Lake and lakeside towns
National park · UNESCO World Heritage Site
Nyungwe National Park
Ancient montane rainforest, chimpanzees and a canopy walkway.
- Southwestern Rwanda
- Best: Jun–Aug
- Entry from US$100
- World Heritage Site (2023)
Overview
- Area
- 1,019 km²
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Site (2023)
- Altitude
- 1,600 – 2,950 m
- Managed by
- RDB with African Parks
- From Kigali
- About 5–6 hours by road
Nyungwe covers 1,019 km² of montane rainforest in southwest Rwanda, running to the Burundi border, where it joins Kibira National Park. It sits on the watershed between the Congo and Nile basins. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site in September 2023, Rwanda's first natural site on the list.
The forest is known for its primates: chimpanzees, large troops of Angola colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys and other species. Chimpanzee tracking and a full-day habituation experience run in the north of the park around Gisovu.
At Uwinka, a canopy walkway hangs high above a forested valley. Waterfall walks, birding for Albertine Rift endemics, night walks, a zipline and multi-day trails, including the Cyinzobe trail and the 109 km Nyungwe Traverse, make longer stays worthwhile.
- Chimpanzee tracking
Early-morning treks to habituated chimpanzee communities.
- Canopy walkway
A suspended walkway above the forest at Uwinka.
- Colobus troops
Some of Africa's largest troops of Angola colobus monkeys.
Things to do
- Chimpanzee trackingUS$150
Up to 8 visitors per community; minimum age 15.
- Canopy walkUS$40
Guided walk over the Uwinka valley.
- Chimpanzee habituation experienceUS$200
A full day with trackers, from nest to nest; up to 4 adults.
- ZiplineUS$100
Through the forest canopy; zipline, rope course and canopy walk packages available.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
June to August is driest and best for hiking. Chimpanzees can be easier to find in the wetter months when fruit is plentiful. Expect rain at any time.
- Jan: Good
- Feb: Good
- Mar: Wetter
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Good
- Oct: Wetter
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Good
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Nyungwe National Park (RDB and African Parks) (Nyungwe Pricing Scheme 2025–2026). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult, 13+)per person, one day or night (2 nights: US$150; 3 nights: US$200)Children 6–12: US$50 / US$30 / RWF 5,000 (international / resident or African / EAC citizen). | US$100 | US$60 | US$60 | RWF 10,000 |
| Chimpanzee trackingper person, guide included | US$150 | US$75 | US$150 | RWF 25,000 |
| Canopy walk, birding, primate walk or night walkper person, guide included | US$40 | US$20 | US$40 | RWF 5,000 |
| Chimpanzee habituation experienceper person, full day | US$200 | US$100 | US$200 | RWF 30,000 |
- Park entry (adult, 13+)per person, one day or night (2 nights: US$150; 3 nights: US$200)
- Foreign non-resident
- US$100
- Foreign resident
- US$60
- Rest of Africa
- US$60
- East African citizen
- RWF 10,000
Children 6–12: US$50 / US$30 / RWF 5,000 (international / resident or African / EAC citizen).
- Chimpanzee trackingper person, guide included
- Foreign non-resident
- US$150
- Foreign resident
- US$75
- Rest of Africa
- US$150
- East African citizen
- RWF 25,000
- Canopy walk, birding, primate walk or night walkper person, guide included
- Foreign non-resident
- US$40
- Foreign resident
- US$20
- Rest of Africa
- US$40
- East African citizen
- RWF 5,000
- Chimpanzee habituation experienceper person, full day
- Foreign non-resident
- US$200
- Foreign resident
- US$100
- Rest of Africa
- US$200
- East African citizen
- RWF 30,000
- Entry is charged per day or night: the second and third nights are half price, and nights four to seven are free. Children aged 6–12 pay half; under-6s are free.
- Other African citizens and residents outside East Africa pay the resident rate. Payment is cashless (card, mobile money or bank transfer).
- The parks are managed by RDB with African Parks and do not say whether prices include VAT. Confirm the amount when you book.
Getting there
- By roadFrom KigaliAbout 5–6 hours
Via Huye on a paved road that crosses the forest; the Uwinka and Gisakura receptions are on this road.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Activities have a minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 people. Chimp tracking and habituation are for ages 15 and up.
- Trails are steep and muddy; bring rain gear and boots. Staying inside the park avoids paying entry as a day visitor each day.
- Cyamudongo forest and Kamembe are in Rusizi District, near the DR Congo border. The UK advises against all but essential travel within 10 km of the DRC border in Rusizi District, including the Rwandan islands in Lake Kivu and Kamembe Airport. Check official advice before you book.
Frequently asked questions
How much is chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe?
US$150 per person for international and African visitors, US$75 for foreign residents of Rwanda and the EAC, and RWF 25,000 for Rwandan and EAC citizens, plus park entry.
Do I pay park entry for every day in Nyungwe?
If you stay inside the park, the second and third nights are half price and nights four to seven are free. If you stay outside the park, you pay entry as a day visitor each day you enter.
Is Nyungwe a World Heritage Site?
Yes. UNESCO inscribed Nyungwe National Park on the World Heritage List in September 2023.
Sources
Checked on 25 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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