How to Access Nyungwe Forest National Park.
This article will guide you on how to access Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the most visited national parks in Rwanda, located in the western region of the country. In 2023, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is recognized as an important area for conservation. Nyungwe is one of the oldest remaining tropical rainforests in Africa and is renowned for its biodiversity. The park is home to over 310 bird species, 1,067 plant species (including 120 orchid species), 13 primate species, 85 mammal species, and 120 butterfly species, all of which contribute to the forest’s natural beauty.
Nyungwe Forest National Park attracts thousands of tourists from around the globe who come to enjoy a variety of activities the park has to offer. These include chimpanzee trekking, the famous canopy walk (the only one of its kind in East Africa), hiking, nature walks, monkey tracking, bird watching, and butterfly walks, among other experiences that provide exceptional enjoyment for all visitors.
How to Access Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Nyungwe National Park can be accessed by either road or air transport, depending on the client’s budget and preference. Air transport is the fastest way to reach Nyungwe Forest and is often chosen by luxury travelers or those who prefer not to spend long hours traveling.
One option is to use a chartered helicopter, which takes about 45 minutes to reach the park. The helicopter can land directly at your booked accommodation or at the nearest helipad, with transfers arranged to your accommodation. This service is provided by Akagera Aviation.
Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight offered by Air Rwanda from Kigali Airport to Kamembe Airport, which operates a total of eight flights per week. From Kamembe Airport, you will transfer to your booked accommodation in Nyungwe.
You can access Nyungwe Forest National Park by road, either by self-driving or using a licensed travel company to handle all the arrangements. This is the best option for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, as it is also cost-effective. The distance from Kigali to the park is approximately 226 km, which takes about 6 to 7 hours. The roads are well-maintained and paved, offering beautiful views of Rwanda’s hilly landscape as you travel west. Along the way, there are various stopovers depending on your itinerary, including a visit to the Ethnographic Museum in Butare and the Royal Palace Museum in Nyanza.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Nyabugogo Park in Kigali to Rusizi. However, this public transport option involves several stopovers to pick up and drop off passengers, making the journey approximately 7 to 8 hours long. Although this method is more budget-friendly and allows you to save money, it can be time-consuming and somewhat hectic.
Best Time to Visit the Park.
After discussing how to access Nyungwe Forest National Park, let’s explore the best times to visit the park. It is open to travelers year-round, but the ideal time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and again from December to February. During this period, there is little to no rainfall, the trails are less muddy and slippery, and the park experiences cooler temperatures, making it easier to navigate the forest.
You can also visit the park during the wet season, which is marked by heavy rainfall. While the trails can become slippery and muddy, making it more challenging to explore the forest, this season is favorable for budget travelers, as many accommodations and local travel companies offer discounts.
