NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda’s largest national park covering 1,019 square kilometers, protects one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse montane rainforests. Located in southwestern Rwanda, this ancient forest is estimated to be over 10,000 years old and serves as a watershed for the Nile and Congo river systems.
Highlights:
- Home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees
- Over 310 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemics
- 1,068 plant species with 200+ orchid varieties
- Spectacular canopy walkway (the first in East Africa)
- Pristine waterfalls and hiking trails
- Critical water catchment area
- One of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots
Best Time to Visit: May to September (dry season) for easier trekking
Itineraries
“Chimpanzee Tracking & Forest Discovery”
Day 1:
- 5:00 AM – Departure from Kigali
- 9:00 AM – Check-in at forest lodge
- 10:00 AM – Canopy walkway experience
- 11:30 AM – Nature walk on Congo Nile Divide Trail
- 1:00 PM – Lunch at lodge
- 3:00 PM – Bird watching excursion
- 5:00 PM – Tea plantation visit (nearby Gisovu)
- 7:00 PM – Dinner and overnight at lodge
Day 2:
- 5:30 AM – Early breakfast
- 6:00 AM – Chimpanzee tracking briefing
- 6:30 AM – Chimpanzee tracking expedition
- 10:00 AM – Forest exploration and primate observation
- 12:00 PM – Lunch at lodge
- 2:00 PM – Waterfall hike (Kamiranzovu Falls)
- 4:00 PM – Departure to Kigali
- 8:00 PM – Arrival in Kigali
Package Includes: 1 night forest accommodation, all meals, chimpanzee permit, canopy walk, guided walks, professional guide, transport