Ancient Rainforest of Chimpanzees, Colobus and the Canopy Walk
Draped across the mountains of south-western Rwanda lies one of Africa's oldest and most pristine rainforests — a vast, misty Afromontane world older than the last Ice Age. Nyungwe shelters chimpanzees and thirteen species of primate, more than three hundred birds and East Africa's only canopy walkway, suspended seventy metres above the forest floor. This is trekking of a different kind: cathedral-tall trees, tumbling waterfalls and the dawn chorus of the wild.
Fully private, unhurried and all-inclusive — from a focused Nyungwe forest escape to the ultimate Rwanda journey pairing the rainforest's chimps and canopy walk with mountain gorillas and the shores of Lake Kivu. Private guides, the finest forest lodges and every detail crafted entirely around you.
Ancient Rainforest of Chimpanzees, Colobus and the Canopy Walk
Ancient Rainforest of Chimpanzees, Colobus and the Canopy Walk
Ancient Rainforest of Chimpanzees, Colobus and the Canopy Walk
Nyungwe Forest National Park protects one of the largest and best-preserved montane rainforests in Africa — an ancient, cloud-wrapped wilderness that survived the last Ice Age and today blankets the mountains of south-western Rwanda. Straddling the Congo-Nile divide, its ridges give rise to streams feeding both the Congo and the Nile, and one spring here is considered among the most remote sources of the great river. This is a forest of superlatives: over 1,000 square kilometres of primary rainforest, thirteen species of primate, more than 300 birds including nearly 30 Albertine Rift endemics, 1,000 plant species and countless orchids, butterflies and frogs. The stars are its primates — habituated chimpanzees whose dawn calls echo through the canopy, and vast, spectacular troops of Angolan colobus, sometimes 400 strong, that ripple through the treetops. Nyungwe's celebrated canopy walkway, the only one in East Africa, carries you 70 metres above the forest floor for a bird's-eye view of this emerald world. Cool, high and malaria-free, and now managed by African Parks, Nyungwe offers a rainforest experience utterly distinct from Rwanda's gorillas and savannah.
One of Africa's oldest rainforests and its richest primate forest. From tracking chimpanzees through ancient primary forest to crossing the canopy walkway seventy metres above the trees, from giant troops of Angolan colobus to waterfall hikes and Albertine Rift endemics — Nyungwe rewards every moment. Here is what makes it unforgettable.
Habituated communities are tracked at dawn through the ancient forest
Spectacular super-troops, sometimes 400 strong, ripple through the canopy
A striking Albertine Rift endemic often seen along forest edges
Common in the mid-canopy, one of thirteen primate species here
A flagship of Nyungwe's 300+ birds, flashing blue and crimson through the trees
One of Nyungwe's arboreal primates, foraging high in the canopy
Where the Nyungwe story unfolds. Track chimpanzees through the dawn mist, step out onto the canopy walkway high above the forest, follow hundreds-strong colobus troops through the treetops, and hike to hidden waterfalls — each one built into your itinerary by your private concierge.
Set out at dawn with expert trackers to find Nyungwe's habituated chimpanzees. Following their calls through the dense, dripping forest, you may watch them feed, groom and swing through the canopy — a thrilling, unpredictable encounter with our closest wild relatives.
Walk the Igishigishigi Trail to the celebrated canopy walkway, a suspension bridge 70 metres above the forest floor. It's a gentle, exhilarating hike with superb birding and sweeping views over the rainforest.
Track the great super-troops of Angolan colobus, sometimes 400 individuals strong — one of the largest primate groupings in Africa. Watching them ripple through the treetops, black-and-white tails streaming, is a spectacle unique to Nyungwe.
Nyungwe's network of trails ranges from gentle strolls to the strenuous hike to the Isumo (Kamiranzovu) waterfall, through orchid-rich understory, giant tree ferns and streams alive with frogs and butterflies.
Nyungwe's rainforest chimps and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park form the ultimate East African primate journey — two of the continent's most iconic encounters in one seamless Rwanda circuit.
Combine the rainforest canopy of Nyungwe with the Big-Five savannah of Akagera and the shores of Lake Kivu for a complete Rwanda journey — montane forest, open plains and lakeside calm in the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Looking for more Southern African safari and adventure experiences? Visit Gray Line South Africa — our sister company — for a full catalog of instant-book tours across the region, with live availability and instant confirmation.
Browse Gray Line South AfricaDraped across the mountains of south-western Rwanda, Nyungwe is one of Africa's oldest and most pristine rainforests — a vast Afromontane world older than the last Ice Age. Managed today with African Parks, it shelters chimpanzees and thirteen species of primate, more than three hundred birds with rare Albertine Rift endemics, and East Africa's only canopy walkway, suspended seventy metres above the forest floor. Waterfalls tumble through cathedral-tall trees and giant colobus troops move through the canopy. This is Rwanda's cool, green counterweight to its misty volcanoes.
Nyungwe brings a wilder, greener romance to a Rwandan honeymoon — dawn treks through ancient forest, the thrill of the canopy walk, and quiet evenings among the tea fields at One&Only Nyungwe House.
Cross the swaying bridge hand in hand, 70 metres above the forest, for an adventure you'll never forget.
One&Only Nyungwe House offers spa treatments and suites overlooking the emerald plantations and forest.
Track chimps and colobus together through primeval rainforest — a bonding adventure like no other.
Return to a fireside dinner and the sound of rain on the canopy — intimate and utterly peaceful.
Nyungwe is the ancient forest heart of Rwanda. Track chimpanzees and cross the canopy walkway, then climb into the mountains to trek gorillas in the Volcanoes, unwind on the shores of Lake Kivu, or add the Big Five savannah of Akagera. We'll weave it all into one seamless itinerary.
