The Past History of Nyungwe National Park 

Nyungwe Forest National Park was declared a national park in 2004, making it the third Rwanda National Park after Volcanoes National Park (home of the mountain gorillas) and Akagera National Park (the big five paradise), but its ecological significance has been recognized for decades.

The Nyungwe forest was first protected in 1903 as a reserve but suffered degradation due to human activities.

Conservation efforts by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) began in the 1980s, and the park has undergone restoration and protection efforts, including a partnership with African Parks in 2020.

Nyungwe National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in September 2023.

Today, the park is a vital biodiversity hotspot and a key destination for ecotourism in Rwanda, worth exploring on Rwanda Tours.

Nyungwe Forest National Park Management 

Nyungwe Forest National Park is managed by African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board through a successful 20-year partnership with the Rwandan government.

This collaboration to manage Nyungwe Forest NP promotes preservation, sustainable tourism, and economic sustainability, generating $4.8 billion annually, according to Wikipedia in a report on the State of the Wildlife Economy in Rwanda.

The partnership aims to protect wildlife, support local communities, and develop a strong tourism offering while ensuring the park’s ecological health.

The Varied Landscape and Geography of Nyungwe Park, Rwanda 

Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in the Albertine Rift, is a biodiversity hotspot and one of Africa’s largest and oldest rainforests and the largest expanse of trees in Rwanda, covering 1,019 km² on the African continent.

The park’s varied landscape features dense forest, bamboo groves, swamps, and grasslands, with mountain ridges, steep valleys, and mist-covered hills.

The park forms part of the Congo-Nile Divide and boasts a unique geography, creating diverse ecosystems and habitats (e.g., Mount Bigugu rising to 2,921 meters above sea level, Nyungwe Rainforest) for a wide range of plant and animal species.

Nyungwe Forest NP plays a critical role in water catchment and preservation, situated between the Congo and Nile rivers, and features a tropical highland climate with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C.

With its complex terrain and diverse ecosystem, Nyungwe is a vital preservation area and a popular ecotourism destination worth visiting during Rwanda safaris on the African continent.

Nyungwe Forest NP Attractions | What to See in Nyungwe Forest National Park During Rwanda Safari Tours? 

Visitors on Rwanda trips in Nyungwe have perfect opportunities to see its hidden gems and highlights, such as.

• Canopy Walkway: A 160-meter-long steel suspension bridge/canopy walkway 60m above the forest canopy in the tree tops.
• Chimpanzees: Nyungwe Forest NP is one of the best places in Africa to track chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
• Colobus Monkey Troops: Witness 300+ black-and-white colobus monkeys.
• Waterfalls: Hike to stunning spots like Isumo Waterfall.
• Birdlife: Over 322+ bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics like the red-collared babbler and Grauer’s swamp warbler, reside in Nyungwe, among other birds.
• Tea Plantations: Like the Gisakura Tea Estate and other tea plantations
• Other Primates: Like golden monkeys, Ruwenzori colobus monkeys, Dent’s Mona Monkey, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
• Other Wildlife Species: Over 85 mammal species, e.g., bushpigs, rare golden cats, colobus monkeys, duikers, and serval cats, among other Nyungwe National Park Animals.
• Lakes and Rivers (Lake Kivu or the Nyungwe River)
• Hiking Trails: Approximately 130km of trails, from easy to challenging.
• Cyamudongo Forest: An isolated patch of forest in the middle of the large expanse of Nyungwe Forest NP with a unique ecosystem and rare bird species.
• Bigugu Mountain: The highest point in the park for breathtaking views.
• Cyinzobe: Home of diverse wildlife
• Unique Flora (over 1,068 plant species, dense canopy cover that is rare in Central Africa)

Book your Nyungwe Safari excursion today witness all these firsthand for lasting memories!

Thrilling Things to Do in Nyungwe National Park on Rwanda Safaris 

Nyungwe offers a range of safari activities that cater to different tourist interests and ages during Rwanda tours, and some of the top activities include

• Chimpanzee Trekking: Start early morning chimpanzee trek hikes to track semi-habituated chimpanzees in their natural habitat with a maximum of 8 people per group during Rwanda chimpanzees trekking safaris/Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris.
• Nyungwe Canopy Walk: An unforgettable tree tops experience on a suspended canopy walkway 60m above the forest floor with a beautiful view of the forest and its inhabitants when on Rwanda trips.
• Bird Watching: Expert-guided Rwanda birding tours to spot endemic and migratory birds (over 300 species), including Albertine Rift endemics like the majestic Rwenzori turaco.
• Guided Nature Walks: On over 15 trails with varying lengths and difficulty, discover the park’s diverse ecosystems, i.e., trees, canopies, etc., with knowledgeable guides during African safaris.
• Monkey Trekking: Track various monkey species, including Angolan colobus, Dent’s Mona monkey, L’Hoest’s, and golden monkeys on a Rwanda tour.
• Wildlife Viewing: See diverse fauna, including primates, colobus monkeys, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians during Rwanda wildlife safaris in Nyungwe.
• Hiking Trails: Explore 130km of scenic trails, from easy to challenging.
• Nyungwe Night Walk: Experience Nyungwe Forest National Park at night, spotting nocturnal wildlife like galagos and pottos, among other fauna.
• Cyinzobe Hike: 3-day hike with spectacular views, Kamiranzovu swamp, and waterfalls.
• Community-based Experiences: Visit the King’s Palace Museum in nearby Nyanza and engage with local villages/communities and discover traditional handcrafts, learn pottery, and tea production.
• Chimp Habituation Experience: Join trackers following a chimp family on a chimp trek through the canopy/trees to learn about habituation.
• Coffee and Tea Tours: Enjoy Rwandan coffee and learn about tea production.
• Cyamudongo Community Centre: Explore handicrafts, coffee, and breakfast in a scenic setting.
• Colobus Monkey Trekking: A unique opportunity for photography and primate study.

