Are you eager to feel the excitement of witnessing chimpanzees? Look no further; get to see the best of Rwanda Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park as you explore the lush forests.

Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda is home to a large population of chimpanzees, with over 500 individuals living in the park. The park is one of the best places in Africa to see these intelligent creatures, the chimpanzees, in their natural habitat.

Only on chimpanzee trekking safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park are these chimpanzees visible. These safaris involve trekking with experienced guides and learning about chimpanzee behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts.  Enjoy a unique experience with varying chimpanzee behaviors and forest conditions.

To ensure a unique, personalized experience and minimize impact on the chimps, we limit the trek to small groups of 8 people due to its moderate difficulty, steep terrain, and muddy paths.

And while on chimpanzee trekking safaris in Nyungwe Forest National Park, you can get a chance to view several bird species (Rwenzori turaco, the Albertine owlet, plus other 29+ endemic species).

The park is home to a variety of wild animals, including

• black-and-white colobus monkeys
• golden monkeys
• L’Hoest’s monkeys
• blue monkeys
• silver monkeys
• grey-cheeked mangabeys
• red-tailed monkeys
• owl-faced monkeys
• crowned monkeys
• Dent’s Mona monkeys
• vervet monkeys
• olive baboons
•  Angolan Colobus monkeys

Many of these animals live in notably large groups.

Other large mammals to see are duikers, golden cats, bushbucks, elephants, etc.

With our affordable safari packages, you can embark on an unforgettable journey and get a first-hand look at the magnificent chimpanzees found in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

 Facts About Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Here are some interesting facts about chimpanzees found in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda:

1. The Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to over 500 chimpanzees, is home to one of Africa’s largest chimpanzee populations.
2. Visitors can observe the chimpanzees up close in Nyungwe because they have become accustomed to human presence.
3. Researchers have observed chimpanzees in Nyungwe displaying advanced social behaviors, such as using tools, solving problems, and even learning sign language, which distinguishes them as a unique primate species.
4. The park is home to several habituated chimpanzee groups, each with unique dynamics and social structures that are worth exploring.
5. Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park have an omnivorous diet. They feed on a variety of plants, celery, and fruits, and they even eat insects, as well as other small animals like monkeys and bush pigs.
6. Rwanda Nyungwe National Park chimpanzees use a variety of vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate with each other.
7. After observing them using walking sticks to extract termites from their mounds, crack open nuts, and cross rivers, researchers concluded that chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park are highly intelligent problem-solvers.
8. We have observed the chimpanzees in Nyungwe learning from each other and passing on cultural behaviors to younger generations, such as foraging habits.
9. People often call the chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park the “Eastern Chimpanzee,” “Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii,” or “Mountain Chimpanzee.” These names refer to a subspecies of chimpanzees that are in the genus Pan, the class Mammalia, the order Primates, the family Hominidae, and the species Pan troglodytes.
10. In Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, male chimpanzees typically range from 1.2 to 1.5 meters (4-5 feet) in height and weigh between 40-80 kilograms (88-176 pounds), while females range from 1.1 to 1.4 meters (3.6-4.6 feet) in height and weigh between 30-60 kilograms (66-132 pounds).
11. Though Nyungwe chimpanzees are relatively larger compared to other African chimpanzee populations, it is worth noting that their sizes can vary among individuals.
12. The facial appearance and features of Rwanda chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park include a broad, flat face, prominent forehead, large ears, small nose, protruding jaw, and thick facial hair.
13. Rwandan eastern chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park have a muscular build, characterized by a robust body, strong arms and legs, well-developed muscles, and a prominent crest of muscle on top of the skull in adult males.
14. The fur color of Rwanda’s eastern chimpanzees in Nyungwe is characterized by black fur with a slight brownish tint, a distinctive white stripe on the forehead of adults, and a pinkish-gray color in infants that darkens to black as they mature.
15. The gestation period of chimpanzees in Rwanda, as well as in the rest of the world, is approximately 8 months, or more specifically, between 220 and 240 days, after which they produce infants/baby chimpanzees.

These facts about chimpanzees of Nyungwe Forest National Park make them a true safari highlight, and witnessing them in their natural environment is an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories.

