How to get to Nyungwe national park – Rwanda
How to get to Nyungwe national park – Rwanda: Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in the southwestern part of rwanda is a huge, intact tropical rainforest with a towering, dense canopy. In 2004, Nyungwe was designated as a National Park in an attempt to boost tourism in addition to Volcanoes National Park, which is home to the country’s mountain gorillas. It is located at the border with Burundi, near Cyangugu town. Nyungwe’s remarkable biodiversity makes it a deserving travel destination.
Due to the fact that Rwanda’s infrastructure is developed and the roads that connect to Nyungwe are clear. Getting to Nyungwe is not as difficult as one might anticipate.
From Kigali, it is around 225 kilometres away, and the travel takes about six hours.
When travelling from Kigali or any other location in Rwanda, there are alternative means to reach Nyungwe National Park. it either by road, air or water. Your decision is determined by t how quick and comfort you wish to arrive at the park.
Travelling by air
Taking a flight to Nyungwe Forest National Park is the fastest and most costly way. From Kigali to International Airport to Kamembe air strip, numerous airlines offer chartered flights. Domestic flights are offered weekly by Rwanda Air and Akagera Aviation between Kigali International Airport and Kamembe.
When you book your flight with Rwanda air, the flight from Kigali airport lands at Kamembe, from there, you will need car for a one-hour drive to the park.
Flights with Akagera Aviation from Kigali, land at one and Only Nyungwe house.
All flights offer scenic aerial views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, valleys, Nyungwe forest and tea and coffee plantations.
Travelling by road.
Majority of tourists to Nyungwe National Park region choose to travel by road. This is the cheapest and most common mode of transportation that is most readily available. Because passengers get to see more of the countryside throughout the ride, see the rolling hills of Rwanda as they drive past them, and visit a variety of sights along the way. Traveling by road is so amazing and adventurous.
Travelling with a tour guide in a private guided safari or driving by yourself (self drive ) is more flexible because you can make stop overs your choice to witness the other part of Rwanda (culture) other than wildlife.
Travel routes to Nyungwe.
When travelling from Kigali, southwards, travelers pass through a number of towns. The road to Huye is relatively smooth but with frequent serpentine curves that require drivers to be extra careful. there is a possibility that self-drive travelers will find these directions helpful. From Kigali, to Muhanga then soth to Nyanza and finally to Huye in the south western direction. From Huye, proceed to the western direction to Nyamagabe town which is close to the park entrance.
Traveling to the park by bus is another possible option to reach Nyungwe National park. Although this mode of transportation will not bring you within the park in the usual way though, there are some buses that drive through the park. Get aboard a bus from the Nyabugogo bus station in Kigali to Rusizi, and then exit at the Uwinka visitor’s center located within Nyungwe Forest National Park. travelers to move in a bus are advised to reach the bus park early enough to catch the first leaving bus. this i because the drive takes approximately eight hours as there always some stop overs for some passengers to get off at some stations.
Another means of public transportations by use oof some public transport companies from Kigali. these also offer budget travelling. these include Alpha express and Omega express which offer transport from Kigali, via Nyungwe to Rusizi.
Adventurous stopovers between Kigali and Nyungwe.
King’s Palace Museum Nyanza
This is a unique cultural place that offers an experience of Rwanda’s monarchical heritage. With a harmonious blend of traditional and colonial architecture, as well as captivating cultural performances, the King’s Palace Museum is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural attractions. At the rear of the palace, encounter the impressive Inyambo long horned cattle and their keepers singing to them as part of tradition to emphasize relationship between Rwandans and their animals.
Ethinographic Museum – Butare
The Ethnographic Museum in Rwanda is located approximately 35 kilometer from the center of Kigali City, in Butare town, north of the city in the Huye district. the museum show cases historical artifacts and regalia as a way of preserving history and culture of ethnic communities. it was built with the assistance of the Belgian government and fist opened in 1989. This places has the greatest ethinological and archeologigical collections in east Africa that displays lots of traditional wonders including traditional clothing, hunting , agriculture, animal husbandry, pottery basketry and woodwork.
Kamegeri rock.
This another stop over as you head to Nyungwe national park. the rock is at the road side as you are heading to Nyungwe. It is found in Ruhango district of Rwanda. The rock derives its name from Kamegeri who was a one of king Yuhi IV’s advisors who suggested that all those who disobeyed the king’s orders should be burnt on that rock. The king then instead orderd that kamegeri should beburnt first on the rock to get rid of him as his suggesestio was cruel/ unhuman.
When you visit the rock, if possible you can touch the to feel it as its said that the rock remains hot all the time regardless of the weather and time of the day. Request the resident guards and guides to allow you take photos.
Genocide memorial sites
Along the route to Nyungwe National Park are several genocide memorial sites including Gikorongo genocide memorial, Murambi genocide memorial, and Nyanza genocide memorial sites. All these places and many others and Rwanda give a reflection of what really happened during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. You can visit these places to honor the lives of those who died during that season. these places are visited for education , reconciliation ang forgiveness.
Best time to Visit Nyungwe national park
Nyungwe National park is a place that can be visited all year round depending on your interests and budget. most travelers prefer visiting the park during the dry season from December to February and June to September for most activities like chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, and guided nature walks because the hiking trails are dry and passable. However the wet season is also best for birding safaris and comes with reduced accommodation and transport costs.