Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe is a primate paradise! Home to 13 different species, swinging, leaping, and lounging their way through the canopy. The stars of the show are the chimpanzees, but you’ll also spot black-and-white colobus monkeys gathering in huge troops of up to 400, L’Hoest’s monkeys (found almost nowhere else), playful vervets, and the striking red-tailed monkeys.

Chimp trekking in Nyungwe can be moderately challenging, depending on where the chimps are. If they’re on the move, you might follow them through steep, tangled rainforest terrain. It’s an adventure, but the reward is extraordinary.

Nyungwe is stunning year-round, but for the best wildlife sightings and trekking conditions, visit during the dry seasons of June to September or December to February. These months bring less rain, easier trails, and better visibility in the forest canopy.

Nyungwe is so much more than chimps. You can walk the canopy bridge; go birding, with over 300 species, including around 30 regional endemics;
hike forest trails; visit a working tea plantation to sample Rwanda’s famous rich black tea; or take in the misty magic of the forest on guided nature walks.

Nyungwe is about a 5 to 6-hour scenic drive from Kigali, winding through rolling hills, villages, and tea plantations. Or it’s a quick flight directly to the park’s nearest airstrip — the more effortless option with unbeatable aerial views over Rwanda’s landscapes.

This is where Nyungwe really shines. The camps here blend mind-bending design with deep immersion in nature. Expect suites overlooking misty treetops, infinity pools nestled in the forest, fireplaces for cool mountain evenings, and private decks perfect for listening to the rainforest at night. With everything from spa treatments to stargazing built into the experience, you’re spoilt for choice.

Absolutely! Pair chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, creating a once-in-a-lifetime primate-focused journey. You can also add time at Akagera National Park for incredible Big Five safaris. We’ll craft a seamless itinerary that connects Rwanda’s highlights in style.

Oh my goodness, yes! Nyungwe is made for romance. Secluded forest hideaways, private decks floating above the canopy, and quiet moments surrounded by birdsong and misty treetops. Indulge in slow mornings with panoramic views, and end your days under skies scattered with stars. It’s intimate, immersive, and unforgettable. Nothing quite like entering your new chapter with starting it off with a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.