. Visitors can explore nearby tea plantations, where they learn how Rwanda’s premium tea is grown, harvested, and processed.

The Gisakura Tea Estate, located at the park’s western edge, is one of the most picturesque spots in Rwanda. Rolling green hills stretch into the horizon, and guided tours allow you to participate in tea picking and tasting.

You can also visit local villages to interact with communities who live harmoniously with the forest, learning traditional music, dance, and crafts.

4. Why Nyungwe Is Worth Visiting

If you’re wondering whether Nyungwe is worth the journey, here’s why it absolutely is:

a) Unspoiled Wilderness

Unlike Volcanoes National Park, which attracts more visitors for gorilla trekking, Nyungwe remains blissfully uncrowded. You can hike for hours without seeing another tourist — just the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. It’s a place to reconnect with nature in its purest form.

b) Rich Biodiversity

Nyungwe’s combination of rare primates, birds, plants, and landscapes makes it one of Africa’s last true rainforests. Its diversity rivals that of Uganda’s Kibale Forest or Tanzania’s Mahale Mountains, yet it remains largely undiscovered.

c) Variety of Activities

From canopy walks to chimp trekking, hiking, and tea tours, Nyungwe offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. It appeals to families, honeymooners, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

d) Accessibility

Despite its remote feel, Nyungwe is easily accessible by road from Kigali (5–6 hours) or via Kamembe Airport in Cyangugu, just 45 minutes by air from Kigali.

e) Perfect Combination with Other Destinations

Nyungwe pairs perfectly with Volcanoes National Park and Lake Kivu to form a diverse and unforgettable Rwandan itinerary — gorillas, chimps, and lakeside relaxation all in one trip.

5. Where to Stay Near Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe offers several high-quality lodges catering to both luxury and mid-range travelers.

Luxury Options:

  • One&Only Nyungwe House:
    A world-class eco-lodge located on the edge of the Gisakura Tea Estate. It offers elegant suites, fine dining, and immersive experiences, all wrapped in five-star comfort.

  • Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel:
    Perched on a hill overlooking the forest canopy, this mid-luxury lodge offers breathtaking views and cozy chalets.

Mid-Range and Budget:

  • Gisakura Guest House: Affordable, simple, and close to the park entrance — great for travelers on a budget.

  • Emerald Lodge Nyungwe: A new, comfortable option offering scenic views and personalized service.

6. When to Visit Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe can be visited year-round, but the best times are during the dry seasons:

  • June to September

  • December to February

During these months, trails are drier and trekking conditions are easier. However, even in the rainy season, Nyungwe remains enchanting — the forest is lush and green, and rainfall often comes in short bursts followed by sunshine.

7. Travel Tips

  • Book chimpanzee permits early, as daily numbers are limited.

  • Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring a rain jacket — the forest can be slippery and unpredictable.

  • Hire a porter to carry your bag and support the local community.

  • Carry binoculars for birdwatching and a good camera for the canopy walk.

  • Stay hydrated and start early, especially for long hikes.

8. How to Get There

  • By Road: From Kigali to Nyungwe via Huye (Butare) takes about 5–6 hours. The road is well-paved and scenic.

  • By Air: RwandAir offers daily flights from Kigali to Kamembe Airport, which is only an hour’s drive from the park entrance.

9. Why Nyungwe Completes the Rwandan Experience

Rwanda is often celebrated for its gorillas, but Nyungwe reveals another side of the country — ancient forests, tranquil trails, and the soulful rhythm of nature. It’s a place where time slows down, where mist drifts through giant trees, and where every sound feels alive.

If Volcanoes National Park represents Rwanda’s strength and majesty, Nyungwe symbolizes its heart — peaceful, wild, and timeless.

Travel with Muhiga Safaris

Exploring Nyungwe National Park is best done with a trusted and experienced tour operator, and Muhiga Safaris is one of the finest. With years of expertise in organizing bespoke Rwanda safaris, Muhiga Safaris ensures a seamless journey from start to finish — from Kigali to Nyungwe’s emerald depths.

Their professional guides will arrange everything: chimpanzee and colobus permits, canopy walk tickets, accommodation bookings, and transportation — all tailored to your schedule and comfort. You can even combine your Nyungwe adventure with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or relaxation at Lake Kivu, creating a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary.

Travel with Muhiga Safaris, and experience Rwanda’s wild side in luxury, comfort, and style — because Nyungwe National Park isn’t just worth visiting; it’s unforgettable.

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