Flying to Nyungwe Forest National Park is a venture of its own, the view of the heights of the land of a thousand hills is one of the most thrilling and magical things to see while on your Rwanda safari. Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in the southern part of Rwanda, beautifully placed along the country’s border with Burundi and the democratic republic of Congo overlooking Lake Kivu, the biodiverse environment boasts several plant species that have developed over time, it is said to have survived right from the ice edge era.
Flying to Nyungwe Forest National Park is the fastest way of getting to the conservation area, despite it being expensive, it is the most recommendable way for high-end travellers and those who do not like to take long drives for several reasons, domestic flight handlers operate charter flights on daily to the national park, they stage at the Kigali international airport a major entry point of Rwanda, most airlines land at the airport after which you connect to your domestic flight. They land at the Rusizi Kambebe airstrip and are a short drive to the respective lodges. Flying is done with Akagera Aviation with their helicopters to the destination, the route over the tea estates and the rolling hills of Rwanda is phenomenal.
Besides flying to Nyungwe Forest National Park one can drive from the Kigali International Airport, it takes +/-6 hours’ drive travelling to the Nyungwe Forest National Park by road, this is the most popular way of getting to the national park, it is an adventurous ride as you pass through the hills of the countryside of Rwanda, have time to visit the Nyanza province, the national museum, visit the Gikongoro genocide memorial, later proceed to the park.
Things to do while in the Nyungwe Forest National Park include, chimpanzee tracking which takes place beginning at the park headquarters in the Uwinka or Gisakura, there are over 400 individuals of primates living in the national park, the communities are led by a male Alpha, tracking chimpanzee requires one to have a chimpanzee permit which allows them to do the tracking, this is attained from the Rwanda development board directly or through the tour operator, it takes 2-5 hours doing the activity through the well-distributed trails of the forest an hour is allowed to interact tale pictures after which you return to meet your guide.
Canopy walking is among the best things to explore on your Rwandan safari, it is beautiful to walk along the 160-kilometer hanging bridge amidst the montane forest, and travelers below the age of 5 years are not permitted to participate in the activity, along the trails except to see birds of the forest, primates on a lucky day it takes 2-3 hours enjoying the walk with the lead of an experienced guide other things to do include birding in the Nyungwe forest national park and Hiking in the Nyungwe Forest National Park.
In conclusion, Flying to Nyungwe Forest National Park can be done any time of the year but is best during the dry season when the winds are less strong and flying less difficult.