Experience the thrill of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to over 500 chimpanzees.

This safari adventure takes you deep into Africa’s oldest montane forest, where you’ll explore the lush canopy and witness the fascinating behavior of our closely related relatives.

The trekking experience is guided by experienced park rangers and guides, who will lead you through the dense forest.

You’ll have the opportunity to observe chimpanzees feeding, playing, and interacting with each other.

Additionally, you may spot other primate species, including black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s essential to be prepared to wear comfortable hiking shoes, long sleeves, and rain gear, and bring insect repellent, a rain jacket, and a water bottle. Stay with your guide and follow park rules to avoid disturbing the chimps.

By participating in chimpanzee trekking, you’ll be supporting conservation efforts and contributing to the protection of all the primates in the endangered category and their habitat.

Revenue generated from trekking fees also supports community development and park management initiatives.

The best time to visit Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February. This period offers easier trekking conditions and better chimpanzee sightings.

Embark on an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park and experience the magic of Africa’s ancient rainforests.

For more information about this activity, contact us your trusted tour operator, or peruse through the facts about this activity listed below!

Chimpanzee Trekking-What Is Chimpanzee Trekking?

Chimpanzee trekking is a sought-after activity among tourists visiting Rwanda in East Africa, offering an exhilarating experience similar to gorilla trekking where you get to see mountain gorillas.

This adventure involves hiking through the Nyungwe forest to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature and these fascinating creatures.

The best places for chimpanzee trekking are Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda, Kibale National Park in Uganda, and Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, each offering unique opportunities to observe these fascinating primate creatures in their natural habitats.

Nyungwe Forest National Park -Where Is Chimpanzee Trekking Done in Rwanda?

Located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, boasting an incredible array of flora (200 tree species and 248 orchid species), and fauna.

As Africa’s oldest montane rainforest, it’s home to over 500 chimpanzees, 13 primate species, 300 bird species, and 100 mammal species.

This vibrant ecosystem features stunning montane rainforests, bamboo thickets, and swamps, providing a haven for chimpanzees and other wildlife.

As the premier chimpanzee trekking destination in Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe these intelligent creatures up close.

With three partially habituated chimpanzee groups /communities, you’ll have the chance to witness their fascinating behavior and social interactions. These are;

• Cyamudongo Group: Located in Cyamudongo forest, this group has about 30 chimps and offers the most successful sightings due to the small size of the forest.

• Uwinka Group: Found in the main Nyungwe forest, this group has about 60 chimps, but the larger forest size can make sightings more challenging.

• Gisovu Group: Located in the main Nyungwe forest, this group is newly habituated to human presence or human behaviour and may offer more challenging sightings due to the chimps’ limited exposure to humans.

The Park offers chimpanzee tracking experiences through three reception centers: Uwinka, Gisakura, and Kitabi.

The park features over 130 km of hiking trails, catering to various skill levels and interests like the;

• Uwinka Trail: This trail is located near the park headquarters and is one of the most popular trails for chimpanzee trekking activity.

• Cyamudongo Trail: This trail is located in the Cyamudongo forest, which is a smaller forest detached from the main Nyungwe forest.

• Gisovu Trail: This trail is located in the Gisovu area, which is a more remote part of the park.

• Kamikoro Trail: This trail is located in the Kamikoro area, which is known for its high concentration of chimpanzees.

• Isumo Trail: This trail is located in the Isumo area, which offers stunning views of the surrounding forest.

• Other trails include; Igishigishigi (2.1 km), Umuyove (5.5 km), Ngabwe (4.7 km), Kamiranzovu Marsh (6 km), Bigugu (13.2 km), Rukuzi (9 km), Congo-Nile Divide (42 km) trails, etc.

It is worth noting that while Nyungwe Forest National Park is the top spot for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda, smaller populations of chimps can also be found in Volcanoes National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park.

Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Process – How Is Best to See Nyungwe Chimps in Nyungwe National Park?

To see Nyungwe chimps it is important to follow or note this step-by-step guide;

• Book a chimpanzee trekking tour in Nyungwe Forest National Park with a reputable Rwanda tour operator like Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd, Wild Gorilla Safaris, Gorilla Safari Rwanda, Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris, Gorilla Tracking Rwanda, or Africa Safaris Tours for a memorable chimpanzee trekking experience.

