Nyungwe Forest National Park

Best Time to Visit

54 Nyungwe Chimp Tours

Expert

By Ariadne van Zandbergen

Ariadne and her husband form a team who author the Bradt guide to Rwanda.

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Nyungwe Forest is open for chimpanzee trekking and hiking throughout the year. The wet months, from October to May, are the best time for chimp trekking and forest birding, but general hiking and spotting other primates might be easier in the drier months, from June to September.

Best Time October to February (These months are excellent for chimp trekking and avoid the worst rains)

High Season June to September (The park is busier as it is the most favorable time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda)

Low Season March, April, May, October and November (These are the peaks of the rains)

Best Weather June to September (Least rain)

Worst Weather March and April (Most rain, forest trails are slippery)

June to September –Dry Season

Drier trails make hiking easier and more pleasant
The sun is more likely to break through the clouds
Chimpanzee trekking is more hit-and-miss
Some of the special forest birds might be difficult to find

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (8)

+6 Photos

October to May –Wet Season

Chimpanzee trekking is best at this time as their food is plentiful
Forest birding is at its best and migratory birds are present
Rain can make forest trails challenging
It might rain for days at a time