Beautiful 3 Days Chimpanzee Trek in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda

Embark on an unforgettable 3 Days Chimpanzee Trek in Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, a pristine montane rainforest teeming with biodiversity and home to our closest relatives, the chimpanzees.

This carefully crafted itinerary, designed by our expert team, takes you deep into one of Africa’s oldest forests, where you’ll track chimpanzees, explore the iconic canopy walkway, and immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this short but immersive safari promises exhilarating wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and meaningful cultural experiences.

Trip Overview of the 3 Days Chimpanzee Trek in Nyungwe Forest

Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Start/End: Kigali (Kigali International Airport or your hotel)
Destinations: Nyungwe Forest National Park, Gisakura Tea Estate, cultural sites en route
Activities: Chimpanzee trekking, canopy walkway, nature walk (Isumo Waterfall trail), tea plantation tour, cultural visits
Accommodation: One & Only Nyungwe House (luxury), Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (mid-range), or Gisakura Guest House (budget)
Best Time: June–August or December–February (dry seasons) for easier trekking conditions; March–May or October–November (wet seasons) for fewer crowds and abundant food for chimps
Highlights: One-hour chimpanzee encounter, panoramic views from the canopy walkway, scenic drives through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills,” cultural insights at the King’s Palace Museum

This 3 Days Chimpanzee Trek in Nyungwe Forest itinerary is tailored to maximize your time in Nyungwe, balancing adventure with relaxation and cultural enrichment.

You’ll travel in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking guide, ensuring a personalized and informative experience.

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Detailed Itinerary of the 3 Days Chimpanzee Trek in Nyungwe Forest

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park – Canopy Walk Adventure

Distance: 225 km (5–6 hours’ drive from Kigali to Nyungwe)
Activities: Scenic drive, cultural stop at King’s Palace Museum, afternoon canopy walk
Accommodation: One & Only Nyungwe House (luxury), Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (mid-range), or Gisakura Guest House (budget)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Your adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, known for its cleanliness and safety. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or pickup from your hotel at 7:00 AM, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our professional driver-guide, who will brief you on the exciting days ahead.

After loading your luggage into a 4×4 safari vehicle, embark on a scenic 5–6-hour drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda, near the border with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The journey offers a visual feast of Rwanda’s rolling hills, lush farmlands, and terraced landscapes, earning its moniker, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” En route, stop in Nyanza for a cultural visit to the King’s Palace Museum (approximately 2.5 hours from Kigali).

This historical site, once the residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa in 1931, showcases Rwanda’s monarchical heritage.

Explore the traditional palace, admire the iconic Inyambo cows with their majestic long horns, and learn about Rwandan customs through engaging exhibits.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Nyanza, savoring dishes like ugali (maize porridge) or isombe (cassava leaf stew).

Continue to Nyungwe, arriving at the Uwinka Visitor Centre by 2:30 PM, just in time for the 3:00 PM canopy walk tour, a signature activity in Nyungwe.

The canopy walkway, suspended 74 meters above the forest floor and stretching 160 meters across a deep valley, is the only one of its kind in East Africa.

Trek along the Igishigishigi trail for about 30 minutes to reach the walkway, guided by a park ranger who points out native flora, birds like the Rwenzori turaco, and primates such as L’Hoest’s monkeys.

As you cross the wobbly bridge, feel the adrenaline rush while taking in panoramic views of the forest canopy, where monkeys and birds flit among the treetops. The experience, lasting 2–3 hours, offers a unique perspective on Nyungwe’s biodiversity.

After the canopy walk, drive to your accommodation, located near the forest’s edge and surrounded by tea plantations.

Check into the luxurious One & Only Nyungwe House, with its elegant suites and forest views, the comfortable Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, or the budget-friendly Gisakura Guest House, depending on your preference.

Relax with a welcome drink, enjoy a traditional Rwandan dinner featuring fresh produce, and rest early to prepare for the chimpanzee trek.

The evening is serene, with the forest’s nocturnal sounds—chirping insects and distant primate calls—lulling you to sleep.

Travel Tip: Pack a rain jacket, as Nyungwe’s rainforest climate can be damp, even in the dry season. The canopy walk requires moderate fitness; comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Gisakura Tea Estate Visit

Activities: Morning chimpanzee trekking in Cyamudongo Forest, afternoon tea plantation tour
Accommodation: As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the highlight of your safari: chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe’s Cyamudongo Forest, a smaller, isolated patch of rainforest known for reliable chimp sightings.

Wake at 4:30 AM for an early breakfast, as trekking starts early to catch the chimpanzees before they become too mobile. By 5:00 AM, transfer to the Gisakura park office for a briefing by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) rangers.

You’ll be assigned to a group of up to eight trekkers and driven to the Cyamudongo Forest trailhead, about 30 minutes away. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, as the road is unpaved and rocky.

Nyungwe is home to over 500 chimpanzees, with two habituated groups: one in the main forest (60 individuals) and another in Cyamudongo (30 individuals). The Cyamudongo group, as noted by nyungweforestnationalpark.org, offers a higher success rate (89%) due to the smaller forest area.

The trek, lasting 2–5 hours, involves navigating dense vegetation and steep terrain, guided by expert trackers who locate the chimps using their calls and signs like nests or fruit remnants.

Along the way, you may spot other primates, such as grey-cheeked mangabeys or Angola colobus monkeys, and birds like the great blue turaco.

Upon finding the chimpanzees, spend one magical hour observing them. These lively primates, sharing 98.7% of human DNA, are a delight to watch as they swing through the canopy, forage, groom, or play.

Their vocalizations—loud pant-hoots, screams, and tree-bark drumming—create an exhilarating atmosphere. Photography is permitted (without flash), so bring a camera with a zoom lens to capture their human-like behaviors.

