Nyungwe National Park landscape

    Rwanda

    Nyungwe National Park

    Nyungwe National Park is an extensive tract of montane rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamp and bog that has been home to many species of plants and animals for thousands of years. Nyungwe is home to a remarkable 13 species of primates, the most notable of which are chimpanzees and the beautiful, canopy-dwelling colobus monkey - Rwanda's Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to the largest troop of black and white colobus monkeys in Africa. Nyungwe is also a birdwatcher's dream, with 310 species recorded, including 27 endemics. A popular attraction in the park is the canopy walk, a 160 metre walkway that spans the tree canopy, taking visitors through the tree tops and offering stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.

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    Best Time to Visit Nyungwe National Park

    Month-by-month travel guide with weather, highlights, and expert recommendations.

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    Nyungwe National Park in May

    Weather

    May continues to be very wet, though rainfall may begin to decrease slightly towards the end of the month. Temperatures hover around 18-20°C.

    Highlights

    Continued excellent conditions for viewing orchids and other forest flora. Bird activity remains high despite the rain.

    Best Areas

    Focus on shorter, more accessible trails near visitor centers. The tea plantations surrounding the park offer beautiful green vistas.

    Pros

    Very few visitors, ensuring a private and tranquil experience. The forest is at its most luxuriant.

    Cons

    Persistent rain can make trekking tough and less enjoyable. Chimpanzees might be harder to track due to abundant food sources and dense foliage.