Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, and the largest expanse of forest in Rwanda, covering 1,019 km2 of dense Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands. The park feeds two of the world’s largest rivers, the Congo and the Nile, and provides a significant portion of Rwanda’s freshwater. Over 1,100 recorded plant species, 345 bird species and 85 known mammal species, including 13 of Africa’s primates – notably, chimpanzee, Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys – are found in this exceptional landscape.
Guests can enjoy a range of activities within the park including Chimpanzee tracking, the canopy walkway, bird watching and hiking.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzees can be found in Nyungwe National Park, Cyamudongo forest and Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Nyungwe National Park has the highest population of chimpanzees with more than 400 individuals. Three chimpanzee communities have been semi-habituated, are tracked and monitored daily and can be visited by tourists.
Canopy Walkway
Suspended high above the lush montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, the canopy walkway provides an exhilarating perspective on the ancient treetops and wildlife. The suspension bridge, measuring 160 meters in length and 70 meters in height, is accessible as part of a guided tour along the Igishigishigi trail or to those hiking the Imbaraga or Umuyove trails.
Bird Watching
Nyungwe is one of seven important birding areas in Rwanda and is considered an important Bird Area by Bird Life International. Nyungwe is home to more than 300 and 30 being endemic in Albertine Rift region.
Hiking Trails
The hiking trails in the park take from 4 hours to 3 days to complete. There are 130 km of well-constructed hiking trails found in the park, including the Congo Nile Divide as the longest, Imbaraga as the most challenging and Igishigishigi as the shortest.
