The 13 Primates of Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda primate species. Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s top destination for primate lovers. Located in the country’s southwest, this ancient rainforest protects one of the most diverse primate populations in East Africa. The park is home to 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and rare Albertine Rift endemics.
Visitors trek deep into the forest to see these animals in the wild. With rich biodiversity, dense canopy trails, and strong conservation efforts, Nyungwe offers a world-class primate experience.
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Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Nyungwe hosts around 500 chimpanzees. Two groups are habituated for tourism, especially in Cyamudongo Forest. These highly intelligent primates live in large, fission-fusion communities. They show social bonding, tool use, and vocal communication.
Chimpanzee trekking is one of the park’s main attractions.
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Ruwenzori Black-and-White Colobus (Colobus angolensis ruwenzorii)
This striking monkey has long white fur and a black face. Nyungwe protects Africa’s largest troop, with more than 400 individuals. A habituated portion of this group lives near Gisakura. They move in large groups and often feed or leap through the canopy.
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L’Hoest’s Monkey (Cercopithecus lhoesti)
Also known as the mountain monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey is one of Nyungwe’s most common species. It has a dark coat, white beard, and alert posture. These monkeys move in small groups and forage on the forest floor.
They are endemic to the Albertine Rift and often seen during guided walks.
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Owl-Faced Monkey (Cercopithecus hamlyni)
This shy, elusive monkey has a distinctive white facial stripe. It is rarely seen, as it lives deep in the forest. The owl-faced monkey prefers dense cover and moves quietly through the understory. It is one of the hardest primates to observe in Nyungwe.
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Red-Tailed Monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius)
Easily identified by its red tail and white nose, this monkey is playful and active. It lives in medium-sized troops and feeds on fruit and leaves. Red-tailed monkeys often associate with other species like colobus or blue monkeys.
They are frequently spotted on popular trails.
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Blue Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis doggetti)
Despite its name, the blue monkey appears gray or dark brown. It has a gentle face and bushy tail. Blue monkeys live in small groups and often join mixed-species troops. They are social and not shy, making them common sightings near Uwinka and Kamiranzovu.
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Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)
Vervets are adaptable monkeys with a gray coat and black face. They prefer edges of the forest or open clearings. These monkeys are common near lodges and roads, where they forage boldly. While not exclusive to Nyungwe, they are part of the forest’s primate diversity.
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Olive Baboon (Papio anubis)
The olive baboon is the largest primate in Nyungwe. It travels in large, noisy troops. Baboons walk on the ground but climb trees when threatened. They eat fruits, insects, and even small animals. Visitors often see them near roads or park edges.
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Grey-Cheeked Mangabey (Lophocebus albigena)
This mid-sized monkey has a dark coat and bushy mane. It lives in groups and forages in the upper canopy. Mangabeys are vocal and social. Though sightings are rare, they sometimes appear along the Kamiranzovu Trail or deeper forest sections.
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Dent’s Mona Monkey (Cercopithecus denti)
A close cousin of the mona monkey, Dent’s mona monkey has a patterned face and bright coloration. It prefers the canopy and moves in small, agile groups. This species lives mostly in the central parts of the forest and is less frequently seen than the colobus or red-tailed monkey.
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Silver Monkey (Cercopithecus doggetti)
Some sources consider this a subspecies of the blue monkey. It has silvery fur and a similar shape. These monkeys are shy and live high in the canopy. Their movements are hard to track, and sightings are limited.
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Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus kandti) (Note: Rare or unconfirmed)
Golden monkeys typically live in the Virunga Mountains, but unconfirmed reports suggest occasional sightings in Nyungwe. Their presence remains under investigation. Most visitors will not encounter them here.
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Allen’s Swamp Monkey (Allenopithecus nigroviridis) (Note: Extremely rare or uncertain)
Though native to Congo’s swamp forests, a few reports have suggested possible sightings in Nyungwe’s wetlands. These remain unverified, and the species is not officially listed in some primate surveys of the park.
A Primate Paradise in Rwanda
Nyungwe’s forests echo with primate calls, rustling leaves, and leaping shadows. From vocal chimps to quiet owl-faced monkeys, each species plays a role in this ancient ecosystem. Treks into Nyungwe are more than tourism—they’re journeys into the lives of our closest relatives.
With expert guides, strict conservation rules, and breathtaking trails, Nyungwe remains a sanctuary for Rwanda’s primates and an unforgettable destination for travelers.
