Uncover Rwanda’s Hidden Gem: Chimpanzee Trekking in Cyamudongo Forest (Plus Why You Should Extend Your Trip to Volcanoes and Akagera National Parks)

Rwanda may be best known for its majestic mountain gorillas, but tucked away in the country’s lush southwestern corner is a lesser-known treasure that completely stole my heart—Cyamudongo Forest. On a recent trip with Safari 2 Gorilla Tours, I ventured off the beaten path to explore this ancient rainforest, and it turned out to be one of the most intimate wildlife experiences I’ve ever had.

A Secret Corner of Nyungwe: Why Cyamudongo is Worth the Detour
Cyamudongo Forest is a 19-square-kilometer pocket of biodiversity nestled within the larger Nyungwe National Park. While Nyungwe itself is spectacular, Cyamudongo offers something rare: a quiet, secluded atmosphere with some of the best chances of seeing habituated chimpanzees up close. The compact forest size means less trekking time and more time observing these fascinating creatures.

Our day started early with a briefing by experienced guides who clearly love what they do. After a short but invigorating hike through thick, dew-laced vegetation, we heard the telltale rustling of chimpanzees high in the canopy. Before long, we were face-to-face with a family group—mothers nursing infants, juveniles playing, and the dominant males watching us with intelligent, piercing eyes. For a full hour, we stood spellbound.

It’s Not Just About Chimps: Biodiversity and Culture Await

While chimpanzees are the stars of the show, Cyamudongo Forest bursts with life. L’Hoest’s monkeys, vervet monkeys, and dazzling birds like the Ross’s turaco added unexpected joy to our hike. And if you’re a plant lover, keep an eye out for the forest’s rare purple orchid—Polystachya bruechertiae—found only in this region.

Equally memorable was our cultural visit with the Batwa community. Once forest dwellers, the Batwa now share their traditions through storytelling, dance, and demonstrations of ancient hunting techniques. It was a humbling reminder of the human stories tied to these landscapes.

More Than Just a Day Hike: What Else to Do

Cyamudongo offers plenty for a multi-day stay:

• Chimpanzee Trekking: The highlight—book your permits in advance.
• Bird Watching: Over 130 species, many of them endemic to the Albertine Rift.
• Nature Walks: Lush trails full of butterflies, orchids, and dramatic tree canopies.
• Cultural Visits: Gain deeper insights into traditional Rwandan life.
• Canopy Walk (Nearby Nyungwe): A thrilling walk 50 meters above the forest floor.

When to Go

The best time to visit is during Rwanda’s dry seasons—June to September and December to February—when trails are clearer and trekking conditions are ideal.

Where to Stay

Though Cyamudongo is remote, there are great nearby options for all budgets:

• Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House – stunning views and top-tier service.
• Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hotel – perched on a ridge with gorgeous panoramas.
• Budget: Ken Berham Guesthouse or Peace Guesthouse – comfortable and close to the action.

Want More? Extend Your Rwandan Adventure

If you’ve made it all the way to Cyamudongo, don’t stop there. Rwanda is compact, easy to navigate, and bursting with natural wonders.

Volcanoes National Park
Home to the legendary mountain gorillas, this is Rwanda’s crown jewel. A guided gorilla trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—physically demanding but absolutely unforgettable. You can also hike Mount Bisoke, visit Dian Fossey’s research center, or explore local communities around Musanze.

Akagera National Park
For classic African safari vibes, head east to Akagera. This park is home to the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard—as well as giraffes, hippos, zebras, and hundreds of bird species. I recommend a boat safari on Lake Ihema at sunset—pure magic.

Plan with Confidence

“Gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys” 5/5

S2G Tours & Travels Rwanda Gorillas Was an excellent tour operator. The guide/driver Dan was with me the entire eight day trip. He was friendly and helpful and professional and his driving was always safe and careful. He assisted me in going through immigration at the Rwanda/ Uganda border. We were supposed to see gorillas in DRC but with consultation with Aron, the coordinator, it was decided that with the rebels overrunning Goma and getting close to the border, we shouldn’t take a chance of crossing into DRC. Aron was very involved in rearranging the itinerary on the fly, changing to see the gorillas in Uganda instead of DRC and going to a beautiful hotel on a lake with many islands. I saw everything that was promised just not as set out initially but as they say, this is Africa and you must be flexible and adaptable and not rigid and adamant. We spent an hour with a group of mountain gorillas. They were gentle and habitualised to humans. It was magical. Overall it was an excellent eight day tour and S2G Tours & Travels Rwanda provided everything that I wanted.

So why not go beyond the usual tourist trail? Start with Cyamudongo, and let Rwanda’s wild beauty lead you deeper.