Nyungwe Forest National Park

Rwanda, Africa

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a breathtaking rainforest in Rwanda, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes. It is home to over 1,000 plant species, 85 types of mammals, and 275 bird species, including many endemics. Visitors can enjoy treks through ancient trees, birdwatching, and thrilling chimpanzee encounters in their natural habitat. The park also features the famous canopy walk, offering a unique perspective of the forest. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a nature lover, Nyungwe promises unforgettable experiences and stunning views.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Nature Reserve

Vibe

Active

Airport

Kamembe

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Nyungwe Forest National Park

1

Est. 8 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Gorilla Trekking

Track endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Booking required
2

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Chimpanzee Tracking

Observe wild chimpanzees in lush rainforests.

Booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Canopy Walkway

Experience breathtaking views from a high canopy walkway.

No booking required
4

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Nature Walks

Explore diverse flora and fauna on guided walks.

No booking required
5

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Bird Watching

Spot over 300 bird species, including rare ones.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Tea Plantation Tours

Visit scenic tea plantations and learn about tea production.

No booking required
7

Est. 2.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Waterfall Hikes

Hike to stunning waterfalls in the rainforest.

No booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Cultural Encounters

Engage with local communities and learn their traditions.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-10 (#143 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Rwanda Franc

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Kinyarwanda

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Brochettes

Grilled meat skewers, popular snack. (National dish)

Ugali

VE

Starchy maize porridge, staple food.

Isombe

VE

Cassava leaves cooked with groundnuts.

Matoke

VE

Steamed green bananas, often served with sauce.

Ibihaza

VE

Pumpkin pieces, often cooked or mashed.

Phrases to learn

English

Kinyarwanda

Hello

Muraho

(Moo-rah-ho)

Yes/No

Yego / Oya

(Yeh-go / Oh-yah)

Thank you

Urakoze

(Oo-rah-koh-zeh)

Excuse me

Mbabarira

(M-bah-bah-ree-rah)

How much?

Angahe?

(Ahn-gah-heh)