The park sits in southwestern Rwanda within the Albertine Rift region bordered by Burundi in south and The Democratic Republic of Congo in west near the famous Lake Kivu. The park is famous for its rare endangered primates with over 13 species making roughly 20% of Africa’s total primate variety hosted by both Nyungwe and the remote Cyamudongo rainforests. The park is also famous for its canopy walk which enables clear views of primates to visitors in the forest. Rare endangered primates include Chimpanzees with an approximate population of 400 to 500 individuals hosted in Nyungwe and Cyamudongo forests, Black and white colobus monkeys with a massive population of 400 individuals, Grey- checked mangabey, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, Owl- faced monkeys, Golden monkeys, silver monkeys and so many others.

Access to the park.

The park is easily accessed by two best alternatives that is to say by road and air. By road to the park, the drive from the capital covers approximately 225 kilometers through the cities of Muhanga and Huye (Butare) which is about 5 to 6 hours. A 4×4 wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended due to Murram roads which are slippery in rainy seasons. For luxury and faster means, there are chattered flights like Akagera Aviation which operate direct from Kigali straight to the luxury park lodges in about 45 minutes.

Attractions in the park.

• Chimpanzees: With over 400 to 500 individuals in several habituated families hosted by Nyungwe and remote Cyamudongo forests.
• Colobus Monkeys: Explore massive troops of black and white colobus monkeys in Nyungwe’s lush forests with an approximate population of over 400 individuals.
• Birds: The park is a home of over 300 bird species, including nearly 30 Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori Turaco and Grauer’s Warbler.
• Canopy walk: It is a famous 70 meters above the forest floor which crosses into a lush forest offering clear ariel views to tourists in Nyungwe national park.
• Hiking Trails: Discover specialized trails, ranging from the short Igishigishigi trail to the challenging Imbaraga or Mount Bigugu climbs. During these hikes, visitors expect to watch some primates in the forest.

Activities in Nyungwe National Park.

• Chimpanzee tracking; It offers unforgettable memories to tourists in Rwanda. The experience starts with the morning briefing at the park headquarters of Uwinka visitor center about the primates and the forest at large. Park rangers/guides are provided to Chimpanzee trackers to enforce rules and guidelines in the forest. Hikes will take 2 to 3 hours depending on the location of the primates. Once they are found, visitors are allowed to spend one magical hour to observe and photograph the chimps. Strict obedience to the core rules is highly recommended.

Core rules while tracking chimpanzees.

• Do not attempt to track chimpanzees if you are suffering from communicable diseases like flu, cough.
• Do not use flash photography.
• Silence (low voices) in the forest is a must.
• Manage the exact one hour with the chimpanzees.
• Maintain at least 10 meters in presence of the primates.
• Stay in small groups in the presence of the primates.
• No littering (leaving trash) in the forest.

Best times to track chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park.

The dry seasons, from June to September and December to February are referred to as the best times for chimpanzee tracking. During these months, the forest trails are drier and easier to hike, and the vegetation is less dense, offering clear viewing and photography opportunities.

Permit Costs include; $150 (Foreign Non-Residents), $75 (Foreign Residents), $25 (East African Citizens), for tracking experience.

What to pack/bring while going for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park.

Chimpanzee trackers are recommended to come with waterproof hiking boots, a waterproof rain jacket, long-sleeved clothing (shirt and trouser), insect repellent, plenty of drinking water and packed lunch/snacks.

• Canopy walk; This is one of the top adventures carried out by tourists in Rwanda. It is about 200 meters long and 70 meters above the forest crossing into a lush Nyungwe forest offering clear ariel views to tourists in the park. During this unforgettable experience, tourists get a chance to get close to primates in the forest such as black and white colobus monkeys, grey checked monkeys, golden monkeys among others on top of the trees.
• Bird watching; The park is a premier destination for birders with over 300 species especially in the forest trails. Spot the rare species like the great blue turaco and the rift valley endemics in different trails.

When best to visit Nyungwe National Park?

June to September and December to February are referred to as the dry seasons. During these months, forest trails are dry (no muds and floods), the vegetation is less dense making it easier to view the chimpanzees in the forest.

Where to stay in Nyungwe National Park.

The park consists of several accommodations for tourists ranging from luxury to low budget safari lodges. Luxury accommodations there is One & Only Nyungwe house, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay hotel which are ultra luxury with all necessary amenities/facilities. The park also has mid-range accommodations like Nyungwe top view hill hotel, the newer Nyungwe Nziza Eco-lodge in Kitabi. For the budget-friendly accommodations there is Gisakura Guest House and the lakeside Emeraude Kivu Resort.