Getting There
Getting there: How to Get to Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is one of Rwanda’s most famous places, located in the southwest near the border with Burundi. It contains a lot of biodiversity, ancient rainforests, chimpanzee trekking, and a famous canopy walkway, so it is a must-visit place for all nature lovers. Travelling from Kigali to Nyungwe is easy and beautiful, giving tourists a trip through Rwanda’s “land of a thousand hills.”
Overview of the route: Kigali- Nyungwe Distance and duration
Nyungwe is located approximately 225 km away from Kigali, taking an average of 5 to 6 hours. The park has a main entrance at the Gisakura Visitor Centre or the Uwinka Reception Centre, depending on what you are doing.
The easiest and most popular way is through the Muhanga-Huye-Rusizi Road (RN1/RN6) via big towns, which include Huye (Butare) and Nyamagabe. It is a fully tarmacked and well-maintained highway, thus both the privately owned and hired vehicles can use it.
Transport Options
1. Self-Drive or Private Car
The most convenient and flexible way is to either rent a private car or drive by yourself. Depending on the season and your plan, a 2WD and 4×4 can be rented in Kigali.
• Dry Season (June-September, December-February): There is access to the main entrances and accommodation of the park by a 2WD.
• March-May, October-November: It is a rainy season; the 4×4 is recommended as sometimes the mud and slippery surfaces might be encountered, in case you want to get to the remote trails or research stations.
2. Public Transport
There is no public transport between Kigali and Nyungwe, but it can be planned:
Step 1: Kigali to Rusizi through Butare (Huye)
Some buses transport daily between Nyabugogo Bus Park and Rusizi through Huye. Comfortable long-distance buses are provided by such companies as Horizon Express or Kigali Coach.
• Step 2: Rusizi to Gisakura or Uwinka
At Rusizi town (Cyangugu), hiring a motor taxi or a local shared taxi to Gisakura takes approximately 45 minutes. Gisakura is more centrally located for park activities and offers cheap accommodation.
Note: There is no public transport that goes inside Nyungwe National Park. When you reach Gisakura, you will require a guided tour, a motor taxi or a vehicle transfer to certain attractions such as the canopy walkway or the chimpanzee trekking ground.
What to find on the Way
The trip to Nyungwe is among the most picturesque in Rwanda. You will observe the rolling tea gardens, green hills, valleys and the villages. Of note, include:
• Huye (Butare): A nice spot to have a meal or cultural break. Make a visit to the Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda.
• Kitabi or Nyamagabe: A point of entry into the park region featuring beautiful forest scenery and potential fruit markets along the road.
Practical Tips
• Early Start: This is important whether driving or taking the public transport, since you want to arrive in Nyungwe before it is dark.
• Bring Local Currency: Motor taxis and local services can only accept Rwandan Francs.
• Stay: There are accommodation facilities near the area, such as Nyungwe House, Gisakura Guest House, and Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel. These lodges usually assist in booking activities and transfers into the park.
Best Time of Travel
The most convenient time to travel is in the dry months of June to September and December to February. These are the best months to do hiking and canopy activities, having less risk of rain.
Final Thoughts
Reaching Nyungwe National Park from Kigali is doable, whether you choose private transport or public services. Although adventurous travellers can afford the cost of travelling by public buses, others desiring a smooth and effective journey should think of a tour company or private hire. Whether you come by helicopter, plane, boat or on foot, the payoff is a forest covered in lush green with life everywhere, and one of the best rainforest safari experiences in Africa.
Nyungwe is not only a destination but the journey into the heart of Rwanda.
