When most people think of Africa, the first thing that comes up is how hot the continent is. Don’t be deceived, that is far from reality.

Africa is blessed with a good climate as it shines and rains. How beautiful is that!

However, for a safari in Nyungwe National Park, there is a type of wear you should put on.

Don’t disorganize your wardrobe, let me help you choose the right wear for your safari in Nyungwe Forest Park.

Keep in mind that what to wear in Nyungwe Forest park depends on the park’s weather that day.

List of What To Wear In Nyungwe National Park On Safari

1. Light hiking Shoes or boots
2. Light Long Sleeved Shirts and Trousers
3. A hat
4. Sunglasses
5. Garden Gloves
6. Light woolen Stockings
7. Sandals
8. Buff

Detail of What To Wear In Nyungwe National Park

Light Hiking Shoes or Boots: The hiking shoes will protect your feet from getting damaged and injuries.

When walking or on hikes there are sharp piercing tree branches and thorns but the boots protect you from that.

The other thing, you are saved from is walking in the dirt barefooted and from bites from crawling creatures and insects.

Always get good hiking boots that are light, waterproof, and cover your ankles making you feel comfortable.

Light Long Sleeved Shirts and Trousers: Shirts and trousers should be light and protect your body from biting insects and burning itching plants.

Long-sleeved Shirts and trousers provide warmth if in case weather is cold, especially in the mornings.

Precautions when choosing shirts and trousers

1. Avoiding putting on loud, bright shouting colors as they draw attention to you and chasing away animals.
2. Always emphasize putting on neutral-colored shirts and trousers. (Brown and Khaki are highly recommended) They blend easily with the surroundings and call for no attention. They also don’t show dirt easily.
3. Avoid putting on camouflaging shirts and trousers, especially army green as this wear is mostly reserved for the country’s military personnel.
4. You can always wear shorts. However, women’s shorts should always be knee-length for their safety. It also preserves the African culture of ladies not exposing their body out.

A hat or cap: The hat or cap protects your head and face from the strong African sun.

When going for nature walks, always ensure to have a cap or hat. They as well reduce glare for better animal viewing.

Sun Glasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from the direct bright sunlight by blocking out harmful sunlight rays.

Good sunglasses are the ones with UV protection as it cuts through the glare giving you clear sightings.

Garden Gloves: Garden gloves may sound like a joke but you need them for the protection of your hands.

The gloves will protect you from dirt when you touch tree branches or the ground trying to get support.

The gloves also protect your hands from scratching branches and itchy irritating plants.

Light woolen Stockings: Stockings are ignored by many travelers though they are essential and provide comfort when wearing shoes.

To avoid any inconveniences, always put on dry stockings once a day. This is will protect your feet from fungal infections and stinking.

Sandals: Sandals are worn basically in the evenings or on a day with no activities when chilling at your lodge.

Sometimes you will want to excuse yourself from the boots and just let your feet get some fresh air.

Common lodges have sandals or slippers in rooms but for better comfort, you should come along with yours.

Buff: A buff is worn on the head to keep your hair back from falling across your face and causing disturbances during animal viewing.

On dusty days, a buff is used for covering the mouth or nose.

All wear depends on where you are going and the weather conditions in that place.

Nyungwe Forest Park is a forest with many primates, try so much not to wear clothes with bright colors.

When trekking in the forest, always be mindful and wear your hiking boots and long-sleeved shirts and trousers.

For any questions concerning what to wear in Nyungwe National Park, Kindly send us an email.

The post What To Wear In Nyungwe National Park On Safari appeared first on Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda.

It creates panic when you remember the restrictions of your airline not allowing you to exceed a given weight of luggage.

You don’t have to worry about looking for what to pack for Nyungwe Forest National Park on  a Rwanda safari and what to leave behind. Our experts have saved you all the trouble and have listed all the essential items that you need for your safari.

