Nyungwe National Park

The pristine montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park offers a wealth of activities that cater to all ages and interests.

Chimpanzee trekking is the highlight for many visitors, providing an up-close encounter with these lively primates as they leap through the treetops. Unlike the expensive and more time-restricted gorilla treks of Volcanoes National Park – limited to an hour with the gorilla family –  chimpanzee visits offer a more flexible and affordable adventure, perfect for families.

For active families, Nyungwe boasts over 130 kilometres of hiking trails, including a trek to the summit of Bigugu Peak, the park’s highest point, or a journey tracing the Rwandan source of the Nile. The thrilling treetop canopy walk, suspended nearly 60 metres above the forest floor, is a favourite with children and teens, offering sweeping views of the rainforest and a chance to spot some of the park’s 300 bird species, including 26 endemics like the Rwenzori turaco.

Beyond the rainforest, no family safari to Rwanda would be complete without a visit to a local tea plantation. Rwanda’s temperate climate and fertile volcanic soil are perfect for growing high quality tea and as such it has become one of the country’s largest exports. A tour of Gisakura Tea Plantation demonstrates the art of picking and processing tea leaves and provides guests with samples of the locally produced tea.

For a tranquil afternoon, a visit to Isumo Falls, a striking waterfall cascading 17m down into an impressive amphitheatre, is one of our favourite ways to unwind after your chimpanzee trek. 

Nyungwe National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure-seeking families, offering a unique range of activities and habitats found nowhere else in East Africa.

From thrilling treetop canopy walks suspended high above the rainforest to scenic hikes through over 130 kilometers of trails, Nyungwe provides activities that appeal to all ages, making it perfect for multi-generational family holidays. Tranquil tea plantations and cascading waterfalls offer quieter moments to balance the more exhilarating activities. 

Chimpanzee trekking offers families an affordable and less strenuous alternative to the better-known gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park. This makes it particularly well-suited for families with younger children or those on a budget. 

The park’s relative seclusion and limited visitor numbers ensure a more intimate and authentic safari experience, allowing families to explore this ancient montane rainforest and observe chimpanzees thriving in their natural habitat.