How To Get To Nyungwe Forest National Park?
Nyungwe national park is one of the biggest national parks in Rwanda and it’s famous due to the existence of the chimpanzees as well as other primates. The national park has 2 habituated chimpanzee families and the small one has 30 troops of chimpanzees and the other has 60 individuals. The national park was established in 2005 and it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023.
Nyungwe national park is located in the western rift valley and it stretches from Lake Albert to Tanganyika. Thus, the rift is made up of many mountains and lakes that flow west into the Congo. Besides the landscape, Nyungwe national park is popular due to its endemic species of fauna and flora. Apart from the chimpanzees, the national park is a home to other primates such as vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and Angolan colobus monkeys among others and over 300 bird species. While at Nyungwe national park, tourists can take part in activities such as chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, camping, natural walks and bird watching among others
The most asked question of how to get to Nyungwe national park is answered as follows:
GETTING TO NYUNGWE FROM KIGALI
By road
Travelling by a private car. A private vehicle can be hired rather than spending many hours driving. The cost of a car hire depends on the type of the car and a number of seats. However, a safari vehicle 4*4 wheels is recommended. Tourists can hire a car from tour operators or get one from car hire service companies around Kigali.
Travelling by public means; there are buses (coaster) that take off every hour from Nyabugogo bus station to Rusizi in the early morning. To catch the first bus to rusizi is recommended because it takes longer than using a private car. This takes about 7 to 8 hours and this includes a 30 minutes stopover at Nyanza at Hadji’s restaurant for buying some packed food and snacks.
After one driving within Nyungwe forest, the bus will reach Uwinka reception centres and that’s where the bus drops you. Those who will have a one-day visit are left there and those with more days within the national park, the bus will drop you at gisakura centre where it’s easy to get where to stay.
EASY ROUTES TO NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
KIGALI TO NYUNGWE VIA HUYE TOWN; the drive starts from Nyabugogo taxi park to kamonyi, muhanda, ruhango, Nyanza, huye and nyamagabe district which touches nyungwe forest. As one drives through this route, you will be able to see many historical and cultural sites such as king’s palace and kamegeri rock in Nyanza district. There is also an ethnographic museum in Huye district.
Kigali to nyungwe via karongi; start driving from nyabugogo taxi park, this route takes you all the way to kamonyi and Muhanga, karongi district and Nyamasheke district which touches Nyungwe forest. While driving in this road, you will see some historical sites such as Ndaba rock and Bisesero genocide memorial site. From karongi to Rusizi you will enjoy the amazing views of Lake Kivu as you drive.
Public transport companies operating from Kigali to rusizi.
There are many public transport companies that operate vehicles from Kigali to rusizi hence making it easier for some travellers who are on a safari within Rwanda. For the budget travellers, the operators don’t charge them that much and thus making then opt for this. Some of the companies include Ritco express and these coordinates from Kigali to karongi and head to Rusizi, alpha express operates from Kigali heads to Nyungwe and then Rusizi and omega express that operates from Kigali then heads to Nyungwe and then rusizi. The roads make it so easy and safe thus making their journey are memorable and enjoyable one.
Travel by air
Tourists that want to have their safari a quick one as possible can thus opt for travelling by air. This as well is meant for the luxurious clients as well as midrange clients. Reaching Nyungwe national park by air is the most quick and amazing as you can have an Ariel view of Rwanda. Some of the companies that operate in Rwanda include;
Fly with Rwanda air; tourists that want to reach Nyungwe in a very short time can book Rwanda flight. Rwanda air offers domestic flights from Kigali to kamembe national airport. On reaching kamembe airport, you will need a car to pick you to Nyungwe.
Fly with Akagera aviation (helicopter); one can fly to Nyungwe using an helicopter with Akagera aviation from Kigali city to Nyungwe house. The flight will offer scenic and beautiful views of the endless rolling hills, Nyungwe forest and tea plantation fields.
By using water
From Rubavu or karongi-kamembe to Nyungwe. Tourists that love adventure and have time can use this as the best option to reach Nyungwe and explore Lake Kivu as well as enjoy the boat ride while interacting with the locals and island view. The journey takes around 6-8hours.
Travel tips
The best time to visit is in the dry seasons of June to September and December to February which are ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing. However, the best time to visit Rwanda depends on what experience you would want thus Rwanda can be visited all year around.
Tourists are advised to pack essentials such as waterproof clothing, hiking books, insect repellent and a good camera.
Tourists are encouraged to consult heath care providers about vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis before travelling.
ACCOMODATION OPTIONS IN NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges such as one and only Nyungwe house, Nyungwe nziza Eco lodge, Nyungwe top view hill lodge, emeraude kivu resort, uwinka campsite, gisovu guest house, kivu marina bay hotel and chimpanzee lodge which are friendly guesthouses. Staying within the national park allows easy access to early morning activities and offers a more relaxation environment.
In conclusion visiting Nyungwe national park offers an immersive experience into one of Africa’s most bio diverse rainforests thus combing adventure with tranquillity of nature.