Alist of What To Carry To Nyungwe National Park/Packing List For A Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Nyungwe Forest

1. Light Day Backpack
2. A pair of Binoculars
3. A good camera with extra batteries
4. Poncho/ Rain Jacket
5. Insect Repellent
6. Sunscreen
7. Refillable Water bottles
8. Backpack
9. Walking sticks
10. Swimming suits
11. Personal First Aid kit
12. Toiletries
13. Led torches/ Headlamps
14. Personal Medication
15. Charging Accessories
16. Wildlife Guide Books
17. Exchanged money in Rwanda’s Currency

Get to know more about each Nyungwe National Park packing list item in detail and why you need to carry it.

1. Light Day Backpack

A light day backpack will enable you to carry your essential items with you always on your body side. If possible make sure to bring a flexible and waterproof lightweight backpack.

Items to carry along are your travel documents, first aid kit, personal medication, insect repellent, and a water bottle.

2. A Pair Of Binoculars

Binoculars will make your primate safari to the park complete as you will be getting all the clear views.

This is an essential item that will zoom in giving you enlarged visions of primates while in the park.

However, the binoculars are versatile and they should have a loop to wear around the neck for safety.

3. A Good Camera With Extra Batteries

We all want to share our travel experiences with family and friends, right? That’s why you need a good camera to capture all the memorable experiences.

We are well aware that modern phones can take good pictures but footage from a camera will always outstand.

Do not be saddened by failing to proceed with capturing unusual primates because of the cameras’ low battery or full memory card.

In your backpack, there should be extra batteries and memory cards for your camera as sightings are limitless.

Cameras should have a loop that you can wear on your neck or buckle at your hand when taking pictures. This will maintain the safety of the camera from falls.

When moving out with your camera, always endeavor to move with a waterproof bag for safety in case of unexpected rain.

4. Poncho/ Rain Jacket

Nyungwe National park is in a rainforest meaning it can receive rainfall at any time of the day.

A poncho or rain jacket will keep you and your belongings from getting wet. An overall cover poncho is recommended.

5. Insect Repellent

All the safari activities are done in Nyungwe Forest meaning that there are insects within.

Forget all the stories of the natives not having repellents and surviving. The insects may be dangerous and infectious causing sicknesses.

Always spray yourself with an insect repellent to chase away the insects to avoid ant infections.

6. Sunscreen

Although Nyungwe is a forest, the area remains hot with direct sunlight rays.

To avoid skin damage from the harsh African sun, always apply sunscreen to your body to ensure safety.

7. Reusable-Refillable Water Bottles

Rwanda is one of Africa’s cleanest cities. For environmental conservation and good sanitation reasons, the country prohibits the use of plastic ware.

You can have a long-lasting reusable beverage bottle. Here, you are also helping in the fight for saving nature.

8.Water Filters

Avoid drinking water from taps when at any lodge in Nyungwe as it is not safe. Forget all about your home country where drinking water is got from taps.

Always drink bottled mineral water as it is 100% safe. For you to feel safer you can carry your water filter.

9. Walking Sticks-Trekking Sticks

Walking sticks or Trekking sticks will aid your walking and give you more stability during nature and Chimpanzee trekking.

The sticks stabilize your body from falling when walking on wet slimy trails.

You can always use one walking stick or decide to use a pair.

10. Swimming Suits

Most safari lodges at Nyungwe National Park are suited with swimming pools.

You can relax and chill at the pool swimming as you enjoy great views of the forest while in your lovely swimming suit.

11. Personal First Aid kit

Traveling can sometimes cause exhaustion leading to sicknesses like headaches and fever.

Accidents are uncontrollable like falls piercings and cuttings. However, first aid kits contain most of the right equipment to prevent infections and treat simple sicknesses.

Most of the safari lodges and vehicles have first aid kits but it is better when you own one.

A First Aid kit should have;

• Painkillers
• Plasters
• Disposable Nitrile Exam Gloves
• Malaria Tablets
• Vitamins
• Gauze Bandages
• Razor Blades
• A pair of Scissors

12. Toiletries

Toiletries are personal care items used for hygiene. Hotels and lodges provide the necessities though some are left out.

In case of any allergies or personal issues, you are urged to always carry your toiletries.

