Distance from Kigali to Nyungwe

Distance From Kigali to Nyungwe National Park

Distance from Kigali to Nyungwe National park is approximately 218 km to 219 km depending on the route you choose to take when you reach Murama. The park is a rainforest which is located in Rwanda bordering Burundi, Lake Kivu and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nyungwe Forest National Park inhabits a variety of wonderful sightings in Rwanda and it’s the largest Afro-Montane Forest in both central Africa and East Africa, covering a wide area of over 1000 sq km. Nyungwe forest national park weather & climate statistics show that the forest receives over 2000mm of rain annually and its Rwanda’s largest water catchment area. 

The park protects a number of chimpanzee species, owl faced monkeys, colobus monkeys and many more primate species there are many tourist activities to encounter including canopy walk trail, Orchids trail, birding safaris, golden monkey trekking, Chimpanzee trekking and many more.

Nyungwe National park is located in the district of Rusizi in the south western part of Rwanda which is very close to Democratic Republic of Congo. 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. 

The distance from Kigali to Nyungwe national park can be embarked in by road or by air transport/flight. One can  choose to drive from Kigali or fly to the park.

Distance from Kigali to Nyungwe by Road

Using a car to drive the 219 km distance from Kigali to Nyungwe forest, a tourist vehicle can pick you up and drive you to the park headquarters/lodge (accommodation facility), if one is a tourist. For tourists this is the only means of transport that favors them when on tour in the country especially the budget travelers.

You can take a bus to Rusizi district from Nyabugogo Park in Kigali city town. You will have a stopover at Uwinka center. Even though there are some buses that drive to the park, however they are always full.

You can also choose to hire a car which is more comfortable, convenient and cuts down the hustle. The car hire costs about 40,000 RWF per a day. You will come across different towns such as Huye town about 34 km from their capital city – Kigali. There are very sharp corners on the road since the country is a land of a thousand hills. This journey takes 5 hours and if you would want to drive yourself you can read the road directions from the capital city. Drive southwest to Muhanga then to southern part of Nyanza and Huye town. The area is towards Nyamagabe.

During the drive you can enjoy stopovers at Nyanza king’s palace at Nyabisindu as you go through Nyanza. Nyanza palace is a historical landmark which has been reconstructed and you will learn about Gold mining, cultural history and Royalty in Rwanda.

You will visit the sightings and sounds at the Museum including the local arts and crafts where you can enjoy the music dance and drama by the Intore. On your way you may also make a stopover at the Gikongoro genocide memorial center. You will enjoy the journey to Nyungwe Forest Park.

Distance from Kigali to Nyungwe by air

For the luxury travelers or those who would like to travel with the fastest means of transport, there are also means of transport by air like RwandAir. You can book one of the charter flights from Kigali to Kamembe international airport. Kamembe airport is 33 km from Nyungwe forest lodge, which offers helicopter pickups. Book with a tour operator and enjoy your safari to Nyungwe National park.

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