Home » RWANDA CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
RWANDA CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking/Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is a thrilling adventure into the misty rainforests of Nyungwe National Park that should not be missed on your Rwanda safari bucket list.
This experience allows you to come face-to-face with one of man’s closest relatives—the lively and intelligent chimpanzees that roam Rwanda’s dense forests.
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) share over 98% of their DNA with humans, making this chimp trek more than just a wildlife encounter—it’s a journey into the heart of our evolutionary story.
Unlike gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is faster-paced, filled with the sounds of howling huge chimps, rustling leaves, and the beauty of unspoiled forest life among other wild animals.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a wildlife enthusiast, this activity is a must-do on your Rwanda safari.
This is a detailed breakdown of what chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda encompasses!
Where to See Chimps in Rwanda?
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) live primarily in the lush rainforests of Nyungwe Forest National Park (the largest montane rainforest in Africa), located in southwestern Rwanda, with an elevation that varies between 1600 m and 2950 m above sea level.
This ancient tropical forest is one of the oldest in Africa, recognized as a key water catchment area, contributing to several rivers in the region and teeming with biodiversity. It’s the best place to see chimpanzees in Rwanda.
Another emerging destination is Gishwati-Mukura National Park (Gishwati Forest and Mukura Forest) and Cyamudongo Forest, though Nyungwe remains the top location due to its larger population and better chimpanzee tracking and chimpanzee habituation experiences.
Nyungwe Forest stretches across over 1,000 square kilometers, forming part of the great Albertine Rift and sitting between Lake Kivu and the Burundi border.
The forest sits at elevations between 1,600 and 2,950 meters above sea height/level, giving it a cool, misty climate year-round.
Visit Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park for the best chimpanzee trekking experiences!
The Rwanda Chimpanzees and Their Habituated Groups
Over 500 chimpanzees closely related to humans roam the Nyungwe forest, with 2-3 groups habituated for trekking experiences: Cyamudongo (30 chimps, high success rate), Uwinka (60 chimps, moderate success rate), and Gisovu (newly habituated, less predictable).
Each group offers a unique chimpanzee tracking experience, with varying levels of success of seeing a chimpanzee group depending on the forest size and chimp habituation.
The larger group lives around Cyamudongo Forest, a small but dense isolated patch of forