In this article, we’ll look at Nyungwe Forest National Park entrance fees. Established in 2004, Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Rwanda’s largest and most endowed national parks. It is famed for being a premier destination for Chimpanzee Tracking, an exhilarating activity that captivates nature enthusiasts across the world.
Nyungwe is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda about 230 km from Kigali, towards the border with Burundi, south of Lake Kivu, and west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is about a 5-hour drive from the country’s capital city. Nyungwe Forest boasts diverse ecosystems, providing a home to over 1000 species, including animals, birds, and other natural wonders.
Notably, Nyungwe Forest is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Activities At Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park, with its extraordinary biodiversity, offers a diverse range of activities that cater to the interests of nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Here is a list of activities you can engage in while at Nyungwe:
- Chimpanzee Tracking
This is one of arguably the most popular activities to do while at Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park has 13 primate species recorded there, including a large population of about 500 chimpanzees thus offering one of the best chances to see chimps in their natural home.
One habituated chimpanzee community, known as the Cyamudongo group, resides in the Cyamudongo forest situated to the east of Nyungwe forest. This community comprises approximately 30 chimpanzees.
The Uwinka group, the second habituated chimpanzee group, is located in the primary Nyungwe forest around the Uwinka area, which serves as the park headquarters. This group is larger, consisting of about 60 chimpanzees.
- Canopy Walk
A must-try activity at Nyungwe Forest National Park is the Canopy Walk. Travelers hike up to the treetops and stroll along hanging bridges, experiencing the forest’s beauty from about 1000 meters above the ground.
- Bird Watching
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 300 bird species, with 29 endemics exclusive to the Albertine Rift. It stands as the ultimate destination for bird enthusiasts.
- Trail Walking
Nyungwe Forest boasts more than 130 km of trails, accommodating travelers of diverse fitness levels providing an opportunity to revel in its beauty while enjoying the rejuvenating fresh air.
- Waterfall Hike
Visitors can immerse themselves in the allure of Nyungwe Forest with a tropical waterfall guided hike starting from Gisakura. Lasting 3-5 hours, this enchanting adventure unfolds captivating views of magnificent falls, enhancing the overall experience for travelers.
- Camping
For budget-conscious travelers, Nyungwe Forest National Park offers affordable camping services, including a tented camping ground at Uwinka. While the park lacks hotel infrastructure, accommodations can be found in the surrounding areas.
Nyungwe Forest National Park Entrance Fees
Nyungwe Forest National Park entrance fees vary based on the chosen park activity and visitor type, including foreign residents, foreign non-residents, Rwandans, and East African Community (EAC) nationals (Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya).
Each category incurs specific charges tailored to these distinctions. Here are some of the fees applicable to different traveller categories.
Chimpanzee Trekking Fee
- Foreign Non-residents: $90
- Foreign Residents: $60
- Rwandans: 5,000 Rwf
- East Africa Community (EAC) Nationals: $10
- EAC Foreign Residents: $60
- Rwandan Student: 2,500 Rwf
- EAC Student: $5
- Foreign Resident Student: $30
Other Primates Tracking Fee
- Foreign Non-residents: $60
- Foreign Residents: $40
- Rwandans: 5,000 Rwf
- EAC Nationals: $10
- EAC Foreign Residents: $40
- Rwandan Citizen Student: 1,500 Rwf
- EAC Student: $3
- Foreign Resident Student: $20
Nyungwe Guided Nature Walks Fee
- Foreign Non-resident: $40/person
- Foreign Resident: $30/person
- Rwanda Residents: Between 3,000 Rwf
- EAC Nationals: $5/person
- EAC Foreign Resident: $30/person
- Rwandan Student: 1,500 Rwf/person
- EAC Student: $3/person
- Foreign Resident Student: $20/person
Nyungwe Bird Watching Fee
- Foreign Non-residents: $50/person
- Foreign Residents: $40/person
- Rwanda Residents: 5,000 Rwf/person
- EAC Nationals: $10/person
- EAC Resident Foreigners: $40/person
- Rwandan Students: 2,000 Rwf/person
- EAC Students: $5/person
- Foreign Residents Students: $20/person
Nyungwe Canopy Walk Fee
- Foreign Non-residents: $60/person
- Foreign Resident: $50/person
- Rwanda Residents: 5,000 Rwf/person
- EAC Nationals: $10/person
- EAC Foreign Resident: $50/person
- Rwandan Student: 5,000 Rwf/person
- EAC Student: $5/person
- Foreign Resident Student: $25/person
Tropical Waterfall Guided Hike Fee
- Foreign Non-residents: $50/person
- Foreign Resident: $40/person
- Rwanda Residents: 5,000 Rwf/person
- EAC Nationals: $10/person
- EAC Foreign Resident: $40/person
- Rwandan Student: 2,000 Rwf/person
- EAC Student: $5/person
- Foreign Resident Student: $20/person
Congo-Nile Divide Guided Hike Fee
- Foreign Non-residents: $100/person
- Foreign Resident: $70/person
- Rwanda Residents: 10,000 Rwf/person
- EAC Nationals: $20/person
- EAC Foreign Resident: $70/person
- Rwandan Student: 5,000 Rwf/person
- EAC Student: $10/person
- Foreign Resident Student: $35/person
Camping Fees
- With Your Tent: $30/night
- Without Tent: $40/tent/night
Commercial Filming Fee
Travellers who want to film can do so for a fee. Here are the charges for entering the park and filming.
- For Chimpanzees: $1000/group/per day
- For Other Park Products: $600/group/per day
Note:
It’s essential to be aware that primate tracking is not permitted for children under 16 years of age. Children under 7 years old, however, are exempt from any charges. Additionally, graduate students are not eligible for student rates and are required to pay the standard fees.
To ensure a fulfilling experience, it is essential to bring certain items. These include binoculars, rain gear, hiking boots or gum boots, water, and snacks. The optimal months for observing chimpanzees are June, July, and August, particularly in the morning when they are feeding. Only two groups of visitors are allowed to trek a specific group of primates on any given day, and they are permitted to spend only one hour with them.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is surrounded by various accommodation options catering to different preferences and budgets. Some notable facilities in Nyungwe include the luxurious One & Only Nyungwe House, the upscale Nyungwe Forest Lodge, the midrange Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, and the budget-friendly Gisakura Family Hostel.
Contact Information
Phone Number: +250-780-870-670
WhatsApp: +256-781-960-154
Email Address: info@nyungweforestnationalpark.org