The experience is physically demanding but deeply rewarding, as described by travelers on Expert Africa: “The chimpanzee trek was absolutely amazing and should not be missed.”

Return to the lodge by midday for a well-deserved lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, visit the Gisakura Tea Estate, a short drive from your accommodation. This 2-hour tour, as outlined by insidenyungwenationalpark.com, immerses you in Rwanda’s tea industry. Walk through lush tea fields, learn about cultivation and harvesting, and participate in picking leaves.

At the factory, observe the processing stages—from wilting to packaging—and taste the final product, a fragrant cup of Rwandan tea. The tour offers insights into local livelihoods, as tea is a major economic driver in the region.

Return to your lodge for dinner, featuring dishes like kuku choma (grilled chicken) or vegetarian ibitoke (plantain stew).

Spend the evening reflecting on your chimp encounter, perhaps joining a traditional tea ceremony at One & Only Nyungwe House or stargazing at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel. Overnight in your chosen accommodation.

Travel Tip: Wear long-sleeved clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and garden gloves for trekking to protect against thorny plants and insects. Carry at least 2 liters of water and insect repellent.

Day 3: Guided Nature Walk and Return to Kigali

Activities: Morning nature walk (Isumo Waterfall trail), cultural stops en route, transfer to Kigali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at 7:00 AM, embark on a guided nature walk along the Isumo Waterfall trail, one of Nyungwe’s 19 hiking trails, as recommended by nyungweforestnationalpark.org.

This 4-hour round-trip trek, starting at 8:00 AM, winds through the forest’s lush interior, offering a gentler experience than chimpanzee trekking.

Follow a well-maintained path to the Isumo Waterfall, a serene cascade surrounded by ferns and orchids. Along the way, your guide highlights Nyungwe’s biodiversity, including 200 tree species, 300 bird species (e.g., paradise flycatchers), and 13 primate species like vervet monkeys or red-tailed monkeys.

The trail’s moderate difficulty makes it accessible, with opportunities to photograph the forest’s flora and fauna.

Return to the lodge by noon for lunch, then check out and begin the 5–6-hour drive back to Kigali. En route, stop at the National Ethnographic Museum in Huye (formerly Butare), about 2 hours from Nyungwe.

This museum, one of Rwanda’s finest, houses artifacts and exhibits on pre-colonial Rwandan life, including tools, pottery, and musical instruments.

A guided tour provides context on Rwanda’s cultural evolution, complementing your earlier visit to the King’s Palace Museum.

Time permitting, make a brief stop at the Murambi Genocide Memorial, a poignant site that educates visitors about the 1994 genocide and Rwanda’s journey toward reconciliation.

Arrive in Kigali by late afternoon, around 5:00 PM. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a brief city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial or local markets for souvenirs like woven baskets or coffee.

Your guide will drop you off at Kigali International Airport or your hotel, concluding the safari. If you’re extending your stay, we can recommend activities like gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or a game drive in Akagera National Park.

End of the 3 Days Chimpanzee Trek in Nyungwe Forest

Travel Tip: Book your return flight for the evening (after 7:00 PM) to allow time for cultural stops. Carry snacks for the drive, as lunch will be en route at a local restaurant.

Practical Information for Your Safari

Booking and Costs

• Tour Operator: Our team handles all logistics, including permits, transport, and accommodation. Contact us to customize this itinerary.
• Cost: The cost is charged depending on accommodation (budget, mid-range, luxury) and group size. Includes transport, guide, meals, park fees, and chimpanzee permit ($90 for foreign non-residents, $60 for foreign residents).
• Exclusions: International flights, visas, personal expenses (drinks, laundry, tips), and optional activities.
• Permits: Chimpanzee trekking permits are limited; book 3–6 months in advance through the Rwanda Development Board or our team to secure your spot. Minimum age is 15.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House offers stylish suites, spa treatments, and forest views, ideal for a pampered experience.
• Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel provides comfortable rooms with panoramic hilltop views, balancing affordability and quality.
• Budget: Gisakura Guest House offers basic but clean accommodations, perfect for cost-conscious travelers.

Packing List

• Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy hiking boots, rain jacket, hat, and lightweight layers for variable weather.
• Gear: Binoculars, camera (with zoom lens, no flash), reusable water bottle, backpack, and insect repellent.
• Essentials: Sunscreen, garden gloves, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Carry at least 2 liters of water for trekking.
• Health: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for Rwanda. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended due to Nyungwe’s lowland areas.

Travel Tips

• Best Time: Dry seasons (June–August, December–February) offer easier trekking conditions, but wet seasons (March–May, October–November) provide lush scenery and better chimp sightings due to abundant food.

• Safety: Rwanda is one of Africa’s safest countries. Follow ranger instructions during treks, maintain a 7-meter distance from chimps, and avoid trekking if unwell (e.g., flu, cough).

• Cultural Sensitivity: Dress modestly during cultural visits, ask permission before photographing locals, and engage respectfully with community guides.
• Physical Preparation: Chimpanzee trekking is strenuous, involving steep, muddy trails. Moderate fitness is required. Hiring a porter ($10–$15) supports local communities and eases the trek.

Why Choose This Safari?

Nyungwe Forest National Park, covering 1,015 km², is a biodiversity hotspot, harboring 13 primate species, 300 bird species, and 200 tree species.

Chimpanzee trekking offers a rare chance to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat, with the Cyamudongo Forest providing a high success rate.

The canopy walk, unique to East Africa, elevates your perspective, while cultural stops enrich your understanding of Rwanda’s heritage.

As Travel Beyond notes, Nyungwe’s chimp trekking is “the most exciting day” for adventure seekers, complementing Rwanda’s gorilla trekking fame.

This compact itinerary fits busy schedules, yet delivers a profound connection to nature and culture.