• Travel to Nyungwe National Park and on arrival register at the Uwinka Reception Center

• Attend a briefing at the Nyungwe park headquarters, where you’ll receive information on the trek, chimpanzee behavior, and park rules before setting off from the Gisakura Ranger Station or Gisovu near Kibuye

• The best time to trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park is early in the morning, starting around 5:00 am, when they emerge to forage for food and socialize with their families, offering a higher chance of spotting these fascinating creatures.

• Guides will track the chimpanzees in either Nyungwe forest or Cyamudongo forest, following their movements and vocalizations along well established paths like the; Igishigishigi Trail, Uwinka Trail, Cyamudongo Trail, Gisovu Trail, Kamikoro Trail, Isumo Trail etc.

• Once the chimps are located in their family groups, observe them from a safe distance, watching their behavior, interactions, and daily activities which is quite a hair rising moment.

• Participate in a debriefing session after the trek, where you’ll learn more about the chimpanzees and their habitat.

• Receive a certificate of participation.

Things To See When on Nyungwe Chimp Trekking Safaris in Rwanda

The main highlight of a Nyungwe chimp tracking safari tour is the;

The Majestic Chimpanzees

Nyungwe Rwanda is home to over 500 chimpanzees, making it one of the largest populations in Africa.

Nyungwe chimpanzees have distinctive physical features, including dark brown to black fur and a white fringe on their rumps. Adults weigh 40-80 kg and reach 1.2-1.7 meters in height, with males being slightly larger than females.

They exhibit complex behavioral characteristics, including high sociality, living in large communities of 20-100 individuals, advanced problem-solving skills, using tools like sticks and rocks, ripping tree barks, and a diverse, omnivorous diet consisting of fruits, leaves, nuts, seeds, insects, honey, and meat.

These gentle creatures the chimpanzees tend to inhabit the montane rainforests of Nyungwe Forest National Park, specifically in the Uwinka, Cyamudongo, and Gisovu areas, at high elevations ranging from 1,600-2,500 meters (5,250-8,200 feet) above sea level.

The Eastern Chimpanzee, found in Nyungwe Forest National Park, is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, highlighting the need for conservation efforts, which the park supports by providing a critical habitat for the protection and preservation of these incredible animals.

Other Things to See When on Nyungwe Chimp Treks Are; 

• Other Primates like Colobus monkeys, mangabeys, blue monkeys, black faced vervet monkeys, and owl faced monkeys.
• Over 300 bird species, including the majestic crowned eagle, hornbills, and sunbirds.
• Over 100 butterfly species, including the stunning swallowtails and monarchs.
• The stunning Kamiranzovu Waterfall and others.
• Swamps
• Montane Rainforest Nyungwe with thick tree canopies
• Coffee and Tea Plantations like the Gisakura tea plantation
• Local Communities of the Batwa
• Take in breathtaking views from the 200-meter-long canopy walkway.
• Other animals like duikers, bushbucks, and giant forest hogs among many others.
• mountains like Mt Bigugu
• Stunning hiking trails like the Congo Nile divide trail

Additionally, tourists can also partake in other tourist activities in this Rwanda national park Nyungwe besides chimp trekking such as;

–

Nyungwe Chimp Trekking Rules and Regulations in Rwanda

Some of the guidelines you must follow before a chimp trek are;

• Minimum age is 16 years old (no children under 16 allowed)
• Visitors must be fit for the trek physically and mentally
• Obtain a chimpanzee trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) before the trek
• Maximum group size is 8 visitors per trekking group
• Maintain 7 meters (23 feet) from the chimpanzees
• Keep noise levels down
• No flash photography allowed
• No eating or drinking near the chimpanzees
• Do not touch or feed the chimpanzees
• Follow guide instructions
• Attend a safety briefing before the trek
• Be aware of emergency procedures
• No littering or damage to vegetation or any chimps nest
• Do not disrupt their natural behavior
• Support local communities by purchasing local products and services
• Maximum trekking time is only one hour with the chimpanzees
• No visitors with contagious illnesses allowed

Nyungwe National Park Fees Incurred on Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris in Rwanda

The cost of a chimpanzee trekking tour in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda, includes the chimpanzee tracking permit and park entry fees.

