Uwinka sits on a ridge at 2,470 metres in the centre of the park, right on the main road that crosses Nyungwe. It is the starting point for the canopy walkway, the Igishigishigi and Bigugu trails, and most short forest walks. Maps and trail guides are available, and Rwanda Development Board rangers are based here for guided walks.
There's a small viewing deck behind the centre that looks out across an unbroken sea of montane forest — on a clear morning, the view stretches all the way to the Burundi border. Coffee and basic snacks are available. Permits should be arranged in advance through Kigali, but some same-day trail permits can be bought on the spot.