How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda

How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda – A Comprehensive Guide to Chimpanzee Tracking Safaris

By Road: A Scenic Journey from Kigali via Muhanga-Huye

Nyungwe Forest National Park, situated in the southern part of Rwanda, is approximately 200km/124mi from the capital city, Kigali. The preferred route from Kigali involves a picturesque drive via Muhanga and Huye, passing through notable landmarks like Kings Palace in Nyanza and Butare. The journey then continues through hilly roads, ultimately leading to the park’s headquarters in Gisekura. For those starting their journey from Huye, the park is located 87km/54mi away, and an overnight stay in Huye is recommended to break the journey. Additionally, Nyungwe Forest is easily accessible from Rusizi/Kamembe airport, which is approximately 55km/34mi away. The drive takes about an hour, making it a convenient option for those flying in.

By Air: Chartering the Skies to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Akagera Aviation offers charter helicopter transfers directly to Nyungwe Forest National Park, landing at the one & only Nyungwe House. Alternatively, travelers using Rwanda Air will land at Kamembe airport in Rusizi, which is an hour’s drive to the park headquarters.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest: A Captivating Safari Experience

While Rwanda is renowned for its Gorilla trekking, Nyungwe Forest offers an equally fantastic alternative – Chimpanzee tracking. The cost of Gorilla permits may deter some visitors, making Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest an attractive and more affordable option.

The Chimpanzee trekking experience begins from three reception centers – Uwinka, Kitabi, and Gisakura. Tourists meet park rangers at these centers and start their trek as early as 4:30 am, driving to the trailhead by 5 am. Trackers precede the trekking group to locate the Chimpanzees and communicate with the ranger guides. Visitors spend one hour observing the Chimpanzees up close, witnessing their human-like features and behaviors. The Chimps communicate through loud screams, hoots, and hitting tree barks, providing an intimate encounter with these close relatives, sharing 98.7% DNA with humans.

Nyungwe Forest is home to a larger Chimpanzee community, boasting about 60 individuals. However, due to the vast forest and challenging terrain, sightings can be sporadic. Cyamudongo forest, with a smaller group of around 30 Chimps, offers more successful sightings due to its smaller size.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest provides a fast-paced and exciting adventure. Unlike Gorilla trekking, Chimps move swiftly through tree canopies, creating a more rushed and sporadic viewing experience. The forest section where Chimpanzees are tracked begins in Cyamudongo, a 4.5-hour drive from Kigali. This ancient montane forest is Africa’s oldest and houses over 13 primate species, including 500 Chimpanzees.

The challenge lies in finding the Chimpanzees, as they are less habituated and often shy. Their strong human instincts make them curious and eager when tourists are present. Observing these creatures, sharing 98% of DNA with humans, is both exciting and insightful. The fast-paced nature of Chimpanzee trekking adds an adventurous element to the experience, with few established paths in the dense forest, allowing for more excitement and exploration.

Additional Attractions and Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Tropical Waterfalls: Kamiranzovu Waterfall

Originating from the Kamiranzovu marshlands within Nyungwe Forest National Park, the Kamiranzovu Waterfall has become a must-visit attraction. Divided into two parts, the lower part on huge rocks provides a beautiful spot for photography, while the second side is located in front of the falling water. Accessing the waterfall requires courage, patience, dedication, and physical fitness, as it involves trekking through the compressed tropical rainforest.

Forest Walks and Hiking Trails

Explore the beauty of Nyungwe Forest National Park through its extensive network of hiking trails, covering approximately 130 kilometers. With over 13 trails leading to various points such as waterfalls, caves, and swamps, each trail offers unique features. Hiking allows travelers to enjoy the peaceful environment, listening to the melodious sounds of birds while experiencing the diverse landscapes.

Canopy Walk: A Bird’s-Eye View of Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to the only canopy walk in East Africa. This 200-meter walk above the forest hangs 60 meters high, providing an aerial view of the park, wildlife, neighboring communities, and Virunga volcanoes. The canopy walk, starting and ending at the park headquarters, offers a thrilling experience for participants aged 6 years and above.

Bird Watching: A Paradise for Bird Enthusiasts

Nyungwe Forest shelters over 300 bird species, making it a prime birding destination in Rwanda. Among these, 121 are forest birds, and 27 are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. Experienced guides assist in spotting and identifying birds, including Rockefellers sunbird, Chapin’s flycatcher, Great blue Turaco, and many more.

Monkey Trekking: Discover the Primate Diversity

Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to over 300 monkey species, making it an ideal destination for monkey trekking. Encounter L’Hoest’s monkeys, black and white colobus, blue monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys, among others. Monkey trekking provides a joyful experience, observing these lively and playful creatures in their natural habitat.

Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a diverse range of activities, from primate encounters to breathtaking waterfalls and immersive forest walks. Plan your safari with Trek Africa Expeditions to make the most of this extraordinary destination in Rwanda.