The distance from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park : Nyungwe National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, covering 1,019 km2 of dense Afromontane forests, bamboo covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands and the forest receives abundant rainfall more than 2000 mm per year. Nyungwe National Park is located in the district of Rusizi south west of Rwanda on the border with Burundi in the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo in West on the shores of Lake Kivu. The forest is located near Cyangugu town which is 219 km which is also the distance from Kigali to Nyungwe and is a 4-5 hours’ drive from Kigali. Nyungwe National Park has been in existence since 1903 and in 2004 it was then declared a National Park and one of the 4 national parks such as Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Gishwati Mukura National Park.
The Nyungwe forest is known for its 13 primate species, including the famous chimpanzees, which are the highlight of any visit to Nyungwe. Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most popular activities in the forest, and visitors can expect to encounter these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Nyungwe forest is also home to the largest troop of black and white Colobus monkeys, which can be seen swinging through the trees.
The Nyungwe forest is also rich in other wildlife, including duikers, golden cats, Klipspringer, impalas, Bushbucks, Buffaloes, Forest Elephants, Bush pigs, Gant forest hog, Blotched serval, Carnival genet, Congo clawless, Mongoose, otter, serval, felis, black-fronted duiker, western tree hyrax, and many more. Birdwatchers will also be thrilled to know that the Nyungwe forest is home to over 300 bird species, including 29 Albertine Rift endemic species, Butterflies are also a common sight, with at least 120 species. The forest has 1,064 plant species and 140 orchids. . Nyungwe is also known for its Canopy Walk suspension bridge. With more than 12 trails for hiking in Nyungwe Forest, visitors can choose to sample the delights of the forest or indulge themselves for a week or more in one of Africa’s most stunning forests.
The distance from Kigali to Nyungwe national park can be take-up by road or by air transport where one can opt to drive from Kigali or fly to the park
Distance from Kigali to Nyungwe national park by road
By using a car to drive the distance is approximately 218km to 219km from Kigali to Nyungwe national park depending on the road transport means or the route used. You can also choose to hire a car is much more comfortable, convenient and will take a much shorter time. To avoid hustle of travelling the difficult stretches such as stretch between Uwinka Center and Gisakura.
Car hire costs can go up to 40,000RWf per day. You will start the journey from Kigali, and travel to the south and there you will come across the towns with rolling hills. You will continue to drive through Huye town and it only takes 34 km from the capital city of Rwanda. Always note that the roads in Rwanda are very smooth and sharp and the country is found in the rolling hills, therefore, one should be very careful and the distance to Nyungwe National park is also quite long.
You can choose to use a bus which is possible and one will use the buses that heading to Ruzizi from Nyabugogo Bus Park in Kigali. You will get out at Uwinka travelers Center, you should not that the bus takes longer time to completer the travel. It might take you an 8 hours’ drive. Some buses are also allowed to drive through the park, however packed and good for a tourists who wants a luxury travel
Travelling by car starts in Kigali following the south one of the main cities you will come across is Huye town, which is about 32km from Kigali. The connecting to the national park are quite smooth but has sharp turns or corners which may require they driver to be careful. It takes over 100km to reach Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Using road transport to Nyungwe Forest National Park might take long hours but the journey is rewarding with beautiful views of the rolling hills, terraces, plantations, homesteads, and beautiful people. Tourists who use road transport can have stopovers at different museums such as Nyanza King’s Palace where you get different information about the culture of Rwanda. Take time to visit the sights and sounds at the National Museum where you will see things such as the traditional entertainment, arts, crafts, and enjoy the Intore dancers on your way as well as the Gikongoro genocide memorial on your way.
Distance from Kigali to Nyungwe by air
Rwanda Air offers the best domestic flights, and there are over a total of 9 flight here are now flights to Nyungwe Forest National Park so getting there can be a few minutes from Kigali international airport. The flights to Nyungwe Forest National Park are managed by Akagera Aviation and they do starts from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport or One and Only Nyungwe House Helipad. Tourists who use air transport to Nyungwe Forest National Park will always find their driver guides ready to transfer them to the park. From Kamembe airport it takes 40km to Nyungwe Forest Lodge. The lodges offer helicopter pickups, and one can arrange it for those who can afford it, for example, One & Only Nyungwe Lodge.