The total cost varies depending on nationality and residency status as described below; 

The chimpanzee trekking permit costs $150 for international visitors, $75 for foreign residents in Rwanda/East Africa, and $25 for Rwandan/East African citizens.

Additionally, park entry fees range from $10 for Rwandan/East African citizens to $100 for international visitors.

Therefore, the total cost for an international visitor is $250, while foreign residents and Rwandan/East African citizens pay $135 and $35, respectively.

It’s essential to book your chimpanzee trekking permit well in advance, as only 24 permits are available each day, and only 8 tourists are allowed to track each chimpanzee group.

Other activities and fees to consider when planning your trip to Nyungwe National Park include canopy walk fees, guided nature walk fees, and accommodation costs.

Top Rated Safari Lodges and Hotels in Nyungwe Forest National Park-Where to Stay When on Chimp Treks in Nyungwe National Park?

Some of the lodging options you can choose for a good retreat when o chimp treks are;

• One & Only Nyungwe House: Luxury lodge with self-contained rooms, pool, gym, and stunning views of tea plantations. ($500-$1000 per night)

• Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel: Mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and stunning views of Nyungwe Forest and Lake Kivu. ($100-$300 per night)

• Emeraude Kivu Lodge: Mid-range lodge located on Lake Kivu, offering comfortable rooms and stunning views. ($100-$300 per night)

• Gisakura Guest House: Budget-friendly guest house with basic rooms, close to the park’s headquarters. ($20-$50 per night)

• Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel: Luxury hotel with stunning views of Lake Kivu, offering standard, family, deluxe, and presidential rooms. ($200-$500 per night)

• Nyungwe Forest Lodge: Luxury lodge situated in a tea plantation, offering luxury facilities like a gym and swimming pool. ($500-$1000 per night)

• EAR Guesthouse: Budget-friendly guest house with basic rooms. ($20-$50 per night)

• Rwiza Village Guesthouse: Budget-friendly guest house with basic rooms. ($20-$50 per night)

• Home Saint Jean: Budget-friendly guest house with basic rooms. ($20-$50 per night)

• Mariah Hill Resort: Mid-range resort with comfortable rooms and stunning views of Lake Kivu. ($100-$300 per night)

Other accommodation options include, Inzozi beach hotel etc.

Getting To Nyungwe National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking 

Getting to Nyungwe for the chimpanzee trekking activity is relatively easy, with various options available i.e.:

• By Air

Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL) and take a domestic flight to Kamembe Airport (KME) operated by RwandAir, which takes about half hour drive to 1 hour.

Alternatively, take a helicopter flight from Kigali to Nyungwe operated by Akagera Aviation, offering stunning aerial views and taking about 45 minutes and register at the Uwinka or Gisakura reception center.

• By Road

Drive approximately 225 km (140 miles) from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park, which takes around 4-5 hours via the main road.

Use a 4×4 vehicle, or public transportation, or book a safari package with a reputable tour operator that caters to transport.

Self-drive options are also available by renting a car in Kigali.

• Getting Around the Park

The park entrance is located near the town of Gisakura.

Guided tours are available for chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, and other activities.

Walking is a great way to explore the park, but be sure to hire a guide for safety reasons.

It is important to book your transportation and accommodations in advance and check the park’s website for up-to-date information on park fees and regulations.

Best Time to Visit Nyungwe National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking | Gorilla Trekking

Nyungwe Forest National Park is open year-round, but the best time for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry seasons which run from:

• June to September when it is easier to access the forest, and chimpanzees are often seen drinking water at water sources.

• December to March when the dry ground makes trekking easier.

The wet seasons (March to May and November to October) can make trekking more challenging due to the muddy terrain, but the scenery is lush, and there are fewer tourists.

Why Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda is Unique? 

• Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda offers a unique and unforgettable safari experience, allowing you to observe these intelligent and social animals in their natural habitat.

• Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to habituated chimpanzees, making it easier for visitors to track and observe them.

• Rwanda’s park rangers and tour guides are knowledgeable and experienced, providing valuable insights into chimpanzee behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts.

• Nyungwe Forest National Park offers breathtaking scenery, with lush denser forests, rolling hills, and sparkling waterfalls.

• Rwanda’s chimpanzee trekking can be combined with other safari experiences, such as gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, and cultural tours in national parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda, Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Akagera National Park, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, etc.

• By participating in Rwanda chimpanzee trekking, visitors contribute to conservation efforts, supporting the protection of chimpanzees and their natural habitats.

• Rwanda is considered a safe and secure destination, with low crime rates and a strong focus on tourist safety.

• Nyungwe Forest National Park is accessible year-round, with chimpanzee trekking available during both dry and wet seasons.

• Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda supports local communities, providing income and employment opportunities for guides, porters, and other local staff.

• Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to an unparalleled diversity of wildlife, including chimpanzees, monkeys, birds, and other animals often seen when on a chimpanzee trek or exploring Rwanda tours and safaris.

What To Wear for Tracking Rwanda Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park | Warm Clothing

When trekking to see chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park, it’s essential to wear comfortable and practical clothing.

Opt for neutral-colored attire, including good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable trousers and shirts, long sleeved shirts and pants, and a waterproof rain jacket or poncho.

Additional layers such as insulating fleece or jackets, hats, gardening gloves, scarves, and moisture-wicking socks are also recommended.

Don’t forget to apply insect repellent to ensure a safe and enjoyable chimpanzee trekking experience.

What To Pack for Nyungwe National Park Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Tours

Before embarking on a chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, be sure to pack essential items, including a waterproof backpack, personal valid documents (passport and visa), etc.

Other essentials include Rwandan Francs (local currency), a drinking water bottle or hydration pack, sunscreen and insect repellent creams, binoculars, sunglasses, a walking stick, waterproof rain jacket, camera (preferably waterproof), and a waterproof bag to keep your belongings dry and secure throughout the trek.

Nyungwe Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I See Chimpanzees in Rwanda?

Yes, you can see chimpanzees in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park.

2. Is Chimpanzee Trekking Worth It?

Yes, chimpanzee trekking is a unique and unforgettable safari experience, offering insights into chimpanzee behavior and habitat.

3. Where Is the Best Place for Chimpanzee Trekking?

Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda and Kibale National Park in Uganda are considered among the best places for chimpanzee trekking.

4. How Long Is Chimpanzee Trekking?

Chimpanzee trekking typically takes 2-6 hours, depending on the location and movement of the chimpanzees.

5. What Is the Age Limit for Chimpanzee Trekking?

The age limit for chimpanzee trekking is typically 15 years old, but this may vary depending on the park or tour operator.

6. Is Chimpanzee Trekking Safe?

Yes, chimpanzee trekking is generally safe when done with a reputable tour operator and experienced park rangers or guides.

7. Where Can You See Chimpanzees in Rwanda?

You can see chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda.

8. Is Rwanda Good for Safari?

Yes, Rwanda is known for its excellent safari experiences, including mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and wildlife viewing.

9. Which Country Is Famous for Chimpanzees? 

Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda are all famous for chimpanzee trekking and conservation efforts.

10. Are There Chimps in Rwanda?

Yes, there are chimpanzees in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park.

11. What Country Has the Most Chimpanzees?

Uganda has the largest population of chimpanzees especially in Kibale Forest National Park and Budongo Forest.

12. What Is the Largest Chimpanzee Tribe in The World?

Located in Uganda’s Kibale National Park, the Ngogo chimpanzee group holds the record as the largest known chimpanzee community ever discovered.

13. How Much Is a Chimpanzee Permit in Rwanda?

A chimpanzee tracking permit in Rwanda costs around $250-$300 per person.

14. Which Country Has the Highest Number of Chimpanzees?

Thanks to its robust conservation initiatives and protected areas, Uganda boasts one of Africa’s largest chimpanzee populations, with notable concentrations in Kibale National Park and Budongo Forest.

15. Where Can I Do Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?

You can do chimpanzee trekking in Uganda’s Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, and Kyambura Gorge.

Contact us now and book your next safari holiday to Rwanda to see the Nyungwe chimps in Nyungwe National Park. Don’t wait anymore, let us customize your safari package and make your safari bucket list a reality!