How to Get to Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park is one of Rwanda’s most important rainforest destinations. It is located in the southwestern part of the country and is known for chimpanzee tracking, the famous canopy walkway, hiking, birdwatching and other forest adventures. For travelers planning a Rwanda safari, knowing how to get to Nyungwe National Park makes it easier to choose the right route, transport and accommodation. The park can be reached by road from Kigali, or travelers can fly from Kigali to Kamembe Airport and continue by road. With help from Zamunda Travels, you can arrange transport, accommodation and Nyungwe activities as part of one well-planned safari. Official Nyungwe information currently places the drive from Kigali at about 5–6 hours, depending on the entrance and route used.

How to Get to Nyungwe National Park from Kigali

The most common way to reach Nyungwe National Park is by road from Kigali. The journey takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on your final destination inside or around the park. The distance is about 213 km to Uwinka Visitor Centre and about 234 km to Gisakura Visitor Centre. This makes Nyungwe a realistic addition to a Rwanda safari that starts in Kigali.

The road journey is also part of the experience. Rwanda is known for its mountainous landscapes, green hills and well-maintained main roads. As you travel southwest from Kigali, the scenery gradually changes from the busy capital to rural communities, tea-growing areas and forested mountains. A private vehicle with a professional driver-guide is a convenient option because you can make planned stops along the way. Zamunda Travels can arrange a private safari vehicle and driver-guide so that the journey connects smoothly with your activities in Nyungwe.

How to Get to Nyungwe National Park by Road

Driving is the most flexible way to reach Nyungwe National Park. Travelers coming from Kigali normally follow the route toward the southwestern part of Rwanda and continue toward the park. Your final route depends on whether your activities are based around Uwinka, Gisakura, Gisovu or another part of the forest.

If your main plan is the canopy walkway and hiking around Uwinka, your driver can plan the journey toward the Uwinka Visitor Centre. If chimpanzee tracking is your main reason for visiting, your route may depend on the chimpanzee community and tracking location assigned by the park. Nyungwe currently lists chimpanzee communities around Cyamudongo, Mayebe and Gisovu. The park also advises visitors to plan activities through its visitor centres and booking system.

Road travel gives you more freedom than flying. You can stop for photographs, enjoy views of the countryside and adjust your schedule around your accommodation and activities. For international travelers visiting Rwanda for the first time, a private transfer with Zamunda Travels can also reduce the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.

How to Get to Nyungwe National Park by Air

Flying is another option for travelers who want to reduce the amount of time spent on the road. The nearest useful airport for many Nyungwe itineraries is Kamembe Airport, near Rusizi. From Kamembe, you continue by road toward the park.

The official Nyungwe FAQ states that travelers can take a flight from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe and then continue by road. It gives an approximate one-hour drive from Kamembe to Gisakura and about 1.5 hours to Uwinka.

Flying can work well for travelers who have limited time. It is also useful when Nyungwe is combined with other destinations in Rwanda. Zamunda Travels can help coordinate the flight connection, airport transfer, accommodation and forest activities so that the different parts of your itinerary fit together.

How to Get to Nyungwe National Park from Kamembe

Kamembe is one of the most useful arrival points for travelers visiting the western side of Nyungwe. From Kamembe, you can continue toward Gisakura and other park areas by road. The official Nyungwe site notes that Gisakura can be reached in about one hour from Kamembe, while Uwinka takes around 1.5 hours.

This route can be especially practical if your main activities include chimpanzee tracking around the western side of Nyungwe. It can also work well for travelers who want to combine Nyungwe with Lake Kivu or other attractions in western Rwanda.

How to Get to Nyungwe National Park for Chimpanzee Tracking

If chimpanzee tracking is your main reason for visiting, it is important to plan your route around your assigned tracking location. Nyungwe has several semi-habituated chimpanzee communities, including Cyamudongo, Mayebe and Gisovu. The park states that each community is visited by a maximum of eight people per day.

Chimpanzee tracking normally involves walking through the rainforest in search of the chimpanzees. Because the animals move through the forest and canopy, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, the experience offers much more than seeing chimpanzees. You also explore one of Rwanda’s oldest and most biologically diverse forests while learning about its plants, birds and other wildlife.

For this reason, travelers should not simply book accommodation and arrive without planning the activity. Zamunda Travels can help organize the activity, accommodation and transport according to the location of your chimpanzee experience.

How to Get to Nyungwe National Park for the Canopy Walk

The Nyungwe Canopy Walkway is one of the park’s most famous attractions. It is a suspended walkway about 160 metres long and around 70 metres above the forest floor. The experience begins from the Uwinka Visitor Centre and can be accessed through trails such as Igishigishigi, Imbaraga and Umuyove.

If the canopy walkway is your main activity, staying in an area with convenient access to Uwinka can make your itinerary easier. The forest trails can become muddy after rain, so good walking shoes and a light rain jacket are useful.

The canopy walk provides views across the rainforest canopy. Along the route, visitors may see birds, butterflies and primates. It is therefore more than a simple bridge walk. It gives travelers a different view of the forest ecosystem.

Major Activities to Do in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe offers much more than chimpanzee tracking. The park is home to 13 primate species and around 300 recorded bird species. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, cycling, guided walks, chimpanzee habituation, birdwatching and community experiences.

The canopy walkway is ideal for travelers who want a memorable forest experience without committing to a full-day hike. Chimpanzee tracking is a major attraction for primate lovers, while the chimpanzee habituation experience offers a longer experience following a chimpanzee family and learning about their behaviour.

