Tea plantation, Nyungwe, Rwanda

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.

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

Highlights of Rwanda

Rwanda has become synonymous with gorilla trekking, but this holiday also showcases the diverse wildlife and landscapes elsewhere in this fascinating country. As well as trekking for endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Virunga Massif, explore the lakes, savannah and hills of Akagera in the east, and the chimpanzee inhabited forests of western Nyungwe.

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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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.

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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

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

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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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

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Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

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Why Choose Steppes?

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