Toiletries to come up with include;

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dental Floss
• Toilet bag
• Facial wipes
• Shaver
• Tissue
• Comb
• Body cream- Lotion
• Deodorant
• Make-up case
• Sanitizer

13. Led Torches/ Headlamps

The African power supply is unreliable and many lodges switch off power during night hours.

The torches will work as a substitute for providing light. The led torches or headlamps can give you light during walks from the restaurant to your room cottage.

Perhaps a led torch using batteries is more reliable than a rechargeable one.

14. Personal Medication

Everyone has a sickness that is disturbing them. Nowadays we have learned how to stay with sicknesses and do other work as well.

Many sicknesses have prescriptions requiring one to take medication 2-3 times a day.

Kindly remember to carry your medication to avoid any implications during your safari.

This information can be shared with your travel agent. He/she will then pass it on to lodges and your guide to always remind you of the prescribed time.

15. Charging Accessories-Universal Travel Adaptor

Rwanda is an African country having plug sockets different from the European plan and beyond.

The common plug types used are type C with 2 round pins and type J with 3 round pins.

The country’s power supply works on 230V and 50Hz.

Travelers are deeply urged to always carry a universal travel adaptor to help them charge their electronic devices.

16. Wildlife Guide Books

Wildlife guidebooks provide countless information about wildlife which is credible and trustworthy.

The books explain more of the animals and birds you are in search of and knowing this information will make your trip successful.

Most guidebooks have been published based on animals and bird species.

17. Exchanged Money In Rwanda’s Currency

When traveling to Nyungwe National Park, always carry cash with you. It doesn’t need to be much but at least have something.

Forget all you have heard about moving without hard cash since you have a credit card.

Yes, it’s true, your money is secure or the card but what if the card fails to work? What next? You can always use the cash for clearing the bill.

Also, exchange some money for Rwanda’s currency “Amafaranga.”

Local currency can be used in paying small bills and tipping for good service.

I know, you may be a millionaire when you exchange to Rwanda’s currency but please move with little cash.

Much money may lead to being robbed.

Also, when purchasing local items, please use local currency as it may be cheap and hence saving.

The list has been put together by travel experts to eliminate your worry and hustle trying to figure out what to carry.

It is to help you travel light but more ready than ever. Let me hope that we have helped you pack for the Nyungwe National Park safari.

Kindly let us know about any queries concerning what to carry to Nyungwe Forest National Park by sending us an email.

The post What To Carry To Nyungwe Forest National Park/Packing List appeared first on Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda.

Most regulations set in Nyungwe forest national park are directed towards conserving the great population of Chimpanzees in the park. However, they also safeguard visitors from getting hurt by the unpredictable ways of chimps and other wildlife in Nyungwe Forest.

Therefore, for a successful safari in Nyungwe National Park, you’re encouraged to follow the following rules and regulations.

A Summary Of Nyungwe Forest National Park Rules And Regulations

1. You must present all the required papers at the entrance point of the park for the check-up.
2. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in the park
3. Pets like dogs, cats, and birds among others are not allowed in the park.
4. Only persons above the age of 15 years are allowed to trek Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park
5. Only a group of 8 visitors is allowed to track a habituated Chimpanzee community a day.
6. Trekkers must wash their hands before going to the jungle to search for chimpanzees.
7. Please, you’re forbidden from plucking leaves, and flowers, or uprooting any plants while in Nyungwe Forest.
8. It is prohibited to litter the park
9. Always listen to the ranger’s rules while on the Chimpanzee trail in Nyungwe forest national park.
10. Trekkers must lower their voices while in the jungle searching for Chimpanzees.
11. While searching for Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, visitors must keep in their group.
12. On meeting Chimpanzees, you are not allowed to point or run after them, they might end up charging at you.
13. Trekkers must keep a 7m distance when Chimpanzees are located.
14. Visitors who feel like sneezing and coughing when near Chimpanzees must turn their heads away and cover their mouths.
15. Travelers with sunglasses that reflect light must put them off on encountering Chimpanzees.
16. Visitors must not mimic the Chimpanzees’ vocalization.
17. Eating, drinking or smoking while near Chimpanzees is not allowed.
18. You are only limited to one hour enjoying Chimpanzees in the jungle.
19. Travelers on Chimpanzee safaris in Rwanda’s Nyungwe NP must avoid close eye contact when they meet chimpanzees.
20. Don’t use flash photography while taking chimpanzee photos.
21. Trekkers that are sick or showing some signs of sickness are not allowed to trek chimpanzees.
22. If you feel like easing yourself along the trail, you should ask the ranger to help you dig over a 30cm deep hole.

