To get to Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda, you can travel by road or air. By road, the park is approximately a 5-6 hour drive from Kigali, the capital city, making it a popular part of Rwanda Safaris. Private taxis, buses, or booked tour services often form part of the journey when you Visit Rwanda. For a quicker option, domestic flights operated by RwandaAir connect Kigali to Kamembe Airport, a short drive from the park. Travelers often combine Nyungwe with Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda for a complete wildlife experience.
What are the main transportation options to get to Nyungwe Forest?
There are a few ways to reach Nyungwe Forest National Park, and the main transportation choices depend on your starting point and preferences. If traveling from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, most people either rent a private car or book a vehicle with a tour operator for a direct route to the park.
Private car rentals are popular because they provide flexibility. Several car rental companies in Kigali offer four-wheel-drive vehicles, which are suitable for the long journey and the terrain near the park. Hiring a driver can also make navigating easier for people unfamiliar with the area.
Tour operators are another common option. They usually offer guided trips to the park with transportation included. This can also make it easier to arrange permits for specific activities like chimpanzee trekking.
Public buses are available for those looking for budget-friendly options. While buses connect Kigali with nearby towns such as Rusizi or Huye, they do not go directly into the park. Upon arriving in the nearby towns, a taxi or motorbike ride will usually be needed to reach the park entrance.
What is the nearest airport to Nyungwe Forest National Park?
The closest airport to Nyungwe National Park is Kamembe International Airport, located in Rusizi, near the park’s western edge. This small regional airport primarily handles domestic flights, especially those connecting Kigali City to the western part of Rwanda. The flight time from Kigali to Kamembe is around 40-50 minutes, making it a much faster alternative to road transport.
Once you land at Kamembe Airport, the drive from Rusizi to the park entrance takes approximately one to two hours, depending on your exact destination.
Having direct access from Kamembe Airport makes it more convenient for those short on time, especially for those eager to experience the stunning Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park is renowned for its trekking trails and diverse wildlife, making it a sought-after safari destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Are there reliable road connections from Kigali or other major cities to Nyungwe Forest?
Yes, there are reliable road connections from Kigali City to Nyungwe National Park and from other major cities in Rwanda. Most of Rwanda’s roads are well-maintained and paved, including the main route connecting Kigali to areas like Nyungwe Forest in the southwestern part of the country. This beautiful national park is a premier safari destination for travelers seeking adventure and nature.
The most common and direct route from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest is through the town of Huye (formerly known as Butare). This route allows you to travel on a smooth tarmac road for the majority of the journey. The roads are generally not congested, ensuring a relatively comfortable drive. Traffic rules are followed strictly in Rwanda, so travel flows easily without major delays, making it a great choice for public transport options.
If you’re traveling from cities like Gisenyi near Lake Kivu or Musanze, which serves as the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, you can use roads that also branch toward Nyungwe. These travel paths may be slightly longer, but the road quality remains dependable, providing access to stunning views of the hilly terrain.
Whether traveling independently or with a guided tour, reaching Nyungwe Forest by road from major cities is straightforward with no extreme challenges. However, it’s important to carry some snacks or water for the trip, as you may pass through rural areas with few large facilities, enhancing your unforgettable Nyungwe Forest National Park experiences.
How long does it take to travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park from Kigali?
Traveling to Nyungwe National Park from Kigali typically takes about 5 to 6 hours by car. The distance between the two locations is around 225 kilometers (approximately 140 miles), but the travel duration depends on the chosen route, the type of vehicle, and any stops along the way. For those considering road transport, planning is essential to ensure a smooth journey.
The most direct route passes through Huye, which is about halfway between Kigali and Nyungwe. This route is straightforward and commonly used by both private charter vehicles and tour operators. You can expect a scenic drive, passing by rural villages, lush green hills, and agricultural fields, making the journey enjoyable.
If you’re traveling at a controlled pace or making stops in towns like Huye for sightseeing, meals, or bathroom breaks, traveling could take closer to 6 hours. Breaking up the drive is common, especially for tourists who want to explore cultural or historic sites along the way, such as the Ethnographic Museum in Huye.
Expect travel times to be slightly longer if you are relying on public buses or shared transportation, as they might add time due to scheduled stops to pick up or drop off passengers along the route. This is particularly true for those using the Nyabugogo bus station.
Whether using personal vehicles or other transport options, this journey allows travelers to prepare adequately for a road trip while enjoying views of Rwanda’s countryside.
Are there public transportation options available for reaching the park?
Yes, there are public transportation options available to reach Nyungwe Forest National Park, though they may not be the most convenient for all travelers. Public buses operate between Kigali and major towns like Huye and Rusizi, which are relatively close to Nyungwe.
From Kigali, you can take a bus heading toward Rusizi or Kamembe, which pass close to the park. Virunga Express, Horizon Express, and other long-distance bus services operate well-maintained buses on this route, and they are affordable for travelers on a budget. However, these buses don’t drop passengers directly inside Nyungwe Forest National Park; drop-offs are usually at roadside stops along the way.
Once at a nearby town like Uwinka or Gisakura, you might need to arrange local transportation, such as hiring a motorbike taxi (locally called “moto”), private car hire, or walking if the specific trail or accommodation you need is within reasonable proximity. Local moto drivers are usually familiar with the area surrounding Nyungwe.
While public transportation is an affordable option, it’s less flexible compared to private vehicle hire or guided tours. Schedules are fixed, and you may need to plan for extra time at transition points. Public transport may also lack space for luggage, which could be a consideration if carrying outdoor gear.
For those looking for comfort and reliability, private transportation or guided tours are better alternatives, but public buses remain an option for those on a tighter budget who enjoy travel flexibility.
