Things to Know Before Visiting Nyungwe National Park in 2026
Things to Know Before Visiting Nyungwe National Park in 2026: Nyungwe National Park is situated in the southwest of Rwanda. Nyungwe forest is also one of the oldest rainforests in Rwanda and the park extends for over 1019 square kilometres, and it’s a home to various species of primates and birds which you can see during Nyungwe national park safari there at the destination.
Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, birdwatcher, hiker, or adventure traveller, you will gain better insight to help you make the most of your visit in 2026.
Among the primates that can be seen in Nyungwe National Park are the chimpanzees, the black and white colobus monkey, the vervet monkey and the L’hoest monkey, among others that you can meet on a Rwanda safari.
Entrance Fees for Nyungwe National Park 2026
Before entering, tourists are required to pay park entrance fees to participate in the various activities surrounding Nyungwe Forest National Park, and the fee depends on your residency status and length of stay. Under the 2025–2026 price system, international guests pay USD 100 for one night, USD 150 for two nights, and USD 200 for three nights. Whether you are a day visitor or staying inside/around the park, the fee will decrease for additional nights up to one week (no extra payment beyond the third night).
There are discounted rates for residents and locals, other African visitors and foreign residents are normally charged $60–$90–$120 in accordance with nights spent, and citizens of Rwanda/East African Community (EAC) pay in Rwandan francs (approximately 10,000 Rwf for 1 night, 15,000 for 2, and 20,000 for 3 days.
The price for the chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is 150 USD per person, and the canopy walks are 40 USD per person.
It is crucial to buy or reserve your permits far ahead of time, as permits are limited, and for popular activities such as chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk, you will want to have your permit in hand as soon as possible.
Things to do in the Park
During tours to Nyungwe National Park, there are various activities to enjoy, including:
1. Chimpanzee Tracking & Habituation
Chimpanzee trekking is among the things to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and this permit enables you to visit the chimpanzees in the wild. Chimp trekking adventure is the most tried and trusted activity which can be enjoyed during Nyungwe forest national park tours. It allows you to see these smart primates in the wild, which is exciting for any wildlife enthusiast.
If you want more, some programs also offer chimpanzee habituation experiences during which you spend the day with a group of chimps under the escort of trackers, an even more immersive and educational experience.
2. Canopy Walkway
The Nyungwe canopy walk is one of Rwanda’s most famous landmarks, a bridge suspended high above the forest, canopy over gives you breathtaking 360-degree views of the rainforest and its valleys. The walk is just great fun and gives you a chance to see birds and animals up in the trees. The Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park runs along a hanging bridge, which is 70 meters high and about 160 kilometres long. Visitors also march with ranger guides in the activity that can be done either in the morning or in the afternoon.
3. Guided walks and hikes in nature
The park features an extensive system of nature trails and hiking routes ranging from short, half-day circular walks to multi-day hikes such as the spectacular Congo-Nile Trail with cascades and huge boulders and thick forest formations. For most hikes, a guide is compulsory, which also means hikes can be conducted more safely, and guides enrich your knowledge of the local plants and animals.
4. Primate & Birdwatching Walks
Nyungwe’s rainforest is home to over a dozen primate species, such as colobus monkeys and mangabeys, so primate trekking is indeed a top activity. In fact, over 300 species of birds live in the park, making it a birdwatcher’s dream. Guided birding trails lead you to special Albertine Rift Endemics.
5. Community & Night Experiences
In addition to the study of the forest, visitors may also go on night treks, cultural experiences in neighbouring communities, and eco-tours that provide perspectives on local customs and the wildlife that populates the diverse region.
Best time to visit Nyungwe National Park
You can visit the Nyungwe National Park all year round, but the best time to visit this destination is during the dry season that falls between June and October, as well as December, January and February. Activities such as chimpanzee trekking in the Nyungwe forest are best undertaken in the dry season when the trails within the forest are easy to walk.
Places to stay in Nyungwe National Park
There are a few places to stay near Nyungwe National Park: lodges and guesthouses, for various budgets and tastes. There are both budget lodges and midrange lodges, as well as luxury lodges. Some of the lodges within Nyungwe National Park are Nyungwe Top View Hotel, One and Only Nyungwe House, Gisakura visitors’ Center and Nziza Eco Lodge and more.
Exploring Nyungwe National Park in 2026 for an exciting blend of adventure, wildlife viewing, cultural interaction, and stunning natural scenery. With some careful planning for fees, activities, timing, transport, and lodging, your trip can be a highlight of your Africa travel experiences.
