Overview–rwanda

Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park protects the largest highland rainforest in East Africa. Even from the main road, you’ll be blown away by the endless views over layers of steep jungle-clad mountains. It provides an opportunity to see an amazing variety of monkeys and birds. It’s also a prime chimpanzee trekking destination and notable for its thrilling 70m/230 ft-high canopy walk.

Best Time to Visit

Nyungwe National Park is open throughout the year. The dry months, from June to September, are the best time for chimpanzee trekking, spotting other primates, and hiking. At this time the trails are less slippery, and activities are less likely to be interrupted by heavy rainfall.

June to September –Dry Season

Drier trails make hiking easier and more pleasant
The sun is more likely to break through the clouds
Best time for chimpanzee trekking
Some of the special forest birds might be difficult to find

October to May –Wet Season

Forest birding is at its best
It is low season and rates might be lower
Rain can make forest trails challenging
Rain can interfere with scheduled activities

Scenery

The scenery is nothing less than spectacular. Even a drive on the main road will offer incredible views of the pristine rainforest canopy stretching over endless hills toward the Burundi border. A hike to a forest waterfall or the vast open swamp area offers different glimpses into the stunning range of habitats.

Activities

Although Nyungwe is bisected by a surfaced road, guided activities are undertaken on foot. These include chimp trekking at Cyamudongo to see humankind's closest relative, and the breathtaking suspended canopy walkway on the Igishigishigi Trail. Numerous other walking trails are available, some rated highly for monkey viewing or bird watching, while others visit scenic waterfalls, mountain summits, or landmarks such as the most remote source of the Nile.

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Rates

From: $319 to $2000 pp/da

Best Time to Go

From: June to September (Dry weather, best chimp trekking)

High Season

From: June to September (Popular gorilla trekking time in Volcanoes NP)

Size

From: 1,015km² / 392mi²

Wildlife & Animals

A total of 86 mammal species have been recorded in Nyungwe National Park, though most are very secretive and rarely encountered. The primates, on the other hand, are Nyungwe’s main attraction, especially the charismatic chimpanzees. Another 12 primate species are present, including olive baboon, L'Hoest's monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, Ruwenzori colobus, silver monkey and owl-faced monkey.

Wildlife Highlights

Tracking Nyungwe’s habituated chimpanzees is the prime activity in the park. Another highlight are the unusually large troops of Ruwenzori colobus, counting up to 600 individuals. This unique race of Angola colobus is restricted to the Albertine Rift. Antelope species in the park include the secretive bushbuck and the black-fronted duiker, which is commonly seen on the trails and even along the main road.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is during the Dry season (June to September). Fig trees are fruiting, and chimps spend more time feeding in the morning before moving on. Trails are easier to navigate at this time and activities are less likely to be interrupted by downpours.

General Wheather

Nyungwe National Park receives plenty of rain throughout the year. This, combined with the high altitudes, means that the climate is very wet and cool. Due to the forest’s close proximity to the equator, temperatures stay constant year-round. During the day, temperatures are around 20°C/68°F and it cools off at night to about 11°C/52°F.

Dry Season –June to September

Although it can rain at any time, there is a drier period from June to September. Bring waterproof clothing and shoes for hiking and warm clothing for the cold, damp evenings, regardless of when you visit.

June, July & August – These are the driest months of the year. This is an excellent time for hiking as the trails are drier. Daytime temperatures average 19°C/66°F, with an average of 11°C/52°F at night.
September – After drier weather, it will start raining more often at some point in September. Temperatures stay about the same.

Wet Season –October to May

It rains regularly, especially in the afternoons. In between showers, the sun might come through, but there is a lot of overcast weather too. You’ll need lots of warm, waterproof clothing.

October, November, December, January & February – It rains a lot and November is a peak month for rainfall. Temperatures will be around 20°C/68°F during the day but will vary depending on altitude. Nights are cold, with an average of 11°C/52°F.
March, April & May – The rain picks up in March and peaks in April. Hiking can be more difficult in March and April as the trails get very slippery. Temperatures stay the same.

Prons

Important highland rainforest with rich biodiversity
Has 130km/80mi network of hiking trails
Habituated chimpanzees
Thirteen primate species recorded
The region’s only canopy walk
Birder’s paradise with many Albertine Rift endemics

Cons

Busy main road running through the park
Chimpanzee trekking is more difficult than in Tanzania or Uganda

How To Get There

Kigali International Airport (KGL), on the outskirts of the capital city of Kigali, will most probably be your entry point into Rwanda.

Nyungwe National Park is in the south of the country, 220km/137 mi from Kigali, 100km/62 mi from Butare (Huye), and 55km/34 mi from Cyangugu (Rusizi). The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours* from Kigali, 2 to 3 hours* from Butare, and about 1½ hours* from Cyangugu. The speed limit all around Rwanda is 60km per hour.

Nyungwe is usually visited as part of a 4x4 tour around the country with a driver-guide.

RwandAir operates a daily flight between Kigali and Kamembe Airport on the outskirts of Cyangugu, which is about 1 hour’s* drive from the park. This is currently the only domestic flight in the country.

Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter transfers to anywhere in the country, including Nyungwe.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Kigali International Airport (KGL), and what tickets cost.