Where Can You See Chimpanzees in Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park?

You can see chimpanzees in large populations in Rwanda in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

This park is located in southwestern Rwanda, covering approximately 1,019 km². It is renowned for its rich biodiversity, with over 1,068 plant species and 500 chimpanzees.

Nyungwe has 13 species of other primates: L’hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, silver monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. It also has  300 bird species, 100 species of mammals, and various species of butterflies.

Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda is a vibrant tapestry of diverse natural habitats.  featuring montane rainforests, bamboo thickets, and swamps, making it a crucial haven for chimpanzees, a significant conservation area, and a premier ecotourism destination.

This park is a botanical paradise, showcasing an astounding array of flora, with over 200 tree species, 248 orchid species, and a range of vegetation zones, including montane forests, bamboo thickets, subalpine vegetation, and high-elevation species thriving above 2,950 meters, that act as natural habitats to primates like the eastern chimpanzees, among others.

Additionally, it is worth noting that there are other places you can see chimpanzees in Rwanda, i.e.,

• Volcanoes National Park (small population of chimpanzees)
• Gishwati-Mukura National Park (small population of chimpanzees)

Alternatively, there are also other places in Africa where you can see chimpanzees, such as

• In Tanzania: Gombe Stream National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• In Uganda: Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Queen Elizabeth National Park
• In the Democratic Republic of Congo: Virunga National Park, Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
• In Gabon: Ivindo National Park, Loango National Park
• In Cameroon: Korup National Park
• In Senegal: Niokolo-Koba National Park
• In Mali: Boucle du Baoule National Park
• In Côte d’Ivoire: Taï National Park
• In Ghana: Kakum National Park

Where Do Chimpanzees Live in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

In Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda, chimpanzees inhabit the main forest block, Cyamudongo Forest, the Gisakura area, and the Uwinka area.

They prefer areas with high canopy cover, dense undergrowth, proximity to water sources, and abundant food. They avoid areas with high human activity, open spaces, and steep slopes.

Approximately 500 chimpanzees live in the Nyungwe forest (one of the oldest rainforests in Africa), with only three habituated groups (the Uwinka, Gisovu, and Cyamudongo habituated groups).

• The Cyamudongo forest is home to around 30 chimpanzees grouped in the Cyamudongo habituated group, which offers the most successful sightings when on chimp trekking tours. They are known to be social, build nests in trees, and forage for food.
• The Uwinka chimpanzee group, located in the main Nyungwe forest near the park headquarters, is a larger community with approximately 60 chimpanzees. However, the larger forest and terrain can make sightings less likely compared to the Cyamudongo group.
• The third habituated chimpanzee group, the Gisovu chimpanzee group, is the newest and most remote, located in the northern part of Nyungwe near Kibuye town. As they are still becoming habituated, they may be more elusive, but the park assesses the chances of sightings before each trek to ensure tourists have the best possible chimp experience.

Three reception centers, Uwinka, Gisakura, and Kitabi, offer the opportunity to see and track chimpanzees. A park guide or park ranger guides visitors to spend an hour observing these amazing creatures in their natural habitats.

Nyungwe Forest National Park offers over 130 km of hiking trails for chimpanzee tracking, catering to various skill levels and interests, such as

• Easy trails like Igishigishigi trail (2.1 km) and Umuyove trail (5.5 km)
• Moderate trails like Ngabwe Trail (4.7 km) and Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail (6 km)
• Challenging trails like the Bigugu trail (13.2 km) and Rukuzi trail (9 km)
• A multi-day trail like the Congo-Nile Divide trail (42 km)

Rwanda Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park Diet—What Do Chimpanzees Eat?

Chimpanzees are omnivores, which means they eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains, in their diet as listed below:

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park: How Best to See Chimpanzees?

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda, is a thrilling experience that allows you to observe these intelligent and social animals, the chimpanzees, in their natural habitat.

To participate in this tourist activity, which involves spotting chimpanzees, you must understand the guidelines and processes involved.

Pre-Trek Procedure

Obtain a chimpanzee trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board or a reputable tour operator, which costs $250 for foreign non-residents, $75 for foreign residents, and $25 for East Africans.

