safaris@jungledwellers.net

RWANDA

Nyungwe Forest National Park

An ancient rainforest of primates, canopy walks, and biodiversity at its peak.

Welcome to Rwanda’s Primate Paradise

Nyungwe Forest National Park lies in the southwest corner of Rwanda and is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. This sprawling montane forest is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, as well as hundreds of birds, butterflies, and orchids. Elevated trails and a famous canopy walkway make it both a haven for nature lovers and an active explorer’s dream.

Featured Tours in Nyungwe

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers one of the most varied and rewarding safari experiences in Uganda. From wildlife-packed game drives to tranquil boat cruises and volcanic crater views, it’s a destination that truly has it all.

Rwanda Primate Encounter Safari (5days)

The 5-Days Rwanda primate encounter safari starts and ends at Kigali international Airport Rwanda. This is an unforgettable journey through Rwanda, the land of breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife. This adventure will take you deep into the heart of two of the country’s most iconic national parks: Nyungwe National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Your first stop will be the enchanting Nyungwe National Park, home to one of Africa’s oldest rainforests famous for its rich biodiversity and chimpanzees trekking experience. From the jungles of Nyungwe forest national park, you will travel to the world-renowned Volcanoes National Park, where the experience of a lifetime awaits: mountain gorilla trekking. This volcanic region, made famous by conservationist Dian Fossey, is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Trek through the misty forests of the Virunga Mountains, where you will have the rare opportunity to observe gorilla families up close, witnessing their social behavior and powerful presence in their native environment. This 5-day trip offers a perfect balance of adventure, nature, and wildlife, leaving you with memories of Rwanda’s unparalleled beauty and its remarkable primates.

Rwanda Primate Encounter Safari

The 8-days Rwanda primate encounter safari starts and ends at Kigali International airport in Rwanda. This 8-day African safari will give you the best of African jungle experiences that are made of remarkable wildlife diversity, ranging from the African great primates to plenty of wildlife species of the African savanna that are perfectly distributed across various national parks to be visited. This 8-days breathtaking African safari through Rwanda’s stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife will begin your with a visit to Nyungwe National Park, home to one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Here, you will experience the thrill of a canopy walk, offering a bird’s-eye view of the lush forest below, followed by an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking adventure, where you will come face-to-face with these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. Next, proceed your journey to the legendary Volcanoes National Park to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in their misty mountain homes, offering a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. This safari offers a perfect blend of thrilling wildlife encounters, serene landscapes, and cultural exploration, making it an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Africa.

Uganda and Rwanda Wildlife and Primate Encounter Safari

The 10-day Uganda and Rwanda Uganda wildlife, primates and culture encounter safari starts at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda and ends at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. This 10-day Uganda safari will give you the best of African jungle experiences that are made of remarkable wildlife diversity, ranging from the African great primates to plenty of wildlife species of the African savanna that are perfectly distributed across various national parks to be visited on this 10-day African safari. This 10-day Uganda and Rwanda safari involves visiting destinations with exclusive attractions that ensure you capture the uniqueness of the African jungle in a magical style, such as meeting eye-to-eye with the magical mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, which are the top highlights that are highly recommended by almost all visitors to Uganda, general wildlife encounters like lions, leopards, elephants, caped buffaloes, and many others, boat cruises, and visiting some communities to experience African culture. It will take you to visit the most adventurous places in Uganda, such as the Kibale Forest National Park, “the primate’s capital of the world,” for the Chimpanzee trekking experience and Bigodi community experience, Queen Elizabeth National Park, “a medley of wonders,” for wildlife encounters, a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel, and a game drive to search for tree-climbing lions, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for the mountain gorilla trekking experience, visit Lake Bunyonyi for the boat riding on this beautiful lake, and visit some of its islands and the Batwa pygmy cultural experience. Later, cross over to Rwanda, also known as the country of a thousand hills, to enjoy more African jungle safari experiences. So, while in Rwanda, you will visit Volcanoes National Park, where you may decide to do the golden monkey trekking or Mt. Bisoke volcano hike, visit Lake Kivu Gishenyi for leisure and boat riding, and conclude your safari with a visit to Nyungwe National Park for the cappy walk experience. This is the best African safari for unique primate experiences, exploring many of the African wildlife species, including elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and Caped Buffaloes, going through the most scenic places like the rolling hills of the Kigezi highlands, big tea plantations, experiencing African culture, and many other experiences. We carefully selected the best activities to make this exciting and memorable.

