Packing List for Visiting Nyungwe Forest
A simple packing list for visiting Nyungwe forest. When it comes to a trip to Rwanda’s most pristine forest, it is important to pack right. This 1000-square-kilometer Protected Area sits in the southwestern corner of Rwanda and is home to 1000 plant species, over 80 mammal species, and about 320 bird species in Nyungwe. Given its rich biodiversity, many nature lovers will jump at any opportunity to explore Nyungwe Forest because of its magnificent natural environment and wide range of things to do. This popular safari destination is explored through chimpanzee trekking tours, guided forest walks/hiking, bird watching, canopy walks, and others which are done on foot and therefore what you pack will affect your overall experience. Therefore, below are the important things to pack while visiting Nyungwe Forest. Book Now
Long, comfortable, and light-weight safari pants
Safari pants in neutral colors and with many pockets are one of the most important things to pack while visiting Nyungwe Forest and while some travelers avoid them during the dry season, they are very handy. The vegetation of this forest is thick, mosquitoes are insane and therefore you will need to protect your legs from insects, scratching vegetation, and splashy mud during forest walks/hiking, chimpanzee trekking, birding tours, and even canopy walks.
Insect repellant
Insect repellants with DEET (Diethyl-meta-toluamide) are also important when visiting Nyungwe Forest but always go for the biodegradable options such as lotions instead of sprays because you have control over what you wish to cover (your skin or cloth) and not the air, plants around you, or even furniture.
A lightweight rain jacket/or Poncho
In addition to protecting your skin and gadgets during sudden downpours while on chimp treks, forest walks/hiking, birding, and other activities, the rain jacket can also keep you warm during cold evenings. Sometimes, most safari Lodges have rain jackets or ponchos for hire at a small fee, it is always advisable to be prepared at all times. A poncho is also a requirement during a gorilla trek in Volcanoes should you have an opportunity to visit the park.
Pair/s of shorts
This might sound bizarre but packing a pair/s of shorts is also recommended while visiting Nyungwe Forest, especially for staying/or relaxing indoors in your Safari Lodge or during community walks. Some travelers opt for the special “convertible pants-to-short” ensemble to save space.
Long-sleeved and fast-drying shirts
As it is for guests tracking gorillas in Volcanoes, Nyungwe Forest is cool and wet (owing to the Protected Area’s closeness to the Equator and temperatures being slightly the same), thus having fast-drying clothes that can also be layered is crucial. Also, remember it is a rainforest and therefore exploring it also requires covering your hand from scratching vegetation, sunburns, or insect bites.
Sturdy hiking boots
Packing a pair of sturdy hiking boots is also recommended while visiting Nyungwe Forest because it is ideal and comfortable for chimpanzee treks, forest walks/hiking, bird-watching tours, and canopy walks. Many travelers make the huge mistake of packing sneakers which in the end turn out to be a disaster as the forest terrain sometimes becomes soggy, muddy, and slippery thus soaking the shoes as well. However, there is also an option of hiring hiking shoes in the Park, although it is advisable to be prepared as you might have a problem with those not fitting well.
Additionally, you need comfortable cotton socks of mid to long length to allow you to tuck in your pants for exploring Nyungwe Forest National Park. These prevent insects from crawling into your trousers.
A basic First Aid kit
For your Nyungwe Forest trip, the First Aid kit should at least contain Band-aid, motion sickness medication, Antibiotics for travelers’ diarrhea, gloves, tweezers, anti-fungal scream, wound dressing, antiseptic wipes, a sunburn salve like Aloe Vera gel, Blister dressing, foot powder, antibacterial wipes, scissors, Antacid tablets, Ace Bandage, Pain killers such as Aspirin, Anti-malarial tablets and anti-diarrheal tablets such as Pepto-Bismol, liniment, to mention but a few.
Toiletries
Some of the must-have toiletries while visiting Nyungwe Forest include face wipes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, hair comb/brush, shampoo, and body wash, sanitary towels for female travelers, sunscreen, nail clips, and many others.
Wide-brimmed hat
In your packing list for visiting Nyungwe forest include a wide-brimmed hat, this is crucial for sun protection and keeping you cooler during the Nyungwe Forest tour for comfort, make sure that you find one with a tie around the neck to avoid flying off while hiking or any other activity. For sun protection, you will also need sunglasses.
Fast-drying undergarments
When packing your underwear, make sure that you have the fast-drying ones since you will most likely wash them by hand (in the Lodge sinks) and dry them in the bathrooms.
A good camera with extra batteries and memory space to avoid missing the million and one photo opportunities in Nyungwe Forest. A pair of binoculars is also handy for exploring this Rwandan natural gem because wildlife and birds are quite unpredictable and most times won’t be a couple of Meyers away to provide a wonderful view.
A waterproof backpack
You will need a backpack to your packing list for visiting Nyungwe forest for storing and protecting your valuables such as a camera, binoculars, and cash during Nyungwe Forest activities.
Additionally, you will need a Vaccination (Covid-19 and Yellow Fever Vaccination Card, Travel documents (passport, visa, e-ticket, and itinerary), a reusable water bottle, energy-giving snacks, and many others.
