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Tea plantation, Nyungwe, Rwanda
Home Destinations Africa Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park

The largest single tract of montane forest remaining anywhere in East or Central Africa, Nyungwe is considered to be one of the most beautiful parks in the region.

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With over 13 different species of primates found here, including the Rwenzori colobus monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey and vervet monkey, it is still the chimpanzees who take the starring role. The birding here is also superb, with over 300 species, 26 endemics, plus 120 species of butterfly and the occasional, ever-changing chameleon hiding in the bushes.

Nyungwe’s biodiversity is astonishing by African standards and is one of the most endemic species-rich areas in all of Africa. Whilst the terrain and undergrowth make chimpanzee tracking a challenge, the forest is also home to Rwenzori colobus monkeys including a four hundred-strong semi-habituated group, thought to be the largest troop of arboreal primates in Africa.

Chimpanzee in tree, Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda
Chimpanzee, Nyungwe National Park

Why visit Nyungwe Forest

  • Walk through forests full of colour, home to orchids, butterflies and chameleons
  • Keep your feet on the ground but your head in the trees following elusive chimps
  • Spot blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and colourful birdlife from the 70-metre-high canopy walkway
  • One of the country’s best birding spots, with painted turacos and numerous sunbirds
  • Chameleons are considered bad luck; believed to be the incarnation of evil spirits and wizards, changing colour to deceive people
Young wet gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda
Holiday Idea

Highlights of Rwanda

11 days

from £14,595 pp

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Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Aerial view of te plantations, Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
 

Tea Experience

Learn how tea is grown and processed in Rwanda amidst the tea plantations of Nyungwe National Park – try your hand at the art of tea picking and sample some of the locally grown tea.

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Blue monkey, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
 

Forest Walks

Walk through forests full of colour in Nyungwe National Park, home to orchids, butterflies, monkeys and chameleons.

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Canopy walkway, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
 

Canopy Walkway

Spot blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys and colourful birdlife from the 70-metre-high canopy walkway in Nyungwe National Park.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Chimpanzee in tree, Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda
 

Track Chimps

Keep your feet on the ground but your head in the trees, as you track Nyungwe National Parks habituated troop of chimpanzees.

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Variable Sunbird, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
 

Bird Watching

Nyungwe National Park is one of the country’s best birding spots with species including painted turacos and numerous sunbirds.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Exterior View, One & Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
One&Only Nyungwe House
Where to Stay

One&Only Nyungwe House

Set amongst the working tea plantation of Gisakura on the edge of Nyungwe National Park, One&Only Nyungwe House offers a one-of-a-kind escape.

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Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

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Chris Johnston
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Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each tailor-made itinerary I create.

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  • 01285 880 980

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