Best of Rwanda
Four parks7 days
Classic Rwanda: gorillas, chimps & the Big Five
4.9· 118 reviewsout of 5
From
$3,950per person
Nyungwe Forest
One of Africa’s oldest rainforests — chimpanzees, 13 primate species and a canopy walkway 70 m above the trees.
- 5 h from Kigali
- 1,019 km²
- 13 primate species
- Best Jun–Aug
Ancient forest, full of primates
Nyungwe covers the mountains of south-west Rwanda with montane rainforest that survived the last ice age. Habituated chimpanzees live here alongside colobus troops of hundreds and nearly 300 bird species.
The canopy walkway, trails to waterfalls and the tea estates of Gisakura make two nights feel short. The drive in along the Congo-Nile road is one of the most beautiful in Africa.
- Chimp permit
- $150 per person
- Canopy walk
- $60 per person
- Minimum age
- 12 for chimps
- Stay
- 2 nights
- Altitude
- 1,600–2,950 m
Essentials
What you’ll do
Chimpanzee trackingDawn treks with rangers
Canopy walk70 m above the forest- Waterfall trailsHalf-day hikes
Tea estatesGisakura plantations
When to visit Nyungwe
| Jan | Good |
|---|---|
| Feb | Good |
| Mar | Rainy |
| Apr | Rainy |
| May | Rainy |
| Jun | Best |
| Jul | Best |
| Aug | Best |
| Sep | Good |
| Oct | Rainy |
| Nov | Rainy |
| Dec | Good |
Nyungwe tours
Every tour includes a private guide and vehicle, park fees and permits where needed.
Signature
All of Rwanda10 days
The complete Rwanda: gorillas, chimps & savanna
5.0· 94 reviewsout of 5
From
$4,980per person
Small group
Where to stay in Nyungwe
Three places we know well, from simple comfort to the very best.
- Luxury
One&Only Nyungwe House
Rooms on stilts at the edge of a tea estate, with forest views.
From $1,400 / night
- Mid-range
Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Cottages on a ridge above the forest and tea fields.
From $220 / night
ComfortableGisakura Guest House
Simple rooms right by the forest edge.
From $90 / night
Getting there
- By road · 5 hoursVia Nyanza’s royal palace and Huye — we break the drive with lunch.
- By air · 40 minutesScheduled flights to Kamembe, then 1 hour to the forest.
- Combine with Lake KivuThe Congo-Nile road links Nyungwe and Kivu in 3–4 scenic hours.
Nyungwe FAQ
Are chimpanzee sightings guaranteed?
Sightings are very likely, but chimps move fast. Rangers track them from before dawn to give you the best chance.
Is the canopy walk safe?
Yes — it is a steel suspension bridge with high sides, suitable for anyone comfortable with heights.
How wet is it?
Nyungwe is a rainforest — bring a rain jacket in every season. Showers are usually short.
Plan your Nyungwe trip with us.
Tell us your dates and dreams. A Kigali-based planner replies within the hour with a first itinerary — free, and without obligation.