Book your Nyungwe safari excursion today and experience all these on a visit Rwanda trip!

Nyungwe National Park Accommodation | Where to Stay in Nyungwe National Park During Rwanda Safaris? 

Nyungwe Forest National Park has a range of world-class safari lodges and hotels with excellent tourist facilities for guests on Rwanda safaris there that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some of the top options include

Book any of these top accommodation options for a comfortable stay and rest during your Nyungwe Rwanda safaris!

How To Get to Nyungwe Forest National Park for Rwanda Safari Tours?

Nyungwe National Park is located 225 km southwest of Kigali and near Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it a unique destination in southwestern Rwanda.

To get there, fly into Kigali International Airport in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, or cross neighboring borders like Gatuna if coming from Uganda, among others; then you can take a scenic 5-6 hour drive or a 45-minute domestic flight to Kamembe Airport, followed by a 1-hour drive to the park entrance.

Private transfers, self-drives, or organized safaris through licensed tour operators are recommended.

Safari Prices Incurred When Visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park 

This is a breakdown of the most common safari prices.

NB.

It is worth noting that children below 15 years are not permitted on chimpanzee treks.

Safari packages with guides and transport typically cost $500–$1,200 per person, depending on length and accommodation.

Consult a professional Rwanda tour operator on the exact pricing and quote for your visit Rwanda trip!

Nyungwe National Park Rules and Regulations

To ensure a safe and memorable experience, visitors to Nyungwe NP are required to follow certain rules and regulations. Some of the rules include

• Always follow the instructions of your guide.
• Do not litter or disturb wildlife.
• Human beings are banned from going near wildlife if sick with a contagious disease
• No flash photography during primate tracking.
• Keep a 7-meter distance from primates.
• Smoking is prohibited inside the forest.
• Stay quiet during wildlife encounters.
• Wear long-sleeved clothing and bring sun protection and insect repellent.
• Staying on designated trails as you walk in the rainforest

Please note that these rules and regulations are applicable in other Rwanda national parks like Akagera National Park (the big five paradise) and Volcanoes National Park (home of mountain gorillas).

Follow these Nyungwe Forest NP rules and regulations for a safe trip in this park!

Best Time to Visit Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park 

The park has a rainforest climate, and its weather is generally cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F), which means it can be visited year-round.

The best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park is during the dry seasons (June-September and December-February) when trails are easier to navigate/walk and wildlife is easier to spot for ideal hiking, canopy walks, and chimpanzee tracking conditions.

Bird-watching enthusiasts may prefer the wet seasons (March-May and October-mid-December) as they bring in several migratory birds that visit Rwanda for abundant food sources and also taking advantage of the lower prices during this rainy season.

Be prepared for potential rainfall in the rainforest and pack warm clothing, regardless of the time of year, for your visit Rwanda adventures in Africa.

Serious Threats Posed on Nyungwe Forest National Park in Africa | What Are the Threats to Nyungwe National Park? 

Despite its protection, the park faces several threats:

• Illegal poaching and bushmeat trade
• Deforestation due to population pressure
• Climate change is altering habitat conditions
• Invasive species are threatening native flora and the survival of Albertine Rift endemic species

Ongoing efforts by preservation bodies and the government help mitigate these threats.

Visit Rwanda today and witness all these preservation efforts in full play!

Nyungwe Park Rwanda Conservation Efforts 

Thanks to the partnership between African Parks and the RDB, Nyungwe has become a strong ecotourism offering and a model for economic longevity/sustainability.

The park supports ecologically healthy systems, employs former poachers, and reinvests tourism revenues into preservation.

What To Wear for Rwanda Safaris in Nyungwe National Park?

Pack long-sleeved shirts, hiking boots, rain jackets, insect repellent, and a hat. Lightweight but durable clothing in neutral colors is recommended. Avoid bright colors or camouflage gear, which may be restricted.

What To Pack for Safari in Rwanda Nyungwe Park?

• Passport and travel insurance
• Binoculars and memory cards
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks and a power bank
• First aid kit
• Warm layers for chilly mornings
• Walking stick for steep trails

Consult a reputable tour operator on the best essentials to pack to avoid carrying excess luggage!

Nyungwe National Park: Commonly Asked Questions 

1. What Is Unique About Nyungwe National Park?

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, rich in biodiversity, and home to 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.

2. How Much Does It Cost to Visit Nyungwe National Park? 

A full-day visit can cost between $150 and $300, depending on activities. Full safari packages, including accommodation, may cost up to $1,200 per person.

3. How Long Is the Canopy Walk in Nyungwe? 

The canopy walk is 160 meters long and suspended 70 meters above the forest floor.

4. What Is the Most Visited National Park in Rwanda?

Volcanoes National Park is the most visited national park in Rwanda, thanks to gorilla trekking to see the endangered mountain gorillas, but Nyungwe Forest NP is increasingly popular for chimpanzee trekking and forest experiences.

5. How Much Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe? 

Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe NP cost $250 for non-residents, $75 for foreign residents, and $25 for East African citizens, with permits sold by the RDB.

Experience Nyungwe National Park by taking part in other safari activities like gorilla trekking, among others.

Nyungwe offers a unique blend of biodiversity, adventure, and preservation, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Rwanda’s stunning southwestern region. Contact us now and let us tailor the best fairy tale Rwanda safari package to this hidden gem for memorable experiences and lasting memories!