The Detailed Rules And Regulations In Nyungwe Forest National Park

1. You must present all the required papers at the entrance point of the park for the check-up. For that reason, you are advised to move with all your park receipts, passports, and driver’s license for review if needed.
2. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed into the park. These will be left at the park entrance point after the inspection.
3. Pets like dogs, cats, and birds among others are not allowed in the park. This is so because they can be attacked by wild animals or just get lost in the thick jungles.
4. Only persons above the age of 15 years are allowed to trek Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park. However, those below 15 years but, looking mature have been allowed by the Authorities in Rwanda to trek chimps.
5. Only a group of 8 visitors is allowed to track a habituated Chimpanzee community a day. This protects the chimps from being stressed by big groups of people and limits infection transfer.
6. Trekkers must wash their hands before going to the jungle to search for chimpanzees. This is intended to minimize any possibility of disease transfer.
7. Please, you’re forbidden from plucking leaves, and flowers, or uprooting any plants while in Nyungwe Forest. This action disrespects eco-tourism principles which aim at conserving nature for feature generations.
8. It is prohibited to litter the park. Please, you’re requested to keep all your rubbish until you get out of the jungle. You’ll dispose off them in the dust bins at the park headquarters.
9. Always listen to the ranger’s rules while on the Chimpanzee trail in Nyungwe forest national park.
10. Trekkers must lower their voices while in the jungle searching for Chimpanzees. This offers an opportunity of spotting several birds, plus a variety of wildlife along the trail.

More so, keeping quiet helps to keep chimpanzees calm. But, remember, you’re not limited from asking the ranger any questions.

11. While searching for Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, visitors must keep in their group. This helps to avoid going astray and also limits attacks from wild animals in the forest such as forest Elephants, Buffaloes, etc.
12. On meeting Chimpanzees, you are not allowed to point or run after them, they might end up charging at you.
13. Trekkers must keep a 7m distance when Chimpanzees are located. This helps to keep these awesome apes calm. It also minimizes the risk of transmitting human contagious diseases to chimps e.g. Flu and Cough.
14. Visitors who feel like sneezing and coughing when near Chimpanzees must turn their heads away and cover their mouths. This helps to reduce the transmission of viral or bacterial infections.
15. Travelers with sunglasses that reflect light must put them off on encountering Chimpanzees. Note that, the reflection on the glass can force chimps to get near you to find out.
16. Visitors must not mimic the Chimpanzees’ vocalization. This is so because you don’t know what you might be saying! Imitating a chimp might force it to charge at you.
17. Eating, drinking or smoking while near Chimpanzees is not allowed. Please, note chimps are vulnerable to smoke. In the case of eats, chimps can easily snatch food from you.

Remember, in most cases, foreign items may contain diseases or other impurities which may be unsafe for chimpanzees.

18. Travelers on Chimpanzee safaris in Rwanda’s Nyungwe NP must avoid close eye contact when they meet chimpanzees. This is so because chimps are strong wild animals that can attack you before you realize it.
19. You are only limited to one hour enjoying Chimpanzees in the jungle. During this period, you’ll learn about chimp behaviors and have a great moment of taking photos.

Please note that sometimes Chimpanzees can become tense. Therefore, your guide will finish the visit early for safety motives.

20. Don’t use flash photography while taking chimpanzee photos. Flashlight cameras usually stress the chimps and can make them charge.
21. Trekkers that are sick or showing some signs of sickness are not allowed to trek chimpanzees. Please, note that contagious diseases like Flu and Cough can severely affect these close relatives of man.

