Helicopter Transfers to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Helicopter Transfers to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Visitors traveling with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris can choose helicopter transfers to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the most pristine and biologically rich rainforests in Rwanda. Known for its chimpanzee trekking experiences, Nyungwe is home to 13 species of primates, including the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, colobus monkeys, and a wide variety of birdlife. Helicopter flights from Kigali International Airport to Nyungwe take approximately 45 minutes.

Flights typically land at the helipad of One & Only Nyungwe House, with a short road transfer to nearby lodges. It is advisable to pre-arrange ground transportation from the helipad to your accommodation. These flights also offer breathtaking aerial views of Rwanda’s lush landscapes. All helicopter transfers are operated by Akagera Aviation, licensed by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority as an Air Services Operator, Aviation Training Organization, and Aviation Maintenance Organization. Akagera Aviation is also an official Robinson Helicopter Dealership and Service Center for the East African region.

Helicopter Types Used for Nyungwe Transfers

Agusta AW139
This intermediate twin-engine helicopter is known for its high safety standards and performance. It has a maximum payload capacity of 550 kilograms.

Agusta A109S Grand
A light twin-engine helicopter with seating for six passengers. It offers a spacious cabin, advanced avionics, and safety features for a smooth journey. It can carry up to 380 kilograms.

Agusta AW119MKII
A single-engine, high-performance helicopter built in 2017. It accommodates six passengers and includes modern safety and stability systems. The payload capacity is 380 kilograms.

Helicopter Transfers to Other National Parks in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Helicopter transfers to Volcanoes National Park are ideal for travelers planning gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking. Flights from Kigali International Airport take around 30 minutes and land at Musanze Airstrip. Ground transfers are then needed to reach lodges such as Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, and Singita Kwitonda Lodge.

Flights are operated by Akagera Aviation and offer scenic aerial views of Rwanda’s mountainous terrain. Akagera Aviation is fully certified by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority and operates under all three aviation categories.

Helicopter Type Used

Robinson R44 Raven II
A three-seater helicopter powered by a Lycoming IO-540 engine. Known for its reliability and high-altitude performance, the R44 is widely used for private and corporate transport.

Akagera National Park

Chartered and scheduled helicopter flights are also available to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah wildlife destination. Flights take approximately 30 minutes from Kigali and are operated by Akagera Aviation. Flights depart daily at 2:00 p.m. and arrive at 2:25 p.m., with prices ranging between USD 280 and USD 3,000 per person.

This option offers quicker access to Akagera’s Big Five game and other wildlife compared to the 2–2.5-hour road journey. Along the way, passengers can enjoy panoramic views of wetlands, highlands, lakes, and grasslands.

About Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s second most visited park after Volcanoes National Park. As one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests, Nyungwe is a biodiversity hotspot. It is often called the “Primate’s World” due to its significant populations of chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, including endemic Albertine Rift species like L’Hoest’s monkey.

The park also features a variety of orchids, marshlands, butterflies, and over 322 bird species—29 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Other mammals include serval cats, mongooses, and the elusive leopard.

Top Activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is the most popular activity in Nyungwe. It can be done year-round in the park’s Uwinka and Cyamudongo sectors, where two habituated chimp groups reside. Treks begin around 5:00 a.m., led by experienced guides, and allow visitors to spend up to one hour observing the chimpanzees.

Primate Tracking

Besides chimpanzees, visitors can track other primates such as Angola colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, and more. Ruwenzori colobus monkeys, known for their black and white fur, are especially popular. Trails like Kamiranzovu, Bigugu, Waterfall, and Uwinka offer good sightings.

Canopy Walk

The park is home to East Africa’s only canopy walkway—a 160-meter-long suspension bridge 70 meters above the forest floor. The walk begins at the Uwinka Visitor Center and offers views of birds, monkeys, and the forest canopy. Visitors who are uncomfortable with heights may opt for forest hikes instead.

Hiking Trails

Popular trails include:

Igishigishigi Trail – shortest path to the canopy bridge
Bigugu Trail – challenging hike to Mount Bigugu
Waterfall Trail – leads to scenic waterfalls
Uwinka Trail – ideal for spotting colobus monkeys and other primates

Congo Nile Trail

This 227-kilometer multi-day trek follows the divide between the Congo and Nile River basins. The trail passes through rainforests, bamboo groves, and tea plantations.

Birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe is Rwanda’s top birding destination. It hosts over 300 bird species, with 27 Albertine Rift endemics. Notable species include:

Archer’s Robin-Chat
Blue Turaco
Red-collared Mountain Babbler
Rockefellers’ Sunbird
Purple-throated Sunbird
Rwenzori Double-collared Warbler
Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher

Birdwatching is best done along the park’s established hiking trails.

Accommodation Options in Nyungwe

Lodging options range from budget to luxury, including:

Gisakura Visitor Centre
Gisakura Guesthouse
Nziza Ecolodge
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
One & Only Nyungwe House

How to Reach Nyungwe Forest National Park from Kigali

Nyungwe is about 225 kilometers from Kigali, and the drive takes around 6 hours. It is approximately a 7-hour drive (265.3 km) from Volcanoes National Park. Travelers seeking a shorter journey can fly from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport, followed by a short 1.5-kilometer drive to the park.