Things to do in Rwanda

Discover Nyungwe’s unique and precious ecosystem

Nyungwe is one of the largest protected montane forest landscapes in the region and a biodiversity hotspot…

By Protais Niyigaba

Nyungwe Park Manager and CEO

Nyungwe is one of the largest protected montane forest landscapes in the region, spanning 1,019km², but also encompasses a vast swamp, several sources of Rwanda’s major streams and rivers, a big extent of intact primary forest that has survived from the last Ice Age, patches of open grassland, bamboo forest patches and rolling grassland hills. It’s a unique ecosystem – and very rewarding to explore.

A regional biodiversity hotspot, it supports more than 1,068 recorded flowering plant species, 322 bird species (including 29 endemic ones found only in the Albertine Rift region) and 75 known species of mammal, including about 12% of all of mainland Africa’s primate species. Not surprisingly, trekking to find chimpanzees and some of the other primates is very popular; there’s a ‘super group’ of Angolan black-and-white colobus, the largest ever recorded, which consists of more than 300 individuals.

Other ways to immerse yourself in the incredible landscape include nature walks along trails in different parts of the park, coming across spectacular waterfalls and enjoying the amazing views of the forest from above on the Canopy Walkway. There are birdwatching experiences where you’ll learn to identify some of the residents from their calls as well as their appearance. As for plant lovers, they will be delighted by the extensive range of colourful orchids and the various trees, from flat-topped Newtonias with their strange ‘crown shyness’ to Guinea Plums that create cauliflower-shaped patterns in the canopy.

For a different perspective on Nyungwe and the area around it, there are also several community-led experiences including a tour of one of the tea plantations and a village walk.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Majestic Rwanda
by Vicki Bramley

Length8 Days

Price range£5,450 - £5,750pp
Itinerary

Ultimate Rwanda
by Vicki Bramley

Length11 Days

Price range£7,495 - £7,950pp

Alfred & Protais Niyigaba

Born in one of the districts bordering Nyungwe, Protais Niyigaba grew up with a passion for conservation. Since completing his MSc in Biodiversity Conservation from the University of Rwanda, he has undertaken various roles in his field. He joined Nyungwe Management Company in June 2021 as Park Manager, having previously been a guide and nature interpreter there. A keen birder and botanist, he enjoys working and living in his favourite environment and being paid for doing what he loves.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Vicki, who's travelled extensively in Rwanda. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the guides who track mountain gorillas day and night to ensure you get the best sightings, the Kigalians who'll give you a real insight into their vibrant city and the coffee-growers who'll tutor you in the art of tasting.

Vicki Bramley

Sales Manager for Alfred&

Vicki was already well travelled when she joined Kuoni, fast forward 18 years and that experience has grown dramatically. Initially inspired by a two-year backpacking trip around Australia and New Zealand, her wanderlust led her to venture further and further afield. More recent adventures in South Africa, Kenya, Zanzibar, and Rwanda have positioned her perfectly as an Africa expert. Trekking the slopes of a volcano to spend time with gorillas in Rwanda is one of her favourite memories.
Alissa Ruxin

Founder and CEO of Heaven Holdings Ltd

San Franciscan Alissa Ruxin moved to Rwanda on her honeymoon in 2005 and never left. Three years later, inspired by her foodie upbringing, she founded Heaven, a restaurant and hospitality training facility which has helped more than 1,500 Rwandans to date. Over the years, the Heaven portfolio has expanded to include hotels, restaurants, tours and experiences, a journey partly documented in husband Josh’s book, A Thousand Hills to Heaven.
Ian Munyankindi

Tourism and Hospitality Manager at Akagera National Park

Rwandan-born Ian Munyankindi has been with African Parks since 2012. Prior to this, he gained his hospitality expertise in some of Rwanda’s best hotels and worked as a freelance guide. He joined the Akagera team as manager of Ruzizi Tented Lodge and has worked his way up to Tourism and Hospitality Manager. Ian’s passion for wildlife ensures that guests depart with a deep appreciation of the beauty of Akagera National Park – which he jokingly refers to as his wife!
Protais Niyigaba

Nyungwe Park Manager and CEO

Born in one of the districts bordering Nyungwe, Protais Niyigaba grew up with a passion for conservation. Since completing his MSc in Biodiversity Conservation from the University of Rwanda, he has undertaken various roles in his field. He joined Nyungwe Management Company in June 2021 as Park Manager, having previously been a guide and nature interpreter there. A keen birder and botanist, he enjoys working and living in his favourite environment and being paid for doing what he loves.
Micheline Habineza

Director of Operations for Question Coffee

As Question Coffee's Director of Operations, Micheline Habineza oversees, manages and grows multiple areas of the social enterprise, including the Academy, Café, Wholesale, Roasting and Quality Control. She joined the company as a Wholesale Account Coordinator in 2016, before taking on the position of Retail Operations Manager. Prior to that, she spent three-and-a-half years with the international in-flight catering company ASL Rwanda EPZE in Kigali as their customer liaison.
Marie Aimee Umugeni

Managing director of Umutima Cooperative at Nyamirambo Women’s Center

Marie Aimee Umugeni is one of the co-founders of the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre in Kigali, which was set up in 2007 to provide support to local women. It offers literacy and computer classes and teaches tailoring, enabling participants to work at the centre producing items for its Umutima Cooperative, of which Marie Aimee is managing director.