Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda: Fees, Map, Location, Activities

Discover Nyungwe Forest National Park, a biodiversity haven in southwestern Rwanda. Explore its rich wildlife, including chimpanzees and rare birds, scenic hiking trails, and cultural experiences, all while contributing to sustainable tourism and conservation.

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

Spanning approximately 1,019 square kilometers, this montane rainforest is one of the largest and most pristine in East Africa, offering a sanctuary for an astonishing array of wildlife, rare flora, and vibrant ecosystems.

Beyond its ecological richness, Nyungwe is a hub for ecotourism, scientific research, and cultural exploration, drawing visitors from around the globe.

As of March 28, 2025, Nyungwe remains a cornerstone of Rwanda’s conservation success story, blending natural splendor with sustainable development.

Nyungwe Forest National Park location; Geography and Landscape

Nyungwe Forest National Park lies between latitudes 2°15′ and 2°55′ South and longitudes 29°00′ and 29°30′ East, straddling Rwanda’s border with Burundi.

It occupies a rugged terrain of rolling hills, steep valleys, and high plateaus, with elevations ranging from 1,600 to 2,950 meters above sea level.

The park’s highest point, Bigugu Mountain, towers at 2,925 meters, offering panoramic views of the forest canopy and distant volcanic peaks of the Virunga range.

The Nyungwe Forest is part of the Albertine Rift, a biodiversity hotspot stretching across East Africa. Its montane forest character—cool, misty, and lush—results from its high altitude and proximity to the Congo-Nile Divide, where rainfall averages 1,800 to 2,000 millimeters annually.

This Congo-Nile Divide marks a hydrological boundary: waters to the west flow into the Congo River Basin, while those to the east feed Lake Kivu and the Nile River system.

Numerous streams and waterfalls, such as the dramatic Kamiranzovu Falls, punctuate the landscape, adding to its scenic allure.

Nyungwe’s terrain is challenging yet captivating. Dense forest covers much of the park, interspersed with bamboo groves, swamps, and open grassy patches.

The forest canopy, reaching heights of 50 meters or more, creates a multi-layered ecosystem that supports a staggering variety of life.

Accessibility has improved in recent years, with well-maintained hiking trails and the famous canopy walkway enhancing exploration, though the park’s remoteness preserves its wild essence.

Biodiversity: A Living Treasury

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a biodiversity powerhouse, often dubbed the “lungs of Rwanda” for its ecological role. It harbors over 1,068 plant species, 322 bird species, 75 mammal species, and countless invertebrates, many of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift.

This rich biodiversity stems from its ancient origins—geological evidence suggests Nyungwe Forest has existed for millions of years, surviving climatic shifts that wiped out other forests.

Flora

The park’s plant life is a botanist’s dream. Towering hardwood trees like mahogany (Entandrophragma excelsum) and Newtonia (Newtonia buchananii) dominate the forest canopy, while ferns, orchids, and mosses thrive in the understory.

Over 200 tree species have been identified, with 13% endemic to the region. The Kamiranzovu Swamp, a rare high-altitude peat bog, hosts unique wetland plants, including sedges and sphagnum mosses.

Bamboo (Arundinaria alpina) blankets higher slopes, providing food for primates and shaping the forest structure.

Primates

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a primate paradise, home to 13 primate species—about a quarter of Africa’s total. The most famous residents are the chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), with an estimated population of 500-1,000.

Their dawn choruses of hoots and screams echo through the forest, a thrilling sound for trekkers.

Other notable primates include the Rwenzori colobus (Colobus angolensis ruwenzorii), known for their acrobatic leaps and striking black-and-white coats.

Troops of up to 400 individuals—the largest recorded for this species—roam Nyungwe, a spectacle unique to the park.

The L’Hoest’s monkey (Cercopithecus lhoesti), olive baboon (Papio anubis), and grey-cheeked mangabey (Lophocebus albigena) add to the primate diversity.

The rare owl-faced monkey (Cercopithecus hamlyni), with its distinctive facial markings, is another Albertine Rift endemic found here, though sightings are elusive.

Birds

For birdwatchers, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a haven, boasting 322 bird species, 29 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift.

The great blue turaco (Corythaeola cristata), with its vibrant plumage, is a standout, as is the Rwenzori turaco (Ruwenzorornis johnstoni).

Raptors like the African crowned eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus) soar above, preying on small mammals.

The park’s swamps attract waterfowl, while forest interiors host elusive species like the red-throated alethe (Alethe poliophrys).

Nyungwe’s avian diversity earned it recognition as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.

Other Wildlife

Beyond primates and birds, Nyungwe supports 75 mammal species, including leopards (Panthera pardus), golden cats (Caracal aurata), and serval cats (Leptailurus serval), though these predators are rarely seen.

Smaller mammals like the marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus) and giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) thrive in the undergrowth.

The park also hosts 38 reptile species, 32 amphibians, and over 120 butterfly species, with the dazzling forest canopy butterfly (Charaxes fulvescens) a highlight.

Historical Context

Nyungwe’s history intertwines nature and humanity. Archaeological evidence suggests human presence in the region dates back thousands of years, with hunter-gatherer communities likely exploiting its resources.

