Traveling to Nyungwe By Public Transport

Traveling to Nyungwe by public transport is so easy and should not worry any lone traveler or group seeking adventure at this most pristine forest National Park. Nyungwe Forest is easily reachable by public bus. Where are you traveling from below, we provide you with key places that might be of your origin.

-From Kigali to Nyungwe Forest. 

Traveling to Nyungwe from Kigali by public transport is a bit of an adventure, but it’s doable.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip: Book Now

Step 1: Kigali to Butare

– From Kigali, take a bus or minibus (known as a “matatu”) heading to Butare. You can find these at the Nyabugogo Bus Station in Kigali.
– The journey takes around 3-4 hours and costs approximately 2,500 – 3,500 RWF (around $2.50 – USD 3.50).

Step 2: Butare to Gisakura Recieption

– In Butare, transfer to another bus or minibus heading to Gisakura, which is the closest town to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
– This journey takes around 1-2 hours and costs approximately 1,500 – 2,500 RWF (around $1.50 – USD 2.50).

Step 3: Gisakura to Nyungwe Uwinka Reception 

– From Gisakura, take a taxi or motorcycle (known as a “moto”) to the Nyungwe Forest National Park entrance.
– This journey takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour and costs approximately 5,000 – 10,000 RWF (around $5 – USD 10). This is for guests heading to Canopy Walk in Nyungwe and other trails starting from this point.

-From Kibuye to Nyungwe Forest.
– From Kibuye, take a bus or minibus (known as a “matatu”) heading to Buhinga.  A bus or Matatu will make a brief stop at Buhinga Centre. Jump off and you will get a taxi or moto to Gisakura Park reception.

-By bus, this is about 2hrs and the fee is between RWF 4,000 and RWF 5,000, arriving at Buhinga. A moto from here is about 30 minutes ride and the fee is between RWF 10,000 -12,000. (around $10 – USD 12).

Tips and Reminders while traveling to Nyungwe by public transport 

– Be prepared for a long and winding journey, with possible delays.
– Make sure to negotiate prices with taxi or moto drivers before you start your journey.
– Pack snacks and water, as options may be limited during the journey.
– Consider booking a guided tour or private transportation for a more comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Please note that prices and travel times are estimates and may vary depending on the time of day, traffic, and other factors. It is safe to travel to Nyungwe by public transport and here your adventure will start. Make sure that you pre-book some of your experiences including Chimpanzee trekking and Canopy walk. Visitors tracking Chimpanzees in Nyungwe will be required to hire a private 4×4  vehicle for this transfer to and back from the trailhead.

From here you can visit other places in Rwanda including Volcanoes National Park by Public transport for your gorilla trek in Rwanda, do not miss out on this opportunity thinking it is not possible.