Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park Fees (2025-2026)

Park Entry Fees

• Rwandan/EAC Citizens: 10,000 Rwf per night; free from the 4th night.
• Foreign Residents/African Citizens: $60 per night; free from the 4th night.
• International Visitors: $100 per night; free from the 4th night.
• Children (6-12 years): 50% of adult rate; free from the 4th night.

Accommodation (Per Person, Per Night)

• Gisovu & Uwinka Guest House:
• Single: $120
• Double: $145
• Quadruple: $215

Activity Fees

• Canopy Walk, Birding, Night Walk:
• Rwandan/EAC: 5,000 Rwf
• Foreign Resident: $20
• International: $40

Chimpanzee Tracking:

• Rwandan/EAC: 25,000 Rwf
• Foreign Resident: $75
• International: $150

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience:

• Rwandan/EAC: 30,000 Rwf
• Foreign Resident: $100
• International: $200

Multi-Day Hiking Trails

Congo Nile Divide Trail (Self-Catered)

• Foreign Non-Resident: $400
• Foreign Resident: $300
• Rwandan/EAC: 150,000 Rwf

Cyinzobe 3-Day Trail (Includes Food & Guide)

• Rwandan/EAC: 200,000 Rwf (Shared), $280 (Single)
• International: $300 (Shared), $340 (Single)

Other Fees

• Camping: $15 per night ($7.5 for children).
• Tent Rental: $20 per night.
• Porters: $5 (half-day), $10 (full-day).
• Fines for Rule Violations: $150.
• Filming Fees: $300 (general), $1,000 (chimpanzees).
• Annual Pass (Unlimited Entry for 1 Year):
• Rwandan/EAC: 95,000 Rwf (Single), 205,000 Rwf (Family)
• Foreign Resident: $300 (Single), $700 (Family)

Payment Methods: No cash accepted. Pay via Visa, Mobile Money, DirectPay Online, or bank transfer.

Experiences in Nyungwe National Park 

Nyungwe National Park offers a diverse range of experiences, from thrilling primate tracking to breathtaking hikes and cultural interactions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the park’s rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and unique wildlife encounters.  

1. Chimpanzee Tracking

Join expert guides for an exciting trek through Nyungwe’s dense rainforest to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. This experience offers a chance to see these intelligent primates up close while learning about their behavior and conservation.  

2. Chimpanzee Habituation Experience 

A more immersive alternative to regular chimp tracking, this experience allows guests to spend an entire day with a team of researchers studying a group of chimpanzees. Visitors will witness how chimps wake up, interact, forage, and prepare for the night.  

3. Canopy Walkway

One of Nyungwe’s most iconic attractions, the Canopy Walkway is a 160-meter-long suspension bridge hanging 70 meters above the forest floor. This thrilling adventure offers unparalleled views of the treetops and a chance to spot rare birds and primates.  

4. Guided Nature & Birdwatching Walks 

With over 322 bird species and 1,000 plant species, Nyungwe is a paradise for nature lovers. Guided walks along scenic trails provide opportunities to see colorful birds, butterflies, and rare orchids while learning about the forest’s ecology.  

5. Multi-Day Hiking Adventures

- Congo Nile Divide Trail (self-catered, 3+ days): A challenging trek along the ridge dividing the Congo and Nile River basins, offering breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems.  

- Cyinzobe 3-Day Trail: A scenic hike with overnight stays in wooden cabins, passing waterfalls, swamps, and dense forests. Includes meals and a guide.  

6. Night Walks

Experience Nyungwe after dark with a guided night walk, where you can encounter nocturnal creatures like bush babies, night monkeys, and rare tree frogs.  

7. Cultural & Community Experiences 

Engage with local communities surrounding the park to learn about traditional Rwandan customs, crafts, and storytelling. These experiences provide insight into the cultural heritage that coexists with the park’s conservation efforts.  

8. Behind-the-Scenes Experience

Go beyond the typical tourist experience with a behind-the-scenes tour led by park rangers. Learn about conservation programs, wildlife monitoring, and the daily efforts to protect Nyungwe’s incredible biodiversity.  

Nyungwe National Park promises an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Whether you seek adrenaline, relaxation, or education, there’s an experience tailored for everyone.

- Climate & Seasons: Nyungwe has a cool, humid rainforest climate with temperatures between  10°C and 25°C  year-round. The dry season (June–Sept & Dec–Feb)  is best for hiking, while the  rainy season (March–May & Oct–Nov) makes trails more challenging but lush.  

-  What to Pack: Waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.  

- Getting There: The park is a  5-6 hour drive from Kigali, with road and helicopter transport options.  

- Accommodation & Booking: Options include Gisovu & Uwinka Guest Houses and luxury lodges. Advance booking is required for activities like chimp tracking and canopy walks.  

- Payment: Cash not accepted —pay via Visa, Mobile Money, DirectPay Online, or bank transfer.  

Nyungwe offers incredible trekking, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty—plan ahead for the best experience!

Vaccinations

Travelers to Rwanda may need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon entry. It is recommended to consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least eight weeks prior to your trip for the latest advice on vaccinations and health precautions. Additionally, ensure you have adequate medical insurance for your visit.

Malaria

Although malaria cases in Akagera are uncommon, Rwanda is considered a malaria zone. Travelers should consult their doctor about preventive medication and take measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing and trousers during early mornings and evenings.

Drinking Water

It is advisable not to drink tap water unless it has been boiled or filtered. Bottled water is readily available throughout Rwanda. Akagera, however, does not sell plastic bottled water. Guests are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles, which can be refilled at the park’s coffee shops.

General Safety

Rwanda is widely recognized as one of Africa’s safest countries, with low crime rates. Nevertheless, visitors should exercise common sense by avoiding carrying large sums of money and being cautious when walking at night.

Language

Kinyarwanda is the primary language spoken in Rwanda, while English has been an official language since the country joined the Commonwealth in 2009. Although many Rwandans speak some English, French is still widely used, particularly among those who were educated in French before 2009.

Visas

Since 2018, citizens of all countries can obtain a 30-day visa upon arrival in Rwanda. Nationals from Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Senegal, Seychelles, São Tomé and Príncipe, Democratic Republic of the Congo, East African Community member states, Mauritius, Singapore, and the Philippines are eligible for a free 90-day visa upon arrival. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. For the latest visa requirements, please consult the immigration website.

Currency

The official currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). Foreign currencies can be exchanged in Kigali or at local banks, with varying exchange rates depending on the institution. Notes issued before 2005 are not accepted. Traveler’s cheques can be cashed in Kigali, provided you have the original purchase receipts. Major credit cards are accepted at large hotels, and cash withdrawals are possible at some ATMs in Kigali, though they may not always be reliable. Akagera National Park operates a cashless system, with payment options including MTN MOMO, Direct Pay Online (DPO), bank transfers, and credit cards (Visa or MasterCard).

Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are prohibited in Rwanda, and visitors will be required to surrender any upon arrival at the airport, including those from duty-free shopping. Supermarkets provide brown paper bags as an alternative. The Ministry of Environment is also working to minimize the use of single-use plastics, such as straws, water bottles, and cups.

Umuganda

On the last Saturday morning of each month, Rwandans observe Umuganda, a community service day aimed at improving local areas through activities like street cleaning, grass trimming, and road repairs. While participation is not mandatory for international visitors, some tour operators offer opportunities to join in. Please note that during Umuganda, shops and public transport are typically closed in the morning.

Car-Free Day

Kigali observes car-free days twice a month, on the first and third Sundays. During these days, major roads are closed from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. to allow for cycling, jogging, and other physical activities. A public exercise class is also available for all to join. While road closures may impact travel in and out of Kigali, local drivers are generally aware of alternative routes, and disruptions are minimal.