Nyungwe Forest

National Park Montane rainforest with rich biodiversity and primate species

Nyungwe Forest National Park’s montane rainforest hosts chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, hundreds of bird species and a canopy walk; visitors arrive for primate tracking, guided forest hikes and birdwatching.

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Nyungwe Forest is a high-altitude montane rainforest in southwestern Rwanda and one of the largest remaining blocks of montane forest in East Africa. It is noted for its biological diversity and intact forest canopy.

Trails and marked routes run through primary forest, swamps and ridgelines; highlights include long hiking routes, birdwatching and primate encounters, notably chimpanzees and several monkey species. A suspended canopy walkway gives elevated views of the canopy and is a popular short excursion within the forest.

The area has long been occupied and used by local communities and was later placed under formal protection as a forest conservation area and national park to safeguard its wildlife and watersheds. Management has focused on tourism infrastructure and research while maintaining large tracts of intact forest.

The forest sits on the highlands of southwestern Rwanda in the Albertine Rift region, occupying steep, forested slopes and plateaus at high elevation. The landscape around the park is mountainous, with agricultural land and settlements at lower elevations.

  • Canopy walkway: A suspended canopy walkway provides elevated forest views and is one of the park's most visited features; guided walks on the walkway are run by the park service.
  • Primate tracking: Organized chimpanzee tracking and guided primate walks require park guides and advance booking through the visitor centres.

How to Get to Nyungwe Forest #

The nearest towns are Butare (Huye) and Cyangugu (Rusizi). Drive from Kigali (about 5-6 hours) via the Southern route or arrange transport through tour operators based in Kigali; some lodges run shuttles to park trailheads.

Tips for Visiting Nyungwe Forest #

  • Wear sturdy shoes and prepare for steep boardwalk sections-the canopy walk is high and can be windy.
  • Hire a local guide for birding or primate-spotting-guides know seasonal hotspots for chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.
  • Visit the canopy walk early morning for the best chance of seeing arboreal primates and to avoid afternoon rains.

Best Time to Visit Nyungwe Forest #

Best in the dry seasons (June-September, December-February) for trail conditions and wildlife viewing; rainy seasons make hiking slippery and more difficult.

Dry season
June-September · 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Easier trails and a higher chance of spotting wildlife; canopy walk and long treks are most comfortable.
Short dry season
December-February · 15-24°C (59-75°F)
Another favorable window with good wildlife activity and firmer trails.

Weather & Climate near Nyungwe Forest #

Climate

Nyungwe Forest's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1719 mm/year), wettest in April with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 92 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 20°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

166 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

170 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (194 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

194 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (250 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

250 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (188 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 18°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

188 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

June

June is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 19°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 20 mm.

79 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 20°
68%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 20°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

158 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (183 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

183 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

190 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

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