Chimpanzee Trekking and Safari in Rwanda

Chimpanzee Trekking and Safari in Rwanda itinerary is perfect for travelers looking to combine Rwanda’s savannah wildlife experience with an immersive primate encounter. Rwanda offers an exceptional combination of wildlife safaris and primate trekking. This itinerary begins with a safari in Akagera National Park, where you can see the Big Five. It ends with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, a rich rainforest teeming with biodiversity.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Seasons (June to September & December to February): Best for both wildlife viewing in Akagera and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, as the trails are drier and easier to navigate.
• Wet Seasons (March to May & October to November): While the scenery is lush and green, roads can be muddy, and trekking in Nyungwe is more challenging. However, primates are more active during this time.

Itinerary Overview for Chimpanzee Trekking and Safari in Rwanda

Day 1-2: Akagera National Park (Big Five Safari)

• Depart from Kigali (2.5-hour drive).
• Enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema (hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds).
• Game drives in the park with a chance to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
• Optional night game drive for nocturnal wildlife.

Where to Stay in Akagera:

• Luxury: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge
• Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
• Budget: Karenge Bush Camp

Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe via Butare (Huye)

• Drive from Akagera to Nyungwe (6-7 hours).
• Stop in Huye (Butare) to visit the Ethnographic Museum for Rwandan History and culture.
• Continue to Nyungwe for relaxation.

Where to Stay in Nyungwe:

• Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
• Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
• Budget: Gisakura Guest House

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park

• Early morning departure to Cyamudongo Forest or Uwinka (main chimp tracking areas).
• Trekking can last 2 to 4 hours, depending on chimpanzee movement.
• Encounter chimpanzees in their natural habitat and observe their social behaviors.
• Afternoon Canopy Walk Experience, a thrilling 90m-long suspension bridge above the rainforest.

Day 5: Colobus Monkey Trek & Transfer Back to Kigali

• Optional colobus monkey trekking or waterfall hike in the morning.
• Drive back to Kigali (5-6 hours) with scenic stops.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Includes:

✔ Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
✔ Professional English-speaking driver-guide
✔ Park entry fees (Akagera and Nyungwe)
✔ Chimpanzee trekking permit
✔ Game drives & boat safari in Akagera
✔ Accommodation & meals
✔ Bottled water

Excludes:

✘ International flights
✘ Rwanda visa fees ($50 single entry)
✘ Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
✘ Tips and gratuities
✘ Optional activities (Canopy walk, night game drive)

About Nyungwe Forest National Park

The Nyungwe Forest is located in southwestern Rwanda, on the border with Burundi, where it is contiguous with the Kibira National Park to the south, and Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. The Nyungwe rainforest is probably the best-preserved montane rainforest in Central Africa. Nyungwe National Park has a biodiversity of more than 1050 plant species, 250 endemic Albertine rifts and 200 orchids, at least 120 butterfly species, 85 mammal species, 38 reptiles, and many more. Nyungwe Forest National Park was established in 2004 and covers an area of approximately 970 km2 of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs. In October 2020, the Rwanda Development Board signed an agreement with African Parks to assume management of Nyungwe National Park for an initial 20 years, all tourism activities are now under the management of the Rwanda Development Board.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee trekking refers to visiting the chimps in their natural environment in the forest, chimps that are already used to people or habituated. Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is done in Nyungwe forest National Park and starts in the morning and the activity is conducted in groups of a maximum of eight (8) people just as it is with gorilla trekking. The Nyungwe Forest National Park receives a very large number of tourists annually who come to meet face to face and spend time with the chimpanzees – man’s closest living relative observing them as they play, feed and move. The park is also a good destination where you can add a chimpanzee trekking expedition to your gorilla trek within Volcanoes National Park without driving long distances. Chimpanzee trekking is a lifetime experience that you will enjoy in Africa’s oldest forest in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest starts off from three reception centers, that’s Uwinka, Kitabi and Gisakura where the tourists meet the park rangers and the tourists are also expected to be at the reception early morning, you drive to the starting point of the trek into the forest. Since the chimps nest each and every night, there are trackers who go ahead of the trekking group to find them and communicate with the ranger guides.

You are are allowed to spend only 1 hour with the chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and get to observe them so closely going about their own lives and see the human-like features and behavior that makes them our closest relatives with 98.7 % DNA. The chimps also communicate by way of deafening screams, the loud hoots and booming hitting of the tree barks and the buttress. You will have a good time with the most amazing primates in Rwanda.

The Chimpanzee trekking permit for Nyungwe cost USD150 per person per trek on top you need to pay park fees of $100 making it $250 per person per trek. The chimpanzee permit fee includes park entrance, ranger and guide assigned to move with you and your group.  The permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board which is in charge of all tourism activities in Rwanda. You will be required to show your chimpanzee tracking permit at the park headquarters just before proceeding to the beginning point on the date of trekking. Bookings are made directly through the Rwanda Development Board and you can only book in advance, chimp permits get sold out so quickly and you can always contact us to check availability for your desired dates and book your permits for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda.

What is the cost of accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

The Nyungwe Forest National Park is surrounded by different accommodation facilities offering services at different costs which imply that there will certainly be a place to stay for every visitor to Nyungwe irrespective of one’s budget. Some of the recommended accommodations include the luxury One & Only Nyungwe House which is a luxury facility and ranges from USD750-2000 per person per night, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel which ranges from USD300 per person per night and the Nyungwe Forest Lodge and Gisakura guest house which ranges from USD200 per person per night. We do recommend at least 2 nights stay in Nyungwe or more for a great experience.

What is the cost of Transportation for a Chimpanzee trekking safari?

By Air, you can fly into Kamembe International Airstrip from Kigali by Rwanda Air and tickets range from USD300 per adult. The airline offer domestic flights and one of its domestic routes is Kigali-Kamembe. RwandAir offers a minimum of 9 flights a week from Kigali to Kamembe International airport. The Airport is close to Nyungwe forest and some of the Hotels/Camps.  You can also access Nyungwe forest by road transport, It is approximately 5-6 hours’ drive to Nyungwe from Kigali city, our safaris start at 8:00am, you will have stops on the way for scenic views and photography as there is a lot to see on the way.  Transportation is inclusive of vehicle hire per day, guides allowance per day and fuel for the whole round trip, Vehicle hire ranges from USD80-250 per day depending on the choice of vehicle you use, then driver guide allowance ranges from USD50 per day and fuel for the round trip ranges from USD250, all this depends on the number of days you choose for your visit to Nyungwe forest National Park

Why book Chimpanzee Trekking and Safari in Rwanda Through Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris is a Local tour operator based in Uganda but also operates in Rwanda. We specialize in life-changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We will tailor your visit to Nyungwe Park to best meet your expectations at an affordable price without hidden costs. Contact us for more information about chimpanzee trekking and safari in Rwanda.