Nyungwe Forest

Why Visit Nyungwe Forest?

Nyungwe National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and largest mountain rainforests, and it’s so special that it’s been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This thick, green forest in Rwanda is full of life – with over 1,000 plant species, 300 kinds of birds, 75 types of mammals, 300 butterflies, and 13 different kinds of primates. But the real stars of the park are the chimpanzees. Meeting them up close is an unforgettable moment. They share 99% of our DNA and act a lot like humans. Watching them swing through the trees or care for each other is amazing – and a chimp permit here only costs US$150, which is much cheaper than seeing gorillas.

Another must-do experience in Nyungwe is visiting the only habituated group of Angolan colobus monkeys in the world. These striking black-and-white monkeys live in huge groups of up to 700 and look incredibly wise with their long, shaggy coats. Don’t miss the famous canopy walk either – a high suspension bridge that takes you right above the treetops. From here, you get a bird’s-eye view of the forest and all its beauty. Nyungwe is also a great place for hiking, with 17 different trails that take you through rainforests, bamboo groves, and wetlands. Expert guides walk with you, sharing stories and pointing out rare plants and animals along the way. There’s even talk of bringing in more big animals like elephants or even Western lowland gorillas in the future. If that happens, Nyungwe will become an even bigger highlight for tourists visiting Rwanda.

Reasons To Visit Nyungwe Forest

The sources of the Nile

In 2005, three brave explorers set out on a big adventure—to travel down the Nile River and find out where it really begins! They used a boat to follow the world’s longest river, facing wild rapids, thick forests, and freezing nights in the middle of nature. Their journey was full of danger and excitement. After many years, in 2016, they finished the last part of their trip on foot. They reached the top of Mount Bigugu in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest and planted a flag to mark the true source of the Nile River! This amazing moment made news all over the world. Today, if you visit Nyungwe Forest, you can hike to this special place and stand where the Nile begins—just like the explorers did!

Chimpanzee trekking

One of the most exciting things to do in Nyungwe Forest is to go on a trek to see chimpanzees—our closest animal relatives! Did you know that chimpanzees share 98% of their DNA with us? That means they are almost like family! Just like gorilla trekking, chimp tracking can take a few hours, so be ready for a good walk. But don’t worry—the forest floor in Nyungwe is not as thick and hard to walk through as the jungles where gorillas live, so the hike is usually a bit easier. If you visit during the rainy season, you have a better chance of finding the chimps as they stay lower down and follow the colorful walking trails. In the dry season, they often move higher up into the mountains, so the trek can be longer. Either way, seeing chimpanzees in the wild is a fun and unforgettable experience!

Colobus Monkey Tracking

While chimpanzees are the main stars of Nyungwe Forest, there’s another amazing monkey you shouldn’t miss—the Angolan colobus! These beautiful monkeys have shiny black fur with long, silky white hair that flows as they swing through the trees. Angolan colobus monkeys live in forests across Central Africa, but in Nyungwe, their numbers are huge! One group here has around 500 monkeys—one of the biggest monkey troops in Africa. They are very social and love to move together high up in the treetops. Seeing hundreds of them jumping through the branches is a magical sight! Colobus monkeys are naturally curious and sometimes come quite close to visitors, making the experience even more fun. Since they live in set areas of the forest, and often stay near the colorful hiking trails, trackers usually find them within an hour. So, if you’re looking for a playful, up-close monkey encounter, don’t miss the chance to track the colobus monkeys of Nyungwe!

Walking on The canopy

Want to try something truly exciting? How about walking high above the forest like in a scene from Avatar? In Nyungwe Forest National Park, there’s a thrilling canopy walkway that lets you see the jungle from a monkey’s-eye view! This hanging bridge is 160 meters (about 500 feet) long and rises up to 70 meters (230 feet) above the forest floor. It’s one of the highest and most beautiful canopy walkways in the world—and a favorite for visitors looking for something different. The walk starts with a 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) trail through the forest. Along the way, your guide will point out colorful birds, hanging orchids, and strange jungle sounds. As you climb higher, the air gets cooler, the view gets bigger, and soon you’re standing above the trees. From the top, you’ll see the forest stretching out below, and in the distance, the soft outlines of mountains and volcanoes. It’s a view you’ll never forget! After walking the full length of the bridge, you return to the Uwinka Reception Center, where a small display tells the story of Nyungwe’s wildlife and how the forest is being protected for the future.

Gisakura Tea Estate Tour

Take a peaceful walk through the green tea fields near Nyungwe Forest on a guided tour of the beautiful Gisakura Tea Estate. With rich volcanic soil and rolling hills, this place is perfect for growing some of the best tea in Rwanda. Gisakura Tea Estate is one of the country’s most famous tea plantations—and it’s also one of the most stunning. On this special tour, you’ll learn how tea is picked, dried, and brewed. Your experience begins in the cozy Tea Lounge, where you’ll enjoy amazing views of the forest. A tea expert will guide you through every step of the tea-making process and show you what makes Nyungwe tea so special. You’ll also get to join a daily tea ceremony, where you can relax and taste the rich flavors of Rwanda’s black tea, first planted here in 1952. Today, this tea is one of Rwanda’s top exports, loved around the world for its deep, smooth taste.