Activities to do in Nyungwe National Park 2026
Although chimpanzee tracking is the most popular activity in Nyungwe forest, visitors can also participate in tracking smaller primates, canopy walks, nature walks, bird watching, visiting the tea plantations and Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe National Park, and visiting one of the waterfalls. It may now be possible to do the chimpanzee habituation experience in Rwanda too.
Canopy Walks
The best way to explore this thick and ancient forest is by using the Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park. As I write this article, the only one in East Africa is the 60-meter-high strong steel bridge built on the treetops, which gives tourists an aerial view of the birds, primates, and endless forest. There are viewing points/decks along the walkway, which offer one opportunity to rest as they marvel at the wonderful scenery and wildlife. The activity starts at the visitor center in Uwinka and takes about two hours. A tour through the Canopy walkway costs 60 US Dollars per person.
Spot primates
Nyungwe National Park is one of the best places to spot primates in Africa. This park, home to 13 species, bears resemblance to Kibale National Park in Uganda. The most sought-after species after the chimpanzees are the Rwenzori and Angola colobuses. The Angola Colobus Monkey is now extinct in Angola itself. About 400 Angola Colobus are semi-habituated in the park. Golden Monkeys are also present, though not habituated.
Forest Nature walks and Hikes
There are different trails for forest hikes in Nyungwe national park. If one is to complete all the trails, they would have walked for about 130 kilometers. To complete all the trails, one would need about a week. The main trails are the Bigugu Trial, Ngabwe Trail, Canopy trail, Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail, Congo Nile Trail, Bigugu Trail, Igishigishigi Trail, Karamba Birding Trail, Irebero Trail, Isumo waterfall Trail, Imbaraga Trail, Umugote Trail, Muzimu Trail, Rukuzi Trail and Umuyove Trail. The most popular trails are Bigugu and Igishigishigi. You need to be fit enough to enjoy your nature walk because the terrain is unpredictable. One thing for sure it that by the time you complete these trails, you would have seen most of the primates, birds, butterflies, rivers, insects and much more.
Climbing Mount Bigugu
Mount Bigugu is found within Nyungwe forest. It is 2950 meters above sea level. The peak offers stunning views of the vast forest and distant Virunga mountains/volcanoes such as Karisimbi, Bisoke and Muhabura.
Visit waterfalls
The most popular waterfall is the Isumo waterfall located close to the luxury Nyungwe House. To reach this waterfall, you will go through the Isumo Waterfall Trail. This trail is not very long but involves passing through slippery and steep areas of the park after which you descend to a very dense part of the forest before seeing the waterfall. The Isumo waterfall squeezes through a narrow section of rock before plunging down and continuing deep into the forest as a stream. The reward for such a difficult hike is the amazing sounds, cool breezes and views of the dense forest. As you retreat back to your hotel you will have many more opportunities to see insects, birds, frogs and some of the primates of the forest.
Birdwatching
Nyungwe National Park is one of the best places for birdwatching in Rwanda. Nyungwe Forest is home to over 300 species of birds of which about 26 are endemic to the Albertine rift. Apart from the species already mentioned earlier, one can also spot the Apalis argentea, Archer’s Robin-chat, Dusky Crimson Wing, Grauer’s Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Kungwe Apalis, Large blue Turaco, Ruwenzori Apalis, Ruwenzori Batis, Ruwenzori Nightjar, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Neumann’s Warbler and Sunbirds. Bird watching begins right from the window of your hotel room and while tracking the primates or going for the canopy walk.
Visit Gisakura Tea Plantation
This activity can be done in the evening or after completing your other activities in the park. It is suitable for tea enthusiasts and those who appreciate the beauty of nature. One can visit the processing plants or go directly to the plantation and learn how tea is grown, harvested and processed. You may even be offered an opportunity to join in picking tea and putting it into a basket. The area around the estates has amazing scenery of the forest and mount Bigugu in the horizon.
Cultural and Community Visit
The people of Rwanda have a unique culture and there are countless opportunities to experience it while on a tour of the Nyungwe forest. The best place to start is to visit places like the Kitabi cultural village or Banda Community Village. You can also attend performances by the Cyamudongo cultural troupe or friends of Nyungwe. All these groups showcase the rich culture of the people if Rwanda through dance, drama and storytelling. There are always opportunities to buy souvenir (local crafts and art pieces).
When to go Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda
Late June through early September is dry season and high season at Nyungwe for a good reason: the rain forest receives a reprieve from daily downpours, meaning you can explore all day. But even during the wet season, from March to May, showers generally arrive in the afternoon, leaving plenty of time for morning hiking and an outdoor lunch. Plus, you’ll enjoy less competition for tours and discounted rates at some hotels.
Accommodation during chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Travelers seeking chimpanzee trekking safari to Nyungwe National Park have several accommodation facilities to choose from. The facilities come in form of budget, mid-range, luxury and super-luxury hotels. The Luxury hotels offer very high-quality services that are comparable to any in East Africa. Some of the hotels include Gisakura guest house, Inzozi beach hotel, Nyungwe forest lodge, Nyungwe top hill hotel the super luxury Nyungwe House. Let’s look at some of them briefly.
Gisakura Guest House
This Guest House is built 2 kilometers away from the park and close to the Gisakura tea estate just off the road leading to Rusizi. The facility is suitable for those who are traveling on budget. The Guest house is perfect for those who have come to see the chimp, canopy walks or nature walks in Nyungwe National Park.
Nyungwe House
This luxury lodge was established in 2010 as the first 5-star hotel. It was built on a tea plantation just outside Nyungwe forest. It has quickly become a favourite with visitors who have come for activities in the forest because of its high-quality services and location. The lodge provides self-contained luxury rooms, a swimming pools and gym. You can choose this hotel for its quality services and amazing views of the forest and surrounding tea plantations.
Nyungwe Top View Hotel
This hotel was opened in 2011. It is close to Nyungwe forest and offers mid-range accommodation facilities with self-contained rooms. The rooms are built facing the national park and hence offering amazing views of the countryside. The building is all made of red bricks while locally made furniture. Though it is not a luxury hotel, all the rooms have a lounge where guest can mingle and get information about their activities from staff. Food is served at the dining or in the rooms.
Getting there and Around Nyungwe National Park.
Nyungwe National Park is approximately 225 km (140 miles), or 4 to 5 hours driving, from Kigali. Most travelers can take a bus from Kigali’s central bus station. Alternately, you can fly into Kamembe Airport, a half-hour drive from the park’s western edge, and arrange for pickup with your lodge. You’ll need a 4X4 car to track chimps from the Uwinka Reception Center.