Pair the rainforest chimps with the mountain gorillas for a complete primate journey.
Break the journey with a relaxing stay on the shores of Lake Kivu, en route to or from the forest.
Add the Big Five savannah of Akagera for a three-park Rwandan safari.
Rwanda's western forests each offer something distinct — here's how ancient Nyungwe compares to the volcanic gorilla parks.
The dry seasons make forest trails firmer and trekking more comfortable, with excellent primate and birding activity year-round.
Warm days, cool nights, little rainA second fine window between the rains, with warm, largely dry days and green surrounds.
Warm & mostly dryThe green seasons bring lush growth, flowering orchids and superb birding, though trails are muddier and rain frequent.
Lush and green, frequent afternoon rainThe practical details that make a Rwanda forest journey effortless — gathered from years of crafting private chimp-tracking and gorilla itineraries for our guests.
Nyungwe's trails are steep, muddy and slippery. Waterproof hiking boots with good grip make all the difference, especially on chimp treks.
This is a rainforest — pack a good rain jacket and a dry bag for your camera, as showers can arrive without warning even in the dry season.
Light gloves protect your hands when grabbing vegetation on steep, slippery forest trails.
With 300+ birds and treetop primates, good binoculars transform the experience — especially from the canopy walkway.
Chimp tracking begins before dawn. Be ready for an early, energetic start — and be patient, as the chimps range widely.
The Gisakura tea fields on the forest edge are beautiful and relaxing — a lovely gentle counterpoint to the treks.
Nyungwe lies in Rwanda's far south-west, a scenic four-to-five-hour drive from Kigali through terraced hills and tea country. Those short on time can fly to Kamembe (Rusizi) Airport, just an hour from the park. Nyungwe combines beautifully with Lake Kivu — a relaxing lakeside interlude en route — and with the gorillas of Volcanoes for a complete forest-and-mountain journey.
From luxury lodges on the tea-estate edges to characterful eco-retreats along the forest, the most coveted addresses in Rwanda's rainforest, each held for you by our concierge.
One&Only's exquisite lodge sits amid the tea fields on the edge of the forest, its 22 suites framing views of the rolling plantations and rainforest beyond — a serene, ultra-luxurious base for exploring Nyungwe.
One&Only's tea-estate lodge on the forest edge, blending contemporary luxury with sweeping views of the plantations and rainforest.
One&Only ResortsFromR 34,770per person, per night
Perched high above the forest at Gisakura, this comfortable hotel offers panoramic views over Nyungwe's endless canopy and easy access to the park's trailheads.
A hilltop hotel with sweeping views over the Nyungwe canopy, well placed for chimp tracking and the canopy walk.
Established forest lodgeFromR 5,856per person, per night
A friendly, well-run guest house right beside the park office at Gisakura — an excellent-value base for trekkers, close to the colobus troops and the canopy walk trailhead.
A welcoming, great-value guest house beside the park office, popular with trekkers and birders.
Community-linked lodgingFromR 1,647per person, per night
Nyungwe is a rainforest experience like no other in Rwanda — here is what makes it so special.
From chimpanzees to L'Hoest's monkeys and the extraordinary super-troops of Angolan colobus, Nyungwe has one of the richest primate communities in Africa.
The canopy walkway — the only one in East Africa — sways 70 metres above the forest floor, offering a heart-stopping perspective on the rainforest and its birds.
More than 300 species, including nearly 30 Albertine Rift endemics, make Nyungwe one of the finest montane-forest birding destinations on the continent.
Nyungwe survived the last Ice Age, and its biodiversity reflects that age — over a thousand plant species, countless orchids, and a forest that feels primeval.
At 1,600–2,900 metres, Nyungwe is refreshingly cool and free of malaria, making its trekking comfortable and worry-free.
Every journey is privately guided, fully bonded and backed by our 4.9/5 rating from more than 200,000 guests since 2008 — with a dedicated concierge from first enquiry to final farewell.
Yes. Nyungwe has habituated chimpanzee communities that can be tracked with expert guides, usually setting out very early to catch them as they wake and feed. Sightings are not guaranteed, as the chimps range widely, but the experience of following them through ancient rainforest is unforgettable.
Nyungwe's canopy walkway is the only one in East Africa — a suspension bridge stretching 160 metres and reaching 70 metres above the forest floor. Accessed via the gentle Igishigishigi Trail, it offers spectacular views over the rainforest and superb eye-level birding, and is suitable for most fitness levels.
Nyungwe sits at high altitude, between roughly 1,600 and 2,900 metres, where it is cool and largely free of malaria. It is nonetheless sensible to consult your doctor and take precautions when travelling in the wider region, particularly if combining with lower-lying parks such as Akagera.
Nyungwe is home to thirteen species of primate — among the richest primate communities in Africa. These include chimpanzees, the spectacular Angolan colobus (in troops of up to 400), L'Hoest's monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and more.
Nyungwe is around 225 km from Kigali — a scenic drive of four to five hours through Rwanda's hills and tea estates. Alternatively, you can fly to Kamembe (Rusizi) Airport, about an hour from the park, to save time.
Absolutely. A classic south-western Rwanda itinerary links the gorillas of Volcanoes, a relaxing stay on Lake Kivu and the rainforest of Nyungwe, often travelling the scenic route down the lakeshore. It's one of the most rewarding journeys in the country.
Bring sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, long trousers and layers for cool mornings, plus insect repellent, gardening-style gloves for grabbing vegetation, and binoculars for birding. A dry bag for cameras is wise, as rain can arrive quickly in the forest.
Tell us how you love to travel and we'll shape a private Rwanda journey around you — every chimp trek, every canopy walk, every forest hike and every sunset above the tea estates taken care of. One dedicated concierge, start to finish.