Hiking is another major activity. Nyungwe has an extensive network of trails through its mountainous landscape. Some trails are short and easier, while others require greater physical fitness. Visitors can also explore waterfalls, wetlands and forest viewpoints. Guided hiking is available through community freelance guides at reception centres such as Gisakura and Uwinka.

Birdwatching is also excellent. Nyungwe has around 300 recorded bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics. Travelers who enjoy photography and birding should allow enough time for early morning forest walks.

The park has also expanded its adventure activities. The Nyungwe Zipline stretches for 1,935 metres and opened as part of new tourism facilities in 2025. The Gisakura Rope Course is another adventure option near the western side of the park.

Accommodation When You Get to Nyungwe National Park

Choosing the right accommodation depends on your budget and the location of your activities. Nyungwe has accommodation inside and around the forest, ranging from campsites and guesthouses to luxury lodges.

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is a popular option for travelers looking for comfortable accommodation with scenic views. The hotel sits on a hill near Nyungwe and offers views across the forest and surrounding tea-growing landscape. Its location can make it a practical base for travelers planning forest activities.

Munazi Lodge

Munazi Lodge is one of the newer accommodation options in Nyungwe. It has nine A-frame cottages and is located close to the Kigali–Rusizi highway near Pindura. The lodge offers an eco-friendly setting and easy access to the forest area.

Munazi is also connected with several Nyungwe experiences, including the canopy walkway, chimpanzee tracking and the Nyungwe Zipline. Its location can be useful for travelers who want to combine accommodation with outdoor experiences.

Nyungwe Tea Forest Resort

If you are looking for a luxury stay, the property formerly known as One&Only Nyungwe House is an important option. It has now been renamed Nyungwe Tea Forest Resort. The property remains under the same parent company and management, according to its official website. It is located around 230 km from Kigali International Airport and can be reached by road, domestic flight or helicopter.

This is the property that should be mentioned when referring to luxury One&Only accommodation in Nyungwe. One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is not located in Nyungwe, so travelers should not confuse the two properties when planning a Rwanda safari.

EAR Ken Barham Guesthouse

EAR Ken Barham Guesthouse is another accommodation option near the western side of Nyungwe. It is located in the Rwumba area and is useful for travelers visiting Gisakura and nearby attractions. The guesthouse offers private rooms, garden views, Wi-Fi, a restaurant and other basic facilities.

For budget-conscious travelers, guesthouses and campsites can provide a practical alternative to luxury lodges. The official Nyungwe site also lists facilities such as Uwinka campsites, Uwinka Guesthouse, Gisakura Campsite and Gisovu Guesthouse.

How to Book Nyungwe National Park Permits and Activities

Planning your activities before arrival is important, especially for chimpanzee tracking and other guided experiences. Travelers can arrange Nyungwe activities directly through the official Nyungwe booking platform. The current booking system lists activities such as chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, adventure trails, colobus monkey tracking, specialised birding, night walks, Cyinzobe hikes, tea tours, guided hikes, chimpanzee habituation, the Nyungwe Zipline and the Gisakura Rope Course.

Travelers can also use a local tour operator such as Zamunda Travels. This option can be more convenient when you need several services at once. Zamunda Travels can help coordinate your transport, accommodation, activity bookings and wider Rwanda safari itinerary.

For visitors who prefer to arrange everything themselves, the official Nyungwe booking platform provides a direct way to submit your preferred dates, number of travelers and activities. Availability should be confirmed before making final travel arrangements.

Current published 2025–2026 park rates list international visitor chimpanzee tracking at US$150 per person, while activities such as the canopy walk, guided birding, primate tracking and night treks are listed at US$40 per person for international visitors. Rates can change, so travelers should confirm the current price when booking.

Best Way to Plan a Trip to Nyungwe National Park

The best transport option depends on your time, budget and activities. Driving from Kigali is a good choice for travelers who want to enjoy the scenery and include other stops along the way. Flying to Kamembe can save road time and works well for shorter itineraries.

Your activities should also influence where you stay. For example, travelers planning the canopy walkway should consider access to Uwinka. Those planning chimpanzee tracking should confirm the tracking location before choosing their accommodation. This simple step can save driving time during the safari.

Zamunda Travels can create a Nyungwe itinerary around your preferred activities. The company can combine Nyungwe with Kigali, Akagera, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu or other destinations in Rwanda. You can also combine Nyungwe with a Uganda safari for a longer East African adventure.

What to Pack for Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe is a wet mountain rainforest, so visitors should prepare for changing weather. Pack comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, lightweight clothing, a rain jacket, insect repellent and a small daypack. Binoculars are useful for birdwatching, while a camera can help capture the forest scenery and wildlife.

For chimpanzee tracking and hiking, carry enough drinking water and follow your guide’s instructions. Some trails are steep, and the terrain can become muddy after rain. The official Nyungwe information recommends suitable footwear and rain protection for forest activities.

Plan Your Journey to Nyungwe with Zamunda Travels

Knowing how to get to Nyungwe National Park is the first step toward planning a successful rainforest adventure. You can travel by road from Kigali, fly to Kamembe and continue by road, or combine both options depending on your itinerary. Once you arrive, Nyungwe offers chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, hiking, birdwatching, cycling, chimpanzee habituation and several new adventure experiences.

With Zamunda Travels, travelers can arrange the complete experience from transport and accommodation to activity bookings. You can also book activities directly through the official Nyungwe platform if you prefer to make your own arrangements.

Nyungwe is particularly rewarding when you allow enough time to experience the forest rather than simply passing through. Whether you choose a private road transfer from Kigali, a flight to Kamembe or a longer Rwanda safari, good planning will help you enjoy more of this remarkable rainforest.