Nyungwe National Park remains one of Rwanda’s most breathtaking natural destinations and a must-visit for travelers seeking rainforest adventures, chimpanzee encounters, canopy walks, hiking, birdwatching, and eco-tourism in East Africa.
Located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to incredible biodiversity, including primates, waterfalls, scenic mountain trails, and over 300 bird species. Every year, the park attracts adventure travelers, nature lovers, researchers, photographers, and safari enthusiasts from around the world.
If you are planning to visit Rwanda in 2025 or 2026, here is everything you need to know about the latest Nyungwe National Park activities, entry fees, accommodation rates, and travel experiences. 
Why Visit Nyungwe National Park?
Nyungwe National Park offers a completely different side of Rwanda compared to gorilla trekking or savannah safaris. The park is famous for:
Chimpanzee trekking
Canopy walkway experiences
Multi-day hiking trails
Birdwatching adventures
Waterfalls and scenic viewpoints
* Rich biodiversity
* Tea plantation landscapes
* Cultural and community experiences nearby
The rainforest’s cool climate, mist-covered mountains, and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the top eco-tourism destinations in Africa.
Nyungwe National Park Entry Fees 2025–2026
International Visitors
Park entry fees for international guests are:
1 Night: $100
2 Nights: $150
3 Nights: $200
4th–7th Nights: Free
Rwanda/EAC Citizens
For Rwanda and East African Community citizens:
* 1 Night: 10,000 RWF
* 2 Nights: 15,000 RWF
* 3 Nights: 20,000 RWF
* 4th–7th Nights: Free 
Children aged 5 years and below enter free of charge. 
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe
Chimpanzee trekking is one of Nyungwe’s most exciting wildlife experiences. Visitors wake up early and head deep into the rainforest with expert trackers in search of chimpanzee families.
The experience includes:
Guided forest trekking
Wildlife spotting
Learning about chimpanzee behavior
Stunning rainforest scenery
Bird and monkey sightings
Chimpanzee Tracking Prices
International Visitor: $150
Foreign Resident/EAC Resident: $75
Rwanda/EAC Citizen: 25,000 RWF
The trek can be physically demanding due to the forest terrain and elevation, but the experience is unforgettable.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
For travelers seeking a deeper, more immersive experience, Nyungwe also offers the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.
Unlike regular chimp trekking, this full-day experience allows visitors to spend extended time with trackers and researchers while observing chimpanzee behavior in their natural habitat.
Guests may witness:
Chimps leaving nests in the morning
Feeding and social interactions
Nest-building behavior in the evening
Research and tracking activities
Habituation Experience Prices
International Visitor: $200
Foreign Resident/EAC Resident: $100
Rwanda/EAC Citizen: 30,000 RWF
This experience is limited to a maximum of four people, making it one of Rwanda’s most exclusive wildlife activities.
Canopy Walkway Experience
The famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway is among the top attractions in Rwanda. Suspended above the rainforest, the walkway offers incredible aerial views of the jungle canopy and surrounding mountains.
The canopy walk is ideal for:
Nature lovers
Adventure travelers
Photography enthusiasts
Families and groups
Canopy Walk Fees
Special activities, including the canopy walkway, ay are charged separately from park entry fees:
International Visitors: $40
Foreign Residents: $20
Rwanda/EAC Citizens: 5,000 RWF
Nyungwe Hiking Trails
Nyungwe National Park offers trails for all fitness levels.
Easy Trails
Perfect for beginners and casual visitors:
Buhoro Trail
Igishigishigi Trail
Moderate Trails
Suitable for travelers seeking moderate adventure:
Umuyove Trail
Irebero Trail
Kamiranzovu Trail
Night Walks
Birdwatching
Difficult Trails
Recommended for experienced hikers:
Imbaraga Trail
Bigugu Trail
Congo Nile Divide Trail
Chimpanzee Tracking Routes
Cyinzobe 3-Day Hiking Trail
Because Nyungwe sits at elevations between 1,600 and 2,950 meters above sea level, visitors should prepare for steep and sometimes slippery terrain.
Multi-Day Hiking Adventures
Nyungwe Traverse Trail (109km)
This multi-day trail is designed for serious adventurers seeking a complete rainforest immersion.
The package includes:
Guided hiking
Self-catered campsites
Scenic forest routes
Wildlife encounters
Traverse Trail Prices
* International Visitors: $400
* Foreign Residents: $300
* Rwanda/EAC Citizens: 150,000 RWF 
Cyinzobe 3-Day Hiking Trail
This scenic hiking route begins at Uwinka Visitor Centre and ends near Gisakura. Hikers spend nights in wooden A-frame cabins while exploring the park’s remote forest landscapes.
Highlights include:
* Kamiranzovu Swamp views
* Waterfalls
* Mountain scenery
* Rainforest immersion
* Wildlife encounters
The trail requires a minimum of three participants and allows a maximum of ten hikers. 
Accommodation Options in Nyungwe
Nyungwe offers several accommodation choices ranging from guest houses and eco-lodges to camping experiences.
Uwinka Guest House
Rates begin at:
$95 low season
$120 high season for single occupancy.
Gisovu Guest House
Popular among chimpanzee habituation visitors and hikers.
Prices vary depending on season and occupancy. 
Camping in Nyungwe National Park
Camping is available for travelers looking for a closer connection to nature.
Camping Fees
* Adults: $15 per night
* Children: $7.5 per night
* Tent hire: $20 per night 
Visitors can also bring their own camping equipment.
Birdwatching and Night Walks
Nyungwe is one of Africa’s top birding destinations, attracting birdwatchers from around the world.
The park is also known for guided night walks, where visitors may encounter:
* Nocturnal wildlife
* Bush babies
* Chameleons
* Unique forest sounds
Night walks typically operate from 5:30 PM to around 8–9 PM. 
Important Visitor Information
Before visiting Nyungwe National Park, travelers should know:
* Cash payments are not accepted
* Payments can be made using Visa cards, Mobile Money, DirectPay Online, or bank transfers
* Booking is highly recommended during peak seasons
* Proper hiking shoes and rain gear are advised
* Some activities require good physical fitness 
Best Time to Visit Nyungwe National Park
Dry Seasons
The best months for hiking and chimp trekking are:
* June to September
* December to February
Rainy Seasons
* March to May
* October to November
Even during rainy periods, Nyungwe remains incredibly beautiful and lush.
Explore Nyungwe National Park with Huza Gateway
Planning your Nyungwe adventure becomes even more rewarding when traveling with experienced local experts. Huza Gateway offers customized Nyungwe National Park experiences, including chimpanzee trekking, canopy walkway tours, hiking adventures, cultural encounters, and Rwanda safari packages tailored to every traveler’s style and budget. With deep local knowledge, professional guides, and a strong commitment to responsible tourism and community impact, Huza Gateway helps visitors experience the true beauty of Rwanda beyond the ordinary.
Final Thoughts
Nyungwe National Park continues to stand among Africa’s finest rainforest destinations. Whether you are seeking thrilling wildlife encounters, scenic hiking trails, canopy adventures, or peaceful nature experiences, Nyungwe offers unforgettable memories for every type of traveler.
With updated 2025–2026 activity rates and improved tourism experiences, now is the perfect time to start planning your Rwanda rainforest adventure.