Rwanda Adventure Safari with Gorilla Trekking

This 10 days epic Rwanda safari adventure will give you a great memory of Rwandan tour and you explore and wrap up Rwandan attractions in just 10 days. You will be able to visit all the 3 Rwandan parks thus Nyungwe National Park and Volcanoes national park and Akagera National Park adding in a visit to Lake Kivu to spice up your stay. You will as well be able to interact with the local community as you go by your day activities. You will well be able to do gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking which is a life time adventure.

Why Visit Nyungwe?

Nyungwe offers a completely different safari experience—one that’s cool, green, and brimming with life. It’s a forest that awakens all your senses.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Start early to track a troop through the dense forest and experience their fast-paced movements and expressive behavior.

Canopy Walkway

Suspended 70 meters above the forest floor, this walkway gives panoramic views over the tree canopy, offering a unique perspective on life above the jungle.

Primate Encounters

See up to 13 species, including grey-cheeked mangabeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and more.

Birdwatching Haven

With over 300 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori turaco and great blue turaco, this park is a birding treasure.

Botanical & Ecological Richness

Beyond the animals, Nyungwe is full of rare orchids, medicinal plants, and ancient trees—some of which are over 200 years old.

When to Visit

June – September & December – February:

Dry seasons with better trekking conditions

March – May & October – November:

Lusher forest, more birds, and fewer tourists—but trails can be wet

Note

Chimp sightings are not guaranteed, but morning treks improve your chances.

What You’ll See

Chimpanzees and 12 other primate species
Colobus monkeys in large troops
Birds: Albertine Rift endemics, turacos, sunbirds
Orchids, tree ferns, butterflies
Duikers and forest-dwelling mammals (elusive)

Signature Experiences

Chimpanzee Trekking in Cyamudongo Forest

Explore a small, isolated forest block for intimate and successful sightings.

Canopy Walk Adventure

Suspended bridges high above the forest let you see birds, monkeys, and views like nowhere else.

Colobus Monkey Tracking

Join guides to find some of the largest groups of colobus monkeys in East Africa.

Waterfall Hike

A moderate trek to a forest waterfall, with birds and butterflies along the way.

Where to Stay

Safari Styles Available

Guided chimpanzee trekking

Colobus and monkey tracking

Canopy walks and forest hikes

Birding-specific tours

Multi-park itineraries with Volcanoes and Akagera

Practical Information

Getting There: ~6–7 hrs by road from Kigali, or charter flights to Kamembe

Chimp Trekking Permit: ~$90–100 USD per person

Canopy Walk Fee: ~$60 USD per person

Health: Yellow fever certificate and malaria precautions advised

Packing Tips: Waterproof layers, hiking boots, daypack, gloves, binoculars

Suggested Add-On Trips

Volcanoes NP

Gorilla trekking and golden monkey encounters

Akagera NP

Big Five wildlife and boat safaris

Lake Kivu

Nearby lakeside rest and water activities

Kigali

Museums, markets, and departure base

One of Africa’s Most Enchanting Forests.

Let us guide you through Nyungwe’s trails, treetops, and hidden wildlife wonders.
Explore Rwanda Safaris

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Every journey with Jungle Dwellers is more than a trip—it's a deep dive into Africa's untamed beauty, guided by those who know it best.

Why Travel with Jungle Dwellers?

  • On-the-ground experience with Rwanda’s forest reserves
  • Seamless safari planning including permits and lodging
  • Small-group and custom itineraries for every interest
  • Partnerships with conservation lodges and guides
  • IATA-accredited for full flight and tour coordination

Plan Your Safari

Whether you’re drawn by chimps, birds, or forest magic, we’ll tailor your Nyungwe experience to your pace and passion.

Start Planning Now