Nyungwe Safaris

One of the oldest Afro-Montane forests in Africa harboring a plethora of bird, butterfly, and ancient tree species

A fairy tale world of high canopy trees and important plant species with an extensive primate and bird list

In combination with Burundi’s Kibira NP, it forms the largest remaining tract of montane rainforest east Africa

Nyungwe National Park is one of Rwanda's unsung heroes. It's not as instantly famous as the gorillas or the Big Five, but for anyone who loves forests, primates, birdlife, or just being somewhere that feels truly ancient and untouched, it's phenomenal. This is where you come to slow down, breathe in the clean, mossy air, and immerse yourself in a world of giant trees, secret waterfalls, and the chatter of monkeys echoing through the canopy.

Located in Rwanda's southwest corner, near the border with Burundi and close to Lake Kivu. It's about a 5-hour drive from Kigali, depending on stops - and believe me, you'll want to stop. The drive is stunning: winding mountain roads, tea plantations, views over valleys that stretch for miles. It's a road trip you won't forget.

If you're short on time (or just want to treat yourself), there is also a helicopter transfer option that gets you there in under an hour - particularly handy if you're coming from Volcanoes or Akagera and want to skip a long overland leg.

Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, and it feels ancient. We're talking mist-shrouded trees, tangled vines, and a sense of deep, primeval stillness. It's a biodiversity hotspot, protecting over 1,000 plant species, 300 bird species, and 75 mammal species - including 13 primates.

The sheer variety of life is staggering, and so is the forest itself. Nyungwe spans more than 1,000 square kilometres, with altitudes ranging from 1,600 to 2,950 metres - so expect cool, crisp air and a completely different feel to the warmer, more open parks like Akagera.

The main activity to get up to here is Chimpanzee tracking. The chimps here are wild and free, not habituated in the same way as gorillas, which makes the experience more unpredictable but incredible rewarding. You will head out early with expert trackers, hiking through the forest to locate them by sound. When you find them (which is likely, though never guaranteed), the energy is electric - they crash through trees, call to each other, sometimes even pass right by you.

You can also enjoy the canopy walk which is one of Nyungwe's signature experiences - and completely unique in the region. A high suspension bridge stretches 70 metres above the forest floor, giving you a thrilling bird's-eye view of the treetops. It's exhilarating, beautiful, and not ass terrifying as it sounds (unless you hate heights - in which case, maybe skip this one out).

You can also do guided hikes - with over 130km of trail here, you can take guided walk lasting from a couple of hours to a full day.

Nyungwe is a birder's paradise. It is home to the Albertine Rift endemics. Even if you are not a hardcore twitcher, the colours and calls of species like the Rwenzori turaco or the great blue turaco are unforgettable.

The forest is also home to huge troops of black and white colobus monkeys - sometimes several hundred strong. Tracking them is less demanding than the chimps and a great way to get up close to another primate species.

The best time to go is between June and September as well as December and February as this is the driest and best times for hiking and chimp tracking. Even in the rainy season, the forest is still stunning and magical - you will just need a good waterproof and proper walking boots.

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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