Nyungwe Forest National Park – Rwanda’s Living Cathedral of Green

The Soul of Rwanda’s Wilderness

In the southwestern reaches of Rwanda, where rolling tea hills fade into mist and mountains touch the clouds, lies a world older than time — Nyungwe Forest National Park.

It’s one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, a sanctuary of silence, song, and secrets. Here, trees rise like pillars in a natural cathedral. Mist drapes the canopy in mystery. And every sound — from the haunting call of a colobus monkey to the flutter of a rare bird’s wing — feels sacred.

Nyungwe isn’t just a forest. It’s a heartbeat — ancient, alive, and endlessly beautiful.

Waterfall cascading through lush green forest, surrounded by ferns and mist. Sunlight filters through trees, creating a serene scene.

A Rainforest of Legends and Life

Stretching across more than 1,000 square kilometers, Nyungwe is one of the most biologically rich ecosystems in East Africa. Scientists estimate that the forest has existed for millions of years, surviving the last Ice Age while others vanished.

Today, it shelters over 1,100 plant species, 85 mammal species, and nearly 300 species of birds, many found nowhere else on Earth.

The forest is also the source of Africa’s great rivers — its streams feed both the Nile and the Congo, connecting Nyungwe’s misty slopes to two opposite oceans. It is, quite literally, the heart of a continent.

Chimpanzee Tracking – Meeting Our Closest Kin

The highlight of any visit to Nyungwe is chimpanzee tracking — a thrilling, emotional encounter deep within the jungle.

At dawn, guides lead travelers through a maze of vines and mossy trails, following the distant hoots and echoes of chimp calls. When you finally glimpse them — swinging through the canopy or grooming one another in the dappled light — it’s a moment of pure connection.

You see curiosity in their eyes, playfulness in their movements, and intelligence in every gesture. Watching them feels like looking into a mirror of evolution — humbling, joyful, and unforgettable.

Two main groups can be visited: one near Uwinka and another in Cyamudongo Forest, each offering a unique and intimate experience with Rwanda’s wildest residents.

The Canopy Walk – A Bridge Between Worlds

For those seeking both thrill and wonder, Nyungwe’s Canopy Walkway is one of Africa’s most breathtaking experiences.

Suspended 60 meters above the forest floor and stretching 160 meters long, this hanging bridge offers a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest. Below, the forest hums with life — butterflies dance through shafts of light, and the green canopy seems endless.

As you step out onto the swaying bridge, mist rises around you, and the sound of waterfalls blends with birdsong. It feels like walking through the sky — suspended between Earth and heaven.

Three people on a suspension bridge over a misty forest at sunrise. Sun rays pierce through clouds, creating a serene and majestic view.

Trails of Discovery

Nyungwe is a hiker’s paradise, with over 130 kilometers of well-marked trails weaving through valleys, waterfalls, and mountain ridges.

Some of the most rewarding routes include:

• Igishigishigi Trail – A short yet stunning path leading to the canopy walkway.

• Isumo Waterfall Trail – A lush trek through fern-filled ravines to one of Rwanda’s most powerful waterfalls.

• Kamiranzovu Trail – A journey into a high-altitude swamp where rare orchids bloom and primates hide in the mist.

• Bigugu Trail – The park’s highest climb, rewarding hikers with panoramic views stretching to Lake Kivu and even Congo on clear days.

Each trail reveals a different face of Nyungwe — its depth, diversity, and dreamlike calm.

Primates, Birds, and the Symphony of the Forest

Nyungwe is home to 13 species of primates, making it one of Africa’s richest primate habitats. Besides chimpanzees, visitors can spot L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, Owl-faced monkeys, and troops of Angolan colobus — often seen leaping gracefully from tree to tree in black-and-white waves.

For bird enthusiasts, this is paradise. The forest hosts nearly 300 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics. Watch for the Rwenzori turaco, great blue turaco, and handsome francolin, all adding color and melody to the forest symphony.

Every sound — from the wind in the leaves to the song of the forest hornbill — feels like nature’s own orchestra playing just for you.

When to Visit

• June to September and December to February are the driest and best months for hiking and tracking chimpanzees.

• March to May and October to November bring rain — transforming the forest into an emerald realm ideal for photography and birding.

Even in the wet season, Nyungwe’s magic only deepens. The mist thickens, waterfalls swell, and everything glows with life.

Where to Stay

Nyungwe’s lodges balance comfort with immersion in nature’s rhythm:

• One&Only Nyungwe House: A world-class luxury lodge set among tea plantations on the forest edge — ideal for high-end travelers seeking tranquility and fine dining with panoramic views.

• Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel: Perched on a ridge with sweeping vistas of the forest and Lake Kivu.

• Gisakura Guesthouse: A cozy, budget-friendly stay near the park’s western gate — perfect for early treks and community visits.

At night, fog drapes the hills, fireflies glimmer, and the forest sings its nocturnal lullaby.

How to Reach

By Road:Nyungwe lies about 5–6 hours southwest of Kigali, on a scenic route through rolling tea plantations, valleys, and mountain ridges.

By Air:Helicopter transfers from Kigali or Akagera can bring travelers directly to the Gisakura Tea Estate area near the park — a stunning aerial journey across Rwanda’s green heart.

Travie Tip

Begin your day early for chimp tracking — it’s the best time to hear their calls echoing through the forest. Bring waterproof shoes, a light rain jacket, and binoculars. For a quiet afternoon, visit the tea plantations at Gisakura — their golden-green terraces are the perfect contrast to Nyungwe’s dark jungle.

Highlights

• Track wild chimpanzees through one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.

• Walk among the treetops on the iconic Nyungwe Canopy Walkway.

• Discover Isumo Waterfall and mist-filled mountain trails.

• Spot 13 primate species and hundreds of rare birds.

• Experience Rwanda’s conservation success and pristine wilderness.

Conclusion

Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s sacred sanctuary — a masterpiece of life, sound, and silence.

To walk here is to enter a dream: mist swirling between giant trees, monkeys calling from unseen heights, and sunlight painting the forest in gold.

It’s more than a destination — it’s a living cathedral, where every leaf, stream, and bird song tells the story of an ancient Earth still breathing in green.