Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda’s southwest is one of Africa’s oldest and most diverse montane forests, covering 1,019 square kilometres of the Congo-Nile Divide ridge at altitudes of 1,600–2,950 metres. It holds 13 primate species, 300+ bird species, and 1,068 plant species — more plant species per unit area than virtually any forest in Africa outside the Congo basin. For self-drive visitors, Nyungwe offers chimpanzee trekking, the most spectacular canopy walkway in East Africa, and a network of well-maintained forest trails accessible without a guide for some sections.
Getting to Nyungwe from Kigali
Distance from Kigali: 230 km. Driving time: approximately 3.5–4 hours. The route takes you south from Kigali on the RN1, then southwest through Huye (Butare) and Gitarama on improving roads. The final section from Huye to the park entrance at Uwinka is mountain tarmac — winding but well-surfaced. The park entrance on the RN1 road through the forest is unmissable. Allow 4 hours for the full drive including one fuel and food stop in Huye.
Chimpanzee Trekking at Nyungwe
Nyungwe’s chimpanzee population is estimated at 500+ individuals in the forest. Two communities are habituated for trekking: the Cyamudongo community (southern forest, smaller forest patch) and the main Nyungwe community. Trekking cost: USD $150 per person for the standard session, USD $200 for the “Extra Mile” experience. Sessions depart 5am and 1pm (afternoon session subject to chimp location). The 5am departure is recommended for the best encounter quality — chimps build new nests each evening and move from the nesting site from first light.
Success rates at Nyungwe are somewhat lower than at Kibale (Uganda) — approximately 75–85% compared to Kibale’s 90%+ — because the forest is larger and the chimps range widely. But when encounters happen, the steep forest terrain and dense canopy create a more atmospheric, wilder experience than the more groomed circuits of Kibale.
The Nyungwe Canopy Walkway
The Nyungwe canopy walkway — a suspension bridge system at 50–70 metres above the forest floor — is East Africa’s most impressive treetop experience. The walkway stretches 160 metres through the canopy, with the forest floor visible far below and the forest canopy stretching on all sides at eye level. Colobus monkeys, hornbills, turacos, and various forest birds are commonly seen from the walkway itself. Cost: USD $50 per person for the guided canopy walk (approximately 3 hours total). The walkway is usually combined with the Igishigishigi Trail, which includes a forest walk to reach the walkway platform.
Primate Diversity: 13 Species
Nyungwe’s 13 primate species include: chimpanzee, Angolan colobus (in enormous troops of 100–300 animals — the largest colobus groups in Africa), red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey, blue monkey, silver monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboon, and five nocturnal species (potto, three galago species, and the rarely seen dwarf galago). The Angolan colobus troops at Nyungwe are one of Africa’s most extraordinary primate spectacles — black-and-white animals crashing through the canopy in groups visible from the RN1 highway where it passes through the park.
Car Hire 4×4 Drive provides vehicles for the Kigali–Nyungwe circuit. Contact us for Rwanda vehicle rental for your full Rwanda circuit.