Is it better to hire a private car or use a tour operator for traveling to Nyungwe?
The choice between hiring a private car or using a tour operator to travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park depends on your preferences, budget, and travel style. Both options come with their advantages.
If you hire a private car, you have the freedom to travel at your own pace. You can stop along the way to explore scenic viewpoints, small towns, or attractions en route. This works especially well for independent travelers who want flexibility. For example, you could stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza or the Ethnographic Museum in Huye. Hiring a private car is usually more budget-friendly if you’re in a group, as you can share expenses like fuel and hiring a driver. However, it’s essential to ensure that the driver knows the route to Nyungwe, which can be tricky for someone unfamiliar with the area.
On the other hand, using a tour operator can be convenient, as they handle all logistics for you. Tour operators usually provide a tailored itinerary, including transportation, guided tours, permits for activities like chimpanzee tracking, and sometimes even meals and accommodations. This option is stress-free and ideal for those unfamiliar with navigating rural roads or making bookings independently. For instance, some tour operators may combine visits to Volcanoes National Park or Akagera National Park with your Nyungwe trip, offering a structured experience.
In summary, if you prefer independence and are comfortable handling logistics, a private car is a good option. If you favor convenience and want a worry-free trip, a tour operator might be better suited to your needs.
What are the road conditions like en route to Nyungwe Forest National Park?
The road conditions to Nyungwe National Park are generally good, but they vary depending on which route you take. The main road from Kigali City to Nyungwe is the Kigali-Huye-Rusizi Road, which is paved and in good condition. This is the most common route travelers follow, as the drive is straightforward for most of the journey. Expect smooth, tarred roads with proper signage for the majority of this route.
Once you get closer to Nyungwe, the roads become narrower and windy as the terrain shifts to rolling hills and forests. Although these sections are still paved, vehicles have to navigate some sharp curves and steep inclines. It’s advisable to drive cautiously, especially during the rainy season (March to May and October to November), as the roads can become slippery due to rain.
If you plan to drive to villages or trailheads within the park, you may encounter gravel or dirt roads. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended for accessing remote areas or secondary roads, particularly after heavy rains. For example, if you’re heading to the starting point of a specific hiking trail, these sections can sometimes be uneven or muddy.
Rest stops and fuel stations are available along the main road from Kigali to Huye, but once you’re closer to Nyungwe Forest, they become sparse. It’s wise to refuel and bring snacks before reaching the park’s vicinity. Overall, while the primary access road is well-maintained, preparation is essential for a comfortable journey.
Traveling to Nyungwe Forest National Park
How to get there……
Nyungwe forest national park is located in South western Rwanda, close to the Lake Kivu and Democratic Republic of Congo, with the Burundi border in the south. It is located near Cyangugu town, about 225km and a 4-5 hour drive from Kigali.
You can either drive to the park from Kigali, or fly there. You can’t walk there though, that would take an extraordinary amount of drive and time.
Travelling by road
With 225km to cover from Kigali to the Nyungwe forest, you will need a good functional car to make good time. You can either go by bus or hire a car in Rwanda.
By bus;
you can take a bus headed to Ruzizi from Nyabugogo bus park in Kigali, get off at Uwinka Center. Travelling by bus takes a little bit longer, and the bus ride might even be 8 hours long. There are buses that drive through he park, and you could hope on those, but they are usually quite full.
By car;
Hiring a car is much more comfortable, convenient and will take a much shorter time. You will avoid the hustle of travelling the difficult stretches such as stretch between Uwinka Center and Gisakura.
Hiring a car could cost you about 30,000-40,000RWF per day.
The journey by car starts in Kigali. Travelling south you will come across several towns, one of the main cities you will come across is Huye town, which is about 32km from Kigali. The road up to there is quite smooth, but has some very sharp turns so your driver should be careful. A hundred or so more kilometers and you will be in Nyungwe. It is best not to cut your time too close, especially since the drive through the park is also quite lengthy. Budget some extra time before your scheduled activity is set to start to make allowances for any unexpected stops and just in case you don’t make it in 5 hours as expected.
If you are adventurous and want to drive yourself on Rwanda safari tours, here are a few road directions from Kigali.
-From Kigali drive south west to Muhanga, then south to Nyanza and on to Huye town.
-From Huye drive on Westwards towards Nyamagabe, which is quite close to the Nyungwe park entrance.
Focusing on the road is good especially if you are the driver, but even then try not to get so carried away following directions to the park and forget to enjoy the journey.
There are several interesting sights along the way. If you have the time, you can make a few stops. You could stop at the Nyanza king’s palace at Nyabisindi as you drive through Nyanza. The palace is a historical landmark that has recently been reconstructed. It is a goldmine of information about Rwanda’s cultural history and Royalty in Rwanda. You could also make time along the way to take in the sights and sounds at the National museum. There is quite a lot to see there including locally made arts and crafts, and traditional entertainment-you might get to see a demonstration of the “intore” dancers. There is also the Gikongoro’s Genocide Memorial along the way.
Let yourself enjoy the journey fully, even as you try not to get lost along the way. You can make your bookings for a bus through your tour operator, or hire a car for self-drive in Kigali. Either option will get you there.
Traveling by air
If you are looking for a much faster means of transport, then you can book a flight with RwandAir. The airline offer domestic flights and one of its domestic routes is Kigali-Kamembe. RwandAir offers a minimum of 9 flights a week from Kigali to Kamembe International airport.
Kamembe airport
happens to be a short
32km from Nyungwe forest lodge,
which offers helicopter pickups. It is quite a convenient arrangement if you can afford it.
Travelling to Nyungwe Forest national park shouldn’t be difficult if it well planned. An easy way to do that is hire a safari company to make the arrangements on your behalf.
