Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking

• Price: $90
• Maximum 8 people per group

This ancient forest is home to a large population of chimpanzees. Tracking these primates through the breathtaking tropical forest is guaranteed to be an exciting experience. You will set out early in the morning, so you should expect a full day of hiking and exploring this beautiful landscape, while tracking the chimps through the trees and foliage.

Primate Trekking

• Price: $60

In Nyungwe, you can track any primate you want – from the L’Hoest monkey, to the Ruwenzori colobus and the grey-cheeked Mangabeys. The guides are excellent, and they know all the best places to find whichever primate species you are interested in.

Canopy Walk

• Price: $60
• No children under 6 years, and all children should be accompanied by an adult

Nyungwe Forest has the first canopy walk in East Africa. This tree top forest canopy walk is 50m high and 90m long. It offers a spectacular view of the rainforest and you can see many primate and bird species up close. We recommend that you bring a raincoat along, as weather can be unpredictable in the rainforest. Alternatively, before you set on your canopy walk, you can rent a raincoat, as well as waterproof boots and a walking stick.

Birdwatching

• Price: $50

Nyungwe Forest boasts over 300 species of birds, 27 of which are Albertine Rift endemics. You can expect to see Rwenzori Turaco as well as the large Blue Turaco. The nature walks, hiking trails and canopy walk all ensure that you will have an excellent birdwatching experience.

Nature Walk

• Price: $40

Walking through the forest offers a great wildlife and birdwatching. The main attraction in the forest is, of course the primates. However, keep an eye out for the elusive cats, and enjoy the bird-song and the beautiful sight of butterflies fluttering over orchids. Nature is at its best here, so take a deep breath and let it soak into your soul.

Hiking

There are 13 hiking trails in the forest – they can last from 4 hours to three days. Hiking through this stunning landscape offers the perfect opportunity to explore – not just the forest, but also your limits. Remember though: don’t choose a trail that is too far outside of your fitness level.

Isumo Waterfall

This 17m waterfall is the largest in Nyungwe. Watching the water shoot through fronds and flowers, as mist rises all around, is a mesmerizing sight. Several primates and birds have made this hidden wonderland their home, and beautiful wildflowers such as deep pink jewelweed and fragrant white begonias, further add to the magic of this secluded African paradise.

Remember, no matter which activity you choose, it is important to carry a waterproof backpack filled with essentials such as plenty of water, snacks, basic first aid kit (if you don’t have one, it might be a good idea to get one), sunscreen, insect repellent, waterproof jacket and pants, and of course, your camera with extra batteries.

The main entry point into Rwanda is Kigali International Airport, located 10km (6 miles) from Kigali, the capital. In the southwest Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is located near the town of Cyangug, which is roughly 225km (140 miles) from Kigali (4-5 hour drive). You can get to the park by road or air.

If you decide to travel by road, you can do it by bus, or you can hire a car. We do recommend that you hire a car, as taking bus would be longer and less comfortable. Hiring a car will cost you between $100 - $300, depending on the amount of people in your group and the type of car you are hiring.

Travelling by air will be faster, but also more expensive. RwandaAir offers flights to Kamembe International Airport from Kigali. The airport is only 32km (20 miles) from Nyungwe Forest lodge. If you can afford it, the lodge offers helicopter pickups from the airport.

If you are visiting as part of an organized safari, your tour operator will handle all of these arrangement as part of your safari package.