Travel advisory · RwandaSome governments advise against travel to parts of Rwanda.The warnings cover only these areas: Border regions with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rusizi district border areas.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Border regions with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, Spain, New Zealand
- Rusizi district border areas · avoid non-essential travel · Italy, UK
Also named by one government: Rubavu district (New Zealand), Bugesera district border areas (Italy), Gisagara district border areas (Italy), Karongi district border areas (Italy), Kirehe district border areas (Italy), Musanze district border areas (Italy), Ngoma district border areas (Italy), Nyabihu district border areas (Italy), Nyamasheke district border areas (Italy), Nyanza district border areas (Italy), Rubavu district border areas (Italy), Rutsiro district border areas (Italy)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Reconsider travel | Jun 4, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Take normal security precautions | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | Oct 13, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Exercise normal safety and security precautions (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Vigilance renforcée (en jaune) pour l'ensemble du pays | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe is one of Africa's oldest rainforests, and travelers come for chimpanzee tracking, forest hikes and the canopy walkway above the trees.
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Nyungwe National Park covers a large block of montane rainforest in southwestern Rwanda, near the border with Burundi. It is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. The forest is dense and wet, with monkeys moving through the canopy and more than 250 bird species recorded, which draws birdwatchers. Chimpanzees live here too, and several habituated groups can be visited on guided tracking walks.
Visitors mostly come for the forest itself: hiking on steep, muddy trails, the canopy walkway above the treetops, and the tea estates nearby. The trip suits people who like walking, wildlife and quiet, and who are ready for a long drive from Kigali. Plan two or three nights to fit a chimpanzee trek and a day or two on the trails. The dry season, roughly June to September, is the easiest time for walking, though the forest stays green all year.
Nyungwe National Park in five
- Book the chimpanzee trek earlyTrekking permits are limited each day, so reserve before you travel. Treks start early, so plan your night in town around the departure time.Tours and tickets
- Carry small Rwandan franc notesCash is the safer choice for village shops and roadside stalls near Huye. Small notes are easier to change than large ones.Money and costs
- Set up an eSIM before the forestSignal is weak under the canopy and along the forest roads. Download offline maps and your trek confirmation before you leave town.Phones and eSIM
- Pack a rain shell and boots with gripNyungwe is a rainforest, and trails stay muddy and slippery even in the drier months. Shoes with ankle support matter more than light sneakers.
- Keep 7 metres from chimpanzeesGuides set the distance, and the usual rule is 7 metres to limit disease passing between people and apes. Skip the trek if you have a cough or cold.
Things to do in Nyungwe National Park
See all attractions in Nyungwe National Park
Need to know
- Currency
- Rwandan franc (RWF)
- Entry
- Visa for most passports; eVisa or visa on arrival, check eligibility first
- Emergency
- 112 police, 912 ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected; check the bill for a service charge
- Time
- UTC+2, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryShort dry spell
- FebruaryDry season ends
- MarchLong rains start
- AprilHeavy rain
- MayRains easing
- JuneDry, trails firm
- JulyDry, mid-season
- AugustDry, peak season
- SeptemberDry, green
- OctoberShort rains
- NovemberRain returns
- DecemberShort dry spell
Right now in Nyungwe National Park
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
15
- Feels like
- 16°
- Humidity
- 95%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Nyungwe National Park
02:04 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today20°11°100%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed19°11°100%Wednesday: Rain. High 19°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu20°12°100%Thursday: Rain. High 20°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Fri19°12°100%Friday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sat20°11°100%Saturday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sun19°11°100%Sunday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 100%.
Updated 11:56 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1,476 RWF
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Nyungwe National Park
Rules for Nyungwe National Park, checked
- Chimpanzee trekking needs a permit and a park guide; book the permit before you travel, as numbers are limited each day.
- Keep at least 7 metres from chimpanzees and other primates, and do not feed or approach them.
- Stay on marked trails and follow your guide's instructions; do not collect plants, wood or other forest material.
Plan around Nyungwe National Park
Cash, cards and tipping basics for the park trip
Read the guideGetting around RwandaRoad transfers from Kigali and onward travel
Read the guideWhere to stayLodges and guesthouses near the forest
Read the guideVisas and entryVisa rules and how to apply before you fly
Read the guideAll of RwandaEntry, money and the rest of the country
Read the guideNyungwe National Park FAQ
Do I need a permit to see chimpanzees in Nyungwe?
Yes. Chimpanzee trekking needs a permit, and numbers are limited each day, so book before you travel.
How many days do I need in Nyungwe?
Two nights covers the canopy walk and one chimpanzee trek. Add a day for forest walks if you want a slower pace.
When is the best time to visit Nyungwe?
June to September, the drier months. Rain falls in the forest throughout the year, so pack for wet weather in any month.
How do I get to Nyungwe?
Drive from Kigali, or from Huye, the nearest town. Plan a full day for the drive from Kigali.
Do I need malaria tablets for Nyungwe?
Ask a travel clinic before you go. The area is in a malaria zone, and the right tablets depend on your health and history.