Nyungwe National Park Itineraries: 3, 5 and 8 Day Sample Plans

Nyungwe is one of the oldest and largest montane rainforests in Africa and one of Rwanda’s most biodiverse places. It holds a dozen or so primate species, including chimpanzees, plus hundreds of bird species and countless orchids and tree ferns.

The park is a long drive from Kigali, so it is worth giving it enough time. The sample plans below show how to combine the forest with other Rwanda highlights.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Planning Your Nyungwe Days

Chimpanzee tracking usually begins at dawn, so most visitors sleep close to the trailhead the night before. Weather is cool and damp, and trails can be steep. For an overview of the park, read the Nyungwe National Park guide. For a comparison with Uganda’s chimpanzee forest, see Nyungwe versus Kibale.

Three-Day Itinerary: Chimpanzees and Canopy

• Day 1: Travel from Kigali via the route described in Kigali to Nyungwe, arriving in the afternoon for a short walk.
• Day 2: Early chimpanzee tracking, followed by the canopy walk and a rest.
• Day 3: Morning birding, then return to Kigali or continue to Lake Kivu.

This is the minimum that does the forest justice and is suited to travellers with a tight schedule. See also the 3-day Nyungwe chimpanzee tour.

Five-Day Itinerary: Nyungwe and Lake Kivu

• Day 1: Kigali to Nyungwe with a stop on the way.
• Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and afternoon rest.
• Day 3: Colobus monkey walk and canopy walkway, then a tea plantation visit.
• Day 4: Transfer along the lake road to the Kivu shore.
• Day 5: Relax by the water, then return to Kigali.

The lake provides a restful end after early forest starts.

Eight-Day Itinerary: Nyungwe, Kivu and Gorillas

• Days 1 to 3: Nyungwe, as above, with one full day for chimpanzees and the canopy.
• Day 4: Move to Lake Kivu.
• Day 5: Free day on the shore or a boat outing.
• Day 6: Travel to Musanze.
• Day 7: Gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.
• Day 8: Return to Kigali for departure.

It is a comprehensive loop of Rwanda’s western highlights. For more ideas, see Rwanda 5-day and 10-day itineraries.

Pacing Advice

Avoid scheduling the longest transfer immediately before an early trek. The forest is physically demanding, with steep, slippery paths, so include a rest afternoon. Wet weather is possible at any time, so pack waterproofs and warm layers; see the packing list.

Seasons and Practical Notes

The drier months make trails easier, though Nyungwe is a rainforest and showers can occur at any time. Read the best time to visit Rwanda. Permits are issued officially and your operator will confirm arrangements and what is included.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team