By the 19th century, the forest was part of the Kingdom of Rwanda, revered as a sacred space. Colonial rule under Germany (1897-1916) and Belgium (1916-1962) brought exploitation, with logging and hunting threatening its integrity.

Post-independence, Nyungwe faced further pressure from population growth and agricultural expansion. It wasn’t until 2005 that it was officially gazetted as a national park, building on earlier protections as a forest reserve since 1933.

This designation marked a turning point, aligning with Rwanda’s broader environmental vision under President Paul Kagame’s leadership.

Conservation Efforts

Rwanda’s transformation into a conservation leader is epitomized by Nyungwe. Once plagued by poaching, logging, and mining, the park has rebounded through robust policies and community engagement.

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), in partnership with organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and African Parks, oversees its management.

Key initiatives include:

• Anti-Poaching Patrols: Rangers patrol daily, reducing illegal hunting and snare removal. Chimpanzee and colobus populations have stabilized as a result.
• Reforestation: Degraded areas have been replanted with native species, restoring habitats lost to colonial-era logging.
• Community Benefits: Revenue-sharing programs allocate 10% of tourism income to local communities, funding schools, clinics, and infrastructure. Beekeeping and handicraft projects provide alternative livelihoods, easing pressure on the forest.
• Research: Nyungwe hosts research stations studying primate behavior, climate change, and plant ecology, contributing to global science.

Climate change poses a newer challenge, with shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures threatening delicate ecosystems like the Kamiranzovu Swamp. Conservationists are monitoring these impacts, and adapting strategies to ensure resilience.

Nyungwe National Park activities

Nyungwe is a cornerstone of Rwanda’s ecotourism boom, complementing the gorilla trekking fame of Volcanoes National Park. In 2024, it welcomed over 15,000 visitors, a number expected to grow in 2025 as infrastructure improves. The park offers diverse activities:

Chimpanzee Trekking

Tracking chimpanzees is Nyungwe’s flagship experience. Treks begin at dawn from sites like Uwinka or Gisakura, guided by expert rangers.

The hike, often 2-5 hours through steep terrain, rewards visitors with sightings of chimps foraging, grooming, or vocalizing. Permits cost $100 as of 2025, a fraction of gorilla trekking fees, making it accessible yet exclusive.

Canopy Walkway

The 160-meter-long canopy walkway, suspended 60 meters above the forest floor, is East Africa’s first. Built in 2010 and upgraded in 2023, it offers breathtaking views of the treetops and wildlife. At $40 per person, it’s a must-do for thrill-seekers and photographers.

Birdwatching

Guided birding tours target Nyungwe’s 322 species, with half-day excursions costing $50. The Uwinka trail is a hotspot for spotting turacos and sunbirds.

Hiking Trails

Over 130 kilometers of trails crisscross the park, ranging from the 2-hour Igishigishigi Trail to the multi-day Congo-Nile Divide Trail. Highlights include waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, and rare plant sightings. Trail fees are included in the $60 daily park entry.

Cultural Experiences

Nearby tea plantations and villages offer cultural tours, showcasing Rwandan traditions like dance and basket-weaving. These add-ons, often $20-30, enrich the Nyungwe experience.

Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges like One&Only Nyungwe House (starting at $800/night) to budget guesthouses in Gisakura ($30-50/night). Accessibility from Kigali, a 5-6 hour drive, has improved with paved roads, though 4×4 vehicles are recommended for park trails.

Cultural and Economic Significance

Nyungwe transcends ecology, embodying Rwanda’s cultural and economic aspirations. For local communities, it’s a source of pride and sustenance—tea estates bordering the park employ thousands, while tourism revenue bolsters regional development.

Nationally, it supports Rwanda’s goal of becoming a high-value tourism destination, with 2024 earnings from national parks exceeding $200 million.

Culturally, Nyungwe ties into Rwanda’s precolonial reverence for nature. Oral traditions speak of forest spirits, and modern conservation aligns with this ethos, fostering a narrative of harmony between people and the wild.

Nyungwe National Park fees 2025

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite its successes, Nyungwe faces challenges. Human-wildlife conflict, particularly crop-raiding by baboons, strains community relations. Invasive species like eucalyptus, introduced during colonial times, threaten native flora. Funding, while robust, must scale to match growing tourism and climate pressures.

Looking to 2030, Rwanda aims to double park visitation while maintaining sustainability. Plans include expanded trails, electric shuttle services, and carbon offset programs.

Nyungwe’s role in carbon sequestration—absorbing an estimated 300 tons of CO2 per hectare—positions it as a global asset in climate mitigation.

In conclusion, Nyungwe Forest National Park is more than a destination—it’s a living legacy of Rwanda’s resilience and vision. Its ancient trees, chattering primates, and misty peaks tell a story of survival through millennia, now safeguarded for future generations.

As of March 28, 2025, Nyungwe stands as a beacon of biodiversity, a driver of economic growth, and a bridge between Rwanda’s past and future.

Whether you’re trekking for chimpanzees, marveling from the canopy, or simply soaking in its tranquility, Nyungwe offers an unparalleled encounter with nature’s grandeur—a jewel worth cherishing in the heart of Africa.