3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Chimpanzees are found in Nyungwe forest national park as well as in smaller number in the Gishwati forest. Sociable creatures, chimpanzees live in extended communities and move around every day, foraging for food or occasionally hunting smaller mammals. They build fresh nests in the trees each night.

It is common to hear the chimpanzees before seeing them, with their vocalisations reverberating through the forest as they call to each other in a sort of bonding ritual.

Tracking starts early, at 5.30am, and can last anything from an hour to several hours depending on where the chimps are – visitors spend a maximum of one hour with them once they are found.

The terrain can be steep, slippery, and muddy, passing through thick vegetation. Suitable footwear is essential, as well as a certain level of fitness.

Safari highlights

•  King’s palace Nyanza
• Ethnographic museum in Huye
• 1 hour with Chimpanzees
• Tea visit in the Afternoon

Detailed safari itinerary 

Day 1: Drive from Kigali to Nyungwe forest national park

After early morning breakfast, you will be picked up by your safari guide at your lodge and start your drive south to Nyungwe forest national park, en route you will visit the king’s palace in Nyanza where you will learn more about the history and tradition of Rwandese and later you will continue to Huye where you will visit the ethnographic museum and have lunch and later you will continue to the park upon entering the forest you will drive through over an hour as you look out for primates and on the exit is Gisakura where you will spend a night.

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking experience in Cyamudongo

With packed lunch you will depart the lodge at 4:30 am to meet the ranger guides at the park headquarters in Gisakura and at 5 am you will depart for Cyamudongo which is about 1.5-2 hour drive upon arrival you will then have a briefing and meet up with other rangers and start your trek in search of the chimpanzees, upon locating the community of chimpanzees you will spend 1 hour with them and later return to the park for a debrief and later drive to the lodge for relaxation, depending on the time of return you may do optional activities like the canopy walk in Uwinka or tropical waterfall walk.

Day 3: Drive back to Kigali

After lazily morning you will start your drive via the Kivu belt with spectacular views of Lake Kivu and this drive provides stunning views of the mighty Lake Kivu and upon arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to the airport or to your lodge.

Safari includes

• Accommodation
• 4X4 safari vehicle
• English speaking guide
• chimpanzee permits
• Drinking water
• En-route meals
• entrance fees for kings palace and ethnographic museum

Safari Excludes

• International flights
• Rwanda tourist Visa
• Travel insurance
• Tips for guides and hotels
• optional activities after chimpanzee trekking
• Personal expenses like Alcoholic drinks

When to book safari package

We recommend booking this trip at least 3 months in advance to allow us to secure chimpanzee permits but last-minute inquiries can be made through our travel experts in Rwanda.

Best time for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest

Nyungwe Forest is open for chimpanzee trekking and hiking throughout the year. The wet months, from October to May, are the best time for chimp trekking and forest birding, but general hiking and spotting other primates might be easier in the drier months, from June to September.