Nyungwe Forest is Rwanda's wildest, most remote national park. At over 1,000 square kilometres, it's one of Africa's oldest rainforests — home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, hundreds of bird species, and a canopy walkway that will genuinely take your breath away.
Getting there from Kigali is a serious road trip — about 5 hours each way — but with the right car hire from Kigali, the journey is absolutely worth it.
The Route: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest
The most popular route heads south through Huye (Butare) on the well-maintained RN1 highway, then turns west toward Nyungwe. The road passes through tea estates and offers spectacular views as it enters the forest. Budget 4.5–5 hours for a comfortable drive with stops.
Road Conditions to Nyungwe
The highway to Huye is excellent. The final section approaching Uwinka park headquarters is paved but winding and steep — a 4x4 is strongly recommended, especially during the rainy season.
What to See at Nyungwe
- Chimpanzee tracking (book permits in advance)
- Canopy walkway — one of the only suspended walkways above an African rainforest
- Colobus monkey troops — often seen roadside inside the park
- Waterfall and forest walks
Recommended Vehicles
For this route, we recommend the RAV4 2009 or newer, or the Land Cruiser V8. The steep forest roads demand more ground clearance than a sedan can provide.
Plan 2–3 days minimum at Nyungwe. Book your Nyungwe car hire today and we'll help you plan the perfect itinerary.
