Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park sits in the beautiful southwest corner of Rwanda, bordering Burundi. It is the largest protected national park in Rwanda, with a 1019 square kilometer area. It is situated in the Albertine Rift, which is a chain of mountains and valleys along with the edge of the Great Rift Valley.
The park’s altitude ranges from 1,600 to 2,950 meters (5,250 to 9,680 feet), offering a mix of ecosystems, from thick rainforests to charming bamboo forests, marshy areas, and open grasslands.
Nyungwe is an important area for Rwanda, which supplies water to over 70% of the country’s population. Nyungwe is a haven for wildlife, housing chimpanzees, golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, sturdy buffalos, and over 200 bird species.
Tourists are drawn to Nyungwe National Park for its stunning scenery and the promise of wildlife encounters.
The park offers exciting experiences like chimpanzee and golden monkey treks, birdwatching, and invigorating hikes through lush forests. It’s also home to delightful waterfalls and serene tea plantations, adding to the park’s natural charm.
Nyungwe National Park Safari Tours
5 Days
Nyungwe Forest Safari
8 Days
Golden Monkey & Gorillas Safari
3 Days
Nyungwe & Akagera Safari
Wildlife in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is a lush haven teeming with wildlife. Chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys are its prime attractions, captivating visitors on guided treks. The park also shelters olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
Bird lovers are in for a treat, with over 200 bird species to spot, including the captivating blue-headed sunbird and the vibrant Rwenzori turaco. While exploring the park, you might encounter mammals such as buffalo, forest elephants, and duikers.
Beyond primates and mammals, Nyungwe’s hidden treasures include a variety of reptiles and amphibians like snakes, lizards, frogs, and toads.
Mammals
- Chimpanzee
- Golden monkey
- L’Hoest’s monkey
- Olive baboon
- Vervet monkey
- African golden cat
- Eastern black and white colobus
- Giant forest hog
Birds
- Albertine owlet
- Blue-headed sunbird
- Grauer’s rush warbler
- Red-collared babbler
- Rwenzori turaco
- Shelley’s crimson-wing
- Stripe-breasted tit
- Turaco violet-breasted
Reptiles
- Black-necked spitting cobra
- Jameson’s mamba
- Gaboon viper
- Nile crocodile
- African rock python
- Savannah monitor
- Variable agama
- Lizards
Best Time to Visit Nyungwe National Park
The best time to plan your Nyungwe National Park adventure is during the dry season, spanning from June to September. The weather is delightful, with mild and sunny days, and the trails are dry and easy to navigate. This period is perfect for activities like chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking, birdwatching, and hiking, ensuring a memorable and comfortable experience.
Conversely, the wet season in Nyungwe National Park unfolds from October to May, accompanied by heavy rainfall. This might make the trails muddy and slippery, and spotting chimpanzees and golden monkeys can be more challenging due to the dense vegetation. However, there are silver linings to the wet season. The park is less crowded, offering a more serene experience, and the waterfalls are at their most breathtaking, putting on a spectacular show for those who venture out.
Climate of Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is situated in the southwest of Rwanda. There are mainly two seasons. The dry season runs from June to September, and the wet season runs from October to May. This National Park is ancient rainforest which is famous for its humid and pleasant climate.
Here, the temperature is between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. Higher spots are much cooler. In the park each year, rain falls total around 2000 nm. Occasionally, rain can shower even during the dry season.
The park’s fairly high humidity, hovering between 70% and 90%, might make you feel warmer, giving the rainforest its distinct charm.
Nyungwe National Park climate chart
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min (°C) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
| Max (°C) | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 23 |
How to Reach Rwanda
Rwanda has excellent air connections worldwide, linking it to Europe, North America, Asia, and other African countries with direct flights. The primary gateway to Rwanda is Kigali International Airport (KGL), located in the capital city of Kigali. Additionally, Rwanda boasts other international airports like Kamembe International Airport (KME) in Kamembe.
You can reach Rwanda from various major cities thanks to well-known airlines like RwandAir, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Brussels Airlines. These airlines offer flights from many key airports around the world, making your journey to Rwanda accessible and worry-free.
How to get to Nyungwe National Park
To embark on your adventure to Nyungwe National Park, most travelers typically start with a flight to Kigali International Airport (KGL). Kigali Airport is conveniently located approximately 177 kilometers from the park.
Once you arrive in Kigali, you have options for reaching the park. You can opt for an adventurous road trip or you can choose a quick and hassle-free air transfer directly to the park or nearby accommodations. The decision is yours, and it often depends on your preferences and travel plans.
Consider the seasons while planning your adventure to Nyungwe National Park, as activities like chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching and golden monkey trekking are more enjoyable during the dry seasons.
By Air
Rwandair offers daily flights from Kigali to Kamembe Airport, which is located about 40 kilometers from Nyungwe National Park. The flight takes about 40 minutes. You can directly take flight to Kemembe.Once you arrive at Kamembe Airport, you can take a taxi or hire a driver to Nyungwe National Park.
By Road
The drive from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park takes about 5 to 6 hours. The road is in good condition, but it is winding and mountainous. There are several different routes that you can take, but the most popular route is via Huye.
Are you ready to embark on your adventure in Nyungwe National Park?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like in Nyungwe National Park?
Nyungwe National Park features a cool and humid climate. Temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F). The park experiences two main seasons: a wet season from October to May and a dry season from June to September.
What wildlife can I expect to see in Nyungwe National Park?
Nyungwe is home to a variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, buffalos, over 200 bird species, and more. It’s renowned for its primate population.
What should I bring when visiting Nyungwe National Park?
Visitors should consider packing comfortable hiking attire, rain gear, insect repellent, good walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera for capturing the stunning scenery and wildlife.
How do I book a safari with Big Cats Safari?
Booking a safari with us is a straightforward process. Simply visit our website, select your preferred destination and safari package, and follow the step-by-step booking instructions provided. It’s quick and easy.
Is it possible to combine a visit to Nyungwe National Park with other attractions in Rwanda?
Yes, many visitors combine their Nyungwe experience with visits to other Rwandan attractions, such as Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, Akagera National Park for wildlife safaris, and cultural experiences in Kigali, the capital city.