This 3 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Rwanda takes you to Nyungwe forest national park also includes King’s Palace Museum tour along the way. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe offers an opportunity to visit chimps for 1 hour. There are over 500 chimps of which 2 troops are habituated in the Cyamudongo forest, which part of the protected area. Nyungwe Forest covers 1,020 sq. km and is one of the oldest Afromontane forests in the Albertine rift valley. It is contiguous with Kabira national park in Burundi and boasts rich biodiversity including over 200 different types of trees and a variety of rare orchids, ferns; 13 primate species such as chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, and over 300 bird species of which 16 are Albertine rift endemics, making for a paradise for keen birdwatchers. Chimpanzee tracking is the highlight of this trip, offering you a chance to observe the primates in their natural habitat. One of the standout features of Nyungwe Forest is its unique Canopy Walkway, which is the only one of its kind in East Africa.
Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Canopy walk tour
- Ethnographic museum
- Tea plantation experience
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Start your 3 days chimpanzee trekking Rwanda journey early in the morning from Kigali capital city of Rwanda. The drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park is 218 km approximately 5 hour-drive depending on traffic and road conditions. En route stopover at the Ethnographic Museum with lunch and refreshments in Huye (formerly Butare). This museum offers a deep dive into Rwanda’s rich cultural history, showcasing traditional artifacts, exhibits in the seven galleries. Continue your scenic drive towards Nyungwe Forest National Park. Arrive and check into your accommodation located near the park. Refresh and enjoy a delicious dinner and a peaceful overnight surrounded by the sights and sounds of Nyungwe Forest.
Accommodation options:
Budget: Uwinka Campsite
Midrange: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel
Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk
Wake up early in the morning for breakfast and head to the designated starting point for chimpanzee trekking. Gisakura to the west, Uwinka in the center and Kitabi to the east.
You will be breifed about the guidelines and regulations for trekking and be accompanied by experienced Rwanda Development Board guides and trek through the lush dense tropical forest of Nyungwe in search of chimps among other fascinating primate species such as colobus monkeys, Hamlin’s monkey, red tailed monkeys may be spotted. Once the chimps are found, observe chimpanzees for one hour in their natural habitat.
After an exhilarating morning of chimpanzee tracking, return to your accommodation for a hearty lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, gear up for an unforgettable canopy walk experience. Walk along suspension bridges and elevated platforms, offering panoramic views of the forest canopy below. After the canopy walk, unwind with a well-deserved dinner at your lodge.
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Day 3: Return to Kigali city
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation, soaking in the final moments of your Nyungwe adventure. Thereafter, check out from your lodge and begin your journey back to Kigali. The drive back offers another opportunity to admire Rwanda’s stunning landscapes and countryside.
Optional tea plantation tour. If time allows, you can make a brief visit to Gisakura tea plantation on the western border or Gisovu tea plantation to the north and learn about how black tea is harvested and processed, with the opportunity to taste the tea and take a package.
Arrive in Kigali by late afternoon or early evening, concluding your 3 days Chimpanzee Trekking Rwanda in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Depending on your schedule, you may opt to explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial for insight into Rwanda civil war or prepare for your onward journey. Explore more of our Rwanda safaris featuring gorilla safaris in Volcanoes and Big Five in Akagera national parks.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch
End of tour.