For the good of conserving Chimps, volunteer to not track. An alternative visit can be arranged for you, or you’ll be refunded your money.

22. If you feel like easing yourself along the trail, you should ask the ranger to help you dig over a 30cm deep hole. After, don’t forget to cover it. This reduces the transmission of diseases.

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Typically, Nyungwe National Park receives over 2,000 mm of rainfall per annum. Combined with the park’s high altitudes, this means that the climate is very wet and cool.

Temperatures remain constant year-round due to the forest’s location near the equator. The temperatures are around 20°C/68°F during the day and it cools off to about 10°C/50°F at night.

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Nyungwe became a National Park in 2004 as Rwanda sought to increase its tourism beyond the country’s mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, and is certainly worthy of its status because of its spectacular biodiversity.

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1. Common Chimpanzee
2. Other Primates e.g Angolan Black & White Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkyes, etc
3. Nyungwe Forest Vegetation
4. The Canopy Suspended Bridge
5. Beautiful Scenery etc

Common Chimpanzee In Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzees are the top attractions in Nyungwe National Park. Thy are close relatives of humans with a 99% matching DNA to that of humans, there are two species of chimpanzees, Common chimpanzee species and the Bonobo species.

Nyungwe National park has the common chimpanzee species. An adult Common chimpanzee can weigh between 40-60 kg with a height of 1.6 meters or 5ft3inches while an adult female can weigh between 32-47kg with a height of 1.3 meters or 4feet3inches.

Common Chimpanzees have coarse black hair except on their toes, face, fingers, palms of the hands and the soles of their feet. The chimpanzees have a firm grip because their thumbs and big toes are opposite to each other.

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Chimpanzees In Nyungwe forest park

Chimpanzees are listed among the thirteen (13) species of primate thriving in Nyungwe Forest National Park. A section of these have been habituated for human interaction which provides for the Chimpanzee trekking encounter. The two groups of Chimpanzees are habituated for tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. One is in Kyamudongo Forest while the other is close to the Uwinka Visitor Centre. However, these groups are not completely habituated and as a result their encounter is not 100% guaranteed but with well-trained guides, the search for them especially in Kyamudongo forest has always been successful.

Chimpanzee trekking involves waking up so early around 5am to drive for around 2 hours to the forest of Kyamudongo where the activity takes place. It starts at 8am and lasts about 2 – 6 hours depending on the Chimpanzee movements. Advance booking for Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is required at least a day before and the permit costs $90 per person.

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Kigali International Airport (KGL) is about 10km from the country’s capital, Kigali. This will be your entry point into Rwanda. Your local Rwanda tour operator will usually arrange for your pick-up from the airport or hotel and all further transportation as part of your Rwanda safari package.

Rwanda road trip to Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is in the southwestern region of the country about 218km from Kigali via Nyamagabe-Ruhango-Huye-Rusizi road.

The park is about 87 kilometres from Huye and 55 kilometres from Rusizi.

The drive takes about four to five hours from Kigali, 2 to 3 hours from Huye and about 1 hour from Rusizi.

A 4×4 vehicle is perfect for you in order to reach on time.

There several scenic observations along the way. When time allows you can make a few stops, you could stop at the National Museum to see locally made arts and crafts, and cultural entertainment.

There is also the Nyamagabe (formerly called Gikongoro) the satellite town of Murambi was the site of one of the memorable fear of the 1994 genocide.

Rwanda domestic flights to Nyungwe National Park

Akagera Aviation offers travellers charter helicopter transfers to anywhere in the country, including Nyungwe National Park.

All domestic and charter flights are usually booked by your tour operator as part of your package.

RwandAir also operates a daily flight between Kigali and Kamembe/Rusizi, which is about one hour’s drive from the park.

Getting to Nyungwe National Park from Uganda

Nyungwe is about 723km from Kampala and takes about a 14 hours’ drive by road.

The park can be reached through Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kisoro road which is about 483 km and takes about 9 hours’ drive.

Nyungwe has located about 263 km from Kisoro through Cyanika which takes about a 5

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