At a glance
- Best for
- Chimpanzees, monkeys, birds and forest hikes
- Nearest towns
- Rusizi and Huye
- From Kigali
- About five to six hours by road
- Time needed
- Two to three nights
- Best season
- June to September for drier trails
- Highlights
- Canopy walk, chimps, Isumo waterfall
Why visit Nyungwe
Nyungwe feels ancient. Mist rises from deep valleys, tree ferns grow taller than houses and the calls of monkeys and turacos fill the morning. It is the best place in Rwanda to track chimpanzees and the most rewarding park for hikers and birders. The road there, through rolling hills and tea, is part of the joy.
Chimpanzee tracking
Chimp tracking starts very early, as the chimps move fast once they have fed. Groups meet rangers before dawn and follow trackers to where the community slept. Sightings are not guaranteed and terrain can be steep, but an hour with chimps calling and drumming on tree buttresses is unforgettable. A small community also lives in the separate Cyamudongo forest. Book a permit through the Rwanda Development Board or a licensed operator.
The canopy walk
From the Uwinka visitor centre, the Igishigishigi trail leads to a suspension walkway high above the forest floor, swaying gently between the trees. It is the only canopy walk of its kind in East Africa and is suitable for most ages if you are comfortable with heights.
Hikes and wildlife
- **Isumo Waterfall Trail:** a lovely walk through tea and forest to a cascading waterfall.
- **Bigugu Trail:** a tough climb to one of the park's highest points, with wild flowers.
- **Colobus monkeys:** troops of hundreds of black and white colobus live near Gisakura.
- **Birding:** many Albertine Rift endemics make Nyungwe a top birding site.
- **Kamiranzovu marsh:** a quiet swamp loved by birders and orchid lovers.
Tea and culture
The Gisakura and Kitabi tea estates border the forest, and you can walk through the bright green rows and learn how tea is processed. Community visits near the park introduce drumming, weaving and farming life.
Where to stay
Accommodation clusters around Gisakura on the western edge, from a luxury lodge in a tea plantation to simple guesthouses. Some travellers base themselves near Rusizi on Lake Kivu or in Huye and drive in. Browse our places to visit list for options.
Getting there
The main road from Huye to Rusizi crosses the park, so it is easy to reach by road, though the journey from Kigali takes most of a day. Domestic flights to Kamembe near Rusizi save time. Combine Nyungwe with Huye on the way in and Lake Kivu on the way out.
Tips
Rain is possible on any day, so pack a waterproof jacket and good boots. Mornings are cool. Leave plenty of time for the drive and avoid driving the park road after dark.
A sample two-day plan
On day one, arrive from Huye or the lake, stopping at the Uwinka visitor centre to walk the canopy walkway on the way to your lodge at Gisakura. On day two, rise before dawn to track the chimpanzees, then walk the Isumo waterfall trail or the tea estate in the afternoon. If you have a third day, look for the colobus troop near Gisakura, spend a morning birding along the main road, or take a longer trail into the heart of the forest. Rangers and guides at the park offices can help you match a trail to your fitness and the weather that day.
Questions about Nyungwe National Park
Am I guaranteed to see chimpanzees in Nyungwe?
No. Sightings are good but less reliable than gorilla trekking because chimps move quickly. Your rangers will do their best, and the forest walk is rewarding either way.
Is the Nyungwe canopy walk scary?
It is high and moves a little, but it is very secure with rails on both sides. Most people enjoy it; take your time if you are nervous of heights.
How many days should I spend in Nyungwe?
Two nights lets you track chimps, do the canopy walk and a waterfall hike. Add a third for birding or longer trails.
Can children visit Nyungwe?
Yes. Minimum ages apply for chimp tracking, so check with the park, but the canopy walk and shorter trails suit families.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
