Africa Geographic photographers explore Nyungwe

Photographer of the Year 2026 winners are discovering one of Africa’s oldest and most extraordinary forests

The winners of the Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026 competition are currently exploring Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park on a five-night adventure, with the prize presented in partnership with Africa Geographic’s sister company, Ukuri, and African Parks.

Their time in Nyungwe is taking them deep into one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests, where chimpanzee trekking is a standout experience. They are also exploring the park’s canopy walkway, forest trails, waterfalls and viewpoints, while keeping watch for some of Nyungwe’s 13 primate species. Nyungwe is also home to a 1,935-metre zipline, one of the longest in Africa, offering a thrilling aerial perspective over the rainforest canopy and mist-draped forest slopes.

For a group of photographers, there is plenty to keep cameras busy. Around 345 bird species have been recorded in Nyungwe, while large troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys move through the canopy. The forest also supports an extraordinary diversity of plants, butterflies and other wildlife.

The group is staying at Munazi Lodge, the only lodge located within Nyungwe National Park, placing them right in the forest throughout their stay.

The journey forms part of the prize for this year’s Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year competition, which celebrates photography capturing the beauty, drama and complexity of life across Africa.

The Nyungwe experience also reflects the shared focus of Africa Geographic and Ukuri on tourism that helps connect travellers more closely with protected areas, the people and communities who make their conservation possible, and the work being done to protect them. African Parks manages Nyungwe National Park in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board.

Over the coming days, the photographers will continue exploring Nyungwe’s forests, wildlife and landscapes, with plenty more opportunities to document one of Rwanda’s most remarkable protected areas.

Ukuri offers safari camps for responsible travellers, connecting guests with authentic African safari experiences that directly support the protection of wildlife and wild places. Its collection focuses on remote wilderness areas and low-impact camps where tourism contributes meaningfully to conservation and creates lasting benefits for neighbouring communities.

Africa Geographic has been connecting travellers with Africa since 1991. Through award-winning conservation storytelling, handcrafted safaris, and its annual Photographer of the Year competition, it aims to inspire deeper engagement with the continent’s wildlife while ensuring that travel delivers meaningful benefits for conservation and local people.

Discover Africa Geographic safaris:
https://travel.africageographic.com/

Learn more about Ukuri:
https://ukuri.travel/

Learn more about Nyungwe National Park:
https://travel.africageographic.com/destinations/rwanda/nyungwe-national-park

View the 2026 winning photographs:
https://africageographic.com/stories/photographer-of-the-year-2026-winners/