• Secure a professional tour guide who will help you move and track the chimps in their natural habitat.

Trek Procedure

• Embark on a chimp trekking adventure through the Nyungwe Forest or Cyamudongo Forest with a professional guide to find the chimps, which can take 2-6 hours.
• Rwanda chimpanzee trekking safaris depart from Gisakura Ranger Station or Gisovu near Kibuye.
• Please arrive at the ranger station by 4:30-5:00 am for a briefing and transportation to the trekking starting point.

The only daily session is in the morning. Should you find yourself in the Gisovu group, it is advisable to spend the night in Kibuye town and allocate a mere hour for the transfer to Gisovu.

• Visit one of the three habituated groups, i.e., the Cyamudongo, Uwinka, or Gisovu habituated groups.
• To minimize impact and ensure a quality experience for the participant, we limit the Rwanda chimpanzee trekking experience to 8 people per group.
• Spend an hour observing the chimps, learning about their social dynamics, intelligence, behavior, and social structures.

Cost of Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee trekking costs in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda, are as follows:

The cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit is $150 for international visitors, $75 for foreign residents in Rwanda/East Africa, and $25 for Rwanda/East African citizens. The chimpanzee trekking permit fee includes a guide and ranger.

The park entrance fees are as follows: international visitors pay $100 per person, foreign residents in Rwanda/East Africa pay $60 per person, African citizens (excluding East Africa) pay $60 per person, and Rwanda/East African citizens pay $10 per person.

To secure your chimpanzee trekking permit, secure your booking through a tour operator or the Rwanda Development Board, and plan in advance, especially during peak season (June to September and December to January).

Age Limit for Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda has a minimum age requirement of 16 years old. This ensures the safety and well-being of both trekkers and chimpanzees.

Key Points to Note:

Regardless of adult accompaniment, children under 16 cannot participate in the chimp trekking safari.

• Certain health conditions or physical limitations may prevent individuals from participating.

For the most up-to-date information on age limits and requirements, please check with the Rwanda Development Board or a reputable tour operator.

Other Rules and Regulations for Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park

Here are some of the rules and regulations for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park:

There is a limit of 8 tourists per group for Chimp trekking tours.

• Please note that it’s only one session per day, in the early morning, so keep time.
• Attend a briefing at the park headquarters or Gisakura Ranger Station before the chimpanzee trek.
• Trek with only experienced tour guides and park guides.
• Keep a safe distance from the chimpanzees (at least 7 meters).
• Avoid direct eye contact, loud noises, and sudden movements.
• Be free from contagious diseases and illnesses before partaking in a chimp trekking tour.
• Respect the chimpanzees’ habitat and do not litter or damage vegetation.
• Spend a maximum of 1 hour with the chimpanzees.
• Obtain a chimpanzee trekking permit in advance.
• Bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances may force the cancellation of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe.
• Follow park rules and guidelines for your safety and the well-being of the chimpanzees.

How To Get to Nyungwe National Park to See Chimpanzees in Rwanda?

To get to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, these are the available options:

By Road:

• Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL) and drive approximately 225 km (140 miles) to Nyungwe Forest National Park, which takes around 4-5 hours.
• Use a 4×4 vehicle, or public transportation, or book a safari package with a reputable tour operator.
• Self-drive options are also available by renting a car in Kigali.

By Air:

• Take a 45- to 1-hour domestic flight from Kigali to Kamembe Airport (KME), then drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
• Helicopter flights are also available from Kigali to Nyungwe operated by Akagera Aviation, offering stunning aerial views and taking about 45 minutes.

Regardless of the option you choose, you must arrive at the headquarters of Nyungwe National Park or Gisakura Ranger Station for check-in and briefing before starting the chimpanzee trek.

Hotels in Nyungwe Forest National Park-Where to Stay When on Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park?

When on a chimpanzee trekking safari, you can choose from a range of accommodations in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda, catering to different budgets and preferences, such as:-

1. One & Only Nyungwe House: This offers high-quality services and provides luxurious experiences with self-contained rooms, a pool, a gym, and stunning views of the tea plantations it is built on and perfect opportunities for canopy walkways.
2. Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel: This offers self-contained and comfortable rooms, stunning views of Nyungwe Park, and mid-range amenities.
3. Emeraude Kivu Lodge: Located on Lake Kivu in Cyangugu town, it is about a 30-minute drive from Nyungwe Forest National Park, offering comfortable rooms and perfect opportunities to partake in canopy walks, chimp treks, nature walks, etc.
4. Gisakura Guest House: A budget-friendly option with basic rooms, close to the park’s headquarters, ideal for budget travelers looking for basic amenities while being close to nature activities like chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk.
5. Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel: Perched on a hilltop, our luxury hotel offers stunning views of Lake Kivu and is conveniently located near Kamembe International Airport and just 5 hours from Kigali, Rwanda, with standard, family, deluxe, and presidential room options, with affordable amenities, etc.
6. Other accommodation options include hotels and guesthouses, available in Kibuye town and around, with a 1-hour drive to Gisovu for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, i.e.

The accommodation options offer varying levels of comfort, amenities, and prices. It’s essential to book in advance, especially during peak season.

The Best Time to Visit Rwanda Nyungwe National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking: When to See Chimpanzees in Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park?

Nyungwe Forest National Park is open all year round, but the best time to trek eastern chimpanzees is during the dry season (June-August), when chimpanzees are often seen drinking water at water sources and it is easier to access the forest, so endeavor to book this activity with a reputable operator for an unforgettable experience.

Always remember to respect the chimps’ space, follow park rules, and support sustainable and responsible tourism to protect these incredible creatures and their habitat.

Additional Tips to Note:

• · Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest Rwanda, is different from gorilla trekking, as chimps are more mobile and active.
• If you’re looking for an easier trek, consider Cyamudongo forest.
• Although chimpanzees are accustomed to human presence, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance and adhere to park guidelines.
• The cost of the chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe includes the chimpanzee trekking permit, guide, and park entry fees, ranging from $250 for international visitors.
• A chimpanzee tracking permit is a major requirement for trekking chimps. The three habituated groups can only accommodate 24 chimps per day.

How to Book a Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Nyungwe National Park?

To book a chimp trekking tour in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, contact any of these Rwanda tour operators for affordable safari packages.

1) Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd

2) Wild Gorilla Safaris

3) Gorilla Safari Rwanda

4) Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris

5) Gorilla Tracking Rwanda

6) Africa Safaris Tours

These will offer you the best chimp trekking safari packages, tailor-made to suit your preferences that can cross over to other parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve, Kibale National Park, Volcanoes National Park, etc.

Other Tourist Activities Done in Nyungwe National Park

In addition to observing chimpanzees during chimpanzee tracking tours, Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a variety of other activities.

1) Forest Canopy Walk in Nyungwe

A 2–3-hour tourist activity that takes you through the Igishigishigi trail and a 160-meter canopy walkway or bridge suspended 74 meters above the dense forest valley. It offers breathtaking views of the forest floor and eye-level sightings of monkeys and birds, often done in the afternoon on the day of transfer from Kigali City.

2) Colobus Monkey Tracking

This leisurely tourist activity enables you to see a habituated troop of colobus monkeys close to the dense forest edge, making it easily accessible without requiring extensive trekking.

3) Hiking Safaris in Nyungwe Forest

Several trails in Nyungwe Park offer wonderful hiking experiences, including the waterfalls trail, which leads to the beautiful Isumo waterfalls.

4) Gisakura Tea Estate Visit

Explore and learn about tea growing and processing at a tea estate and factory, and participate in harvesting and processing tea.

5) Community and Cultural Experience in Nyungwe

Visit community projects and villages to learn about daily activities, visit a farm, school, and artisans, enjoy traditional folklore and dances, attend performances, and purchase local crafts and art pieces while in Nyungwe.

6) Primate Spotting

While on chimp trekking safaris, visitors can see 13 other primate species in Nyungwe, including eastern chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, Rwenzori colobus, Angola colobus, and golden monkeys.

7) Bird Watching

Spot over 300 bird species when on a chimp trekking tour or birdwatching safari, including 26 endemics to the Albertine Rift, in Nyungwe, such as Apalis argentea, Archer’s Robin-chat, Dusky Crimson Wing, Grauer’s Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Kungwe Apalis, Large Blue Turaco, Ruwenzori Apalis, Ruwenzori Batis, Ruwenzori Nightjar, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Neumann’s Warbler, and Sunbird, among others.

8) Nature Walks and Hikes

Various trails in Nyungwe offer opportunities to explore the forest while partaking in nature walks and hikes, including the Bigugu and Igishigishigi trails.

9) Waterfall Visits

Explore and visit the Isumo waterfall, which involves a hike through slippery and steep areas of Nyungwe Park.

10) Mount Bigugu Climbing

Hike and climb to the peak of Mount Bigugu for stunning views of the forest, rolling hills, and distant Virunga mountains.

Why Are Chimpanzees Endangered in Nyungwe National Park Rwanda?

Chimpanzees are endangered due to a combination of several dangerous threats, including:

• Excessive habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation, logging, illegal mining, and urbanization
• Poaching for bushmeat and live infant capture for the illegal pet trade
• Disease transmission, including Ebola and respiratory infections
• Terrible climate change altering food availability and quality
• Human-chimpanzee conflict due to overlapping habitats
• Slow reproductive rate, making population recovery challenging

Conservation efforts, such as habitat protection, research, and community engagement, which are crucial to protecting chimpanzees and their chimp habitats, are still ongoing.

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

When heading to see chimpanzees in Nyungwe Park, you can wear some of this neutral-colored clothing.

Nyungwe National Park Chimpanzee Trekking Checklist

You can pack these items in case you need them when on chimpanzee trekking safaris in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, i.e.

Rwanda Chimpanzees FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Do Chimpanzees Eat Monkeys?

Yes, they do eat monkeys when in need of a meat diet.

2. Do Chimpanzees Eat Humans?

No, they do not eat humans but feed on fruits, nuts, honey, monkeys, insects, leaves, bamboo, and roots.

3. How Many Chimpanzees Are in Nyungwe National Park?

Nyungwe National Park is home to over 500 chimpanzees, with three troops habituated for chimpanzee tracking during Rwanda tours.

4. How Much Is the Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe?

Trekking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda, costs $25 per person per trek for Rwandan/East African Community citizens, $75 per person per trek for residents, and $150 per person per trek for international visitors on Explore Rwanda tours.

5. Where Can You See Chimpanzees in Rwanda?

There are two national parks in Rwanda where chimpanzees reside:

• Nyungwe Forest National Park (southwest Rwanda) is a habitat for over 500 chimpanzees, with three habituated groups (Uwinka, Gisovu, and Cyamudongo) available for chimp trekking.
• Gishwati-Mukura National Park (west Rwanda) is home to a relatively fair population of chimpanzees, mostly habituated and available for tracking chimpanzees.

6. How Many Chimps Are There in Rwanda?

Rwanda is home to a thriving population of over 1,000 chimpanzees, distributed across two national parks. These are Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park, often seen on Explore Rwanda tours.

7. Do chimpanzees live in Rwanda?

Yes, chimpanzees inhabit Rwanda, specifically in Nyungwe Forest (northwest Rwanda), Cyamudongo, and Gishwati Forest Reserve in East Africa.

8. Which African Country Has the Most Chimpanzees?

Uganda is home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Africa, with Kibale National Park hosting over 1,000 individuals, the highest concentration on the continent.

9. Are There Still Gorillas in Rwanda?

Yes, there are mountain gorillas in Rwanda, with Volcanoes National Park being the top mountain gorilla habitat in the country, hosting around 350 mountain gorillas, approximately one-third of the global population in the wild.

10. Are gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda?

Yes, mountain gorillas inhabit both Rwanda and Uganda. They have two distinct populations: one in Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park and the other in the Virunga Mountains, spanning across Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park), making both countries offer premier locations for guided gorilla treks.

Book your Rwanda tour today and visit Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park to see the intelligent creatures of the eastern chimpanzees for memorable African safari experiences.