Visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park: Costs and Experience

Visiting Nyungwe Forest National Park: Costs and Experience

Are you planning a visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park? Here’s everything you need to know about the costs and activities you can expect while exploring this stunning destination.

Nyungwe National Park is home to 500 habituated chimpanzees and offers a unique opportunity for chimpanzee trekking. The park, located in the southwest of Rwanda, borders Burundi and is connected to the Kibira National Park to the south. It’s renowned for its biodiversity, which includes over 1,050 plant species, 250 Albertine Rift endemics, and 322 bird species. The park covers about 970 km² of pristine rainforest, bamboo, swamps, and more, making it one of Central Africa’s most well-preserved montane rainforests.

Nyungwe was officially established as a national park in 2004 and, in 2020, the Rwanda Development Board partnered with African Parks to manage it, ensuring the preservation and promotion of the park’s natural treasures.

Activities and Costs in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

One of the top attractions in Nyungwe is chimpanzee trekking. You’ll get the chance to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat and witness their fascinating behaviors. Nyungwe Forest is home to two habituated chimpanzee communities: one with about 60 individuals in the Nyungwe Forest, and another with 30 individuals in the Cyamudongo Forest. With over 98.7% DNA similarity to humans, chimpanzees are incredibly intelligent and share many human-like traits.

Chimpanzee trekking is a half-day activity starting early in the morning, with a group size of up to eight people. You will trek through the forest, following trained trackers who locate the chimps each day. Once you meet the chimpanzees, you’ll have one hour to observe them interacting, playing, and communicating.

The cost of chimpanzee trekking is USD 100 per person, which includes the park entrance fee, the services of a guide, and a ranger. Since only 64 permits are available per day, booking your permit in advance is essential. These permits can be obtained directly from the Rwanda Development Board or through us.

Birding in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe National Park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 322 bird species recorded. Special highlights include the Red-collared Babbler (a bird found only in Rwanda), as well as species like the Rwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Warbler, and the Purple-breasted Sunbird. Birding tours are available with expert guides who can help you spot rare species along the park’s well-maintained trails.

The cost for a guided birding walk is USD 50 per day, with a 50% discount for additional days. For avid birders, Nyungwe offers endless opportunities to observe both common and rare species.

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park

The Canopy Walk is one of the most exciting experiences in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest is a true biodiversity hotspot, home to countless species of flora and fauna. For a thrilling perspective, the Canopy Walk offers a unique opportunity to walk above the forest floor on a suspended bridge that is 50 meters high and stretches 200 meters.

The walk begins with a 1-hour hike from the Uwinka Reception Centre to the canopy bridge, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the forest canopy. As you make your way through the forest, keep an eye out for the many butterflies, colorful birds, and even the chance to spot primates. Nyungwe Forest is home to 13 species of primates, so you may encounter them along the way. The forest paths are well-maintained, though they can get muddy after rain, adding to the adventure.

The Canopy Walk costs USD 60 per person and takes about 3 hours to complete. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the park from above and offers a fantastic “eagle’s eye” view of the lush rainforest below.

Hiking Trails in Nyungwe Forest

For those who enjoy hiking, Nyungwe Forest offers a variety of trails that cater to different levels of difficulty and durations. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a seasoned hiker, these trails give you the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, from verdant tea fields to steep rainforest ravines.

Here are a few popular trails in the park:

• Gishigishigi Trail
• Karamba Trail
• Uwinka Trail
• Bigugu Trail (which leads to the park’s highest peak)
• Isumo Trail (known for its scenic views of a stunning waterfall)

The hikes range from 1-hour walks to full-day expeditions and provide excellent opportunities to see plants, birds, butterflies, and primates. Hiking prices range from USD 40 to USD 100, depending on the trail you choose.

Colobus Monkey Trekking

Nyungwe Forest is home to a remarkable variety of primates, including the Rwenzori Colobus Monkey, which is endemic to the park. The park boasts large groups of Colobus monkeys, with some groups numbering up to 400 individuals. For those interested in Colobus monkey trekking, it’s best to start the trek in the morning when they are most active, feeding and grooming before resting.

Other primate species that you may encounter include Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, Blue Monkeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, and Mona Monkeys.

The cost for Colobus monkey trekking is USD 60 per person per trek, making it an affordable way to encounter these fascinating creatures.

Accommodation Options in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest National Park is surrounded by a range of accommodation options, so you’re sure to find a place that suits your budget and preferences. Here are a few recommendations:

• Luxury:
  • One & Only Nyungwe House: Prices range from USD 750 to USD 2,000 per person per night.
  • Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel: Around **USD 300 per person per night.
• Mid-Range:
  • Nyungwe Forest Lodge and Gisakura Guest House: Prices typically range from USD 200 per person per night.

For the best experience, we recommend staying for at least 2 nights in Nyungwe, so you have time to enjoy the various activities the park offers.

Transportation to Nyungwe Forest

There are two main ways to reach Nyungwe Forest from Kigali:

1. By Air: You can fly from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe International Airstrip, located close to Nyungwe. RwandAir offers flights, with fares starting at USD 300 per adult.
2. By Road: If you prefer traveling by road, it’s about a 5-6 hour drive from Kigali to Nyungwe. Our safaris depart at 8:00 am, and along the way, we’ll make scenic stops for photos and sightseeing.

Transportation costs include vehicle hire, guide allowance, and fuel. The vehicle hire ranges from USD 80 to USD 250 per day, depending on your preferred vehicle. The guide allowance is around USD 50 per day, and fuel for the round trip is about USD 250.

Why Book with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in creating life-changing experiences and sustainable tours across East Africa. We are a local tour operator based in Uganda and are proud members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), with a strong partnership with the Rwanda Development Board. Our experienced team ensures that your visit to Nyungwe Forest is tailored to meet your expectations at an affordable price, with no hidden costs.

Trek Africa Expeditions is highly rated on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, making us a trusted partner for travelers looking to explore Rwanda and beyond. Whether you’re interested in chimpanzee trekking, birding, or other exciting wildlife experiences, we can help you plan your perfect adventure.

Contact us today to start planning your trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park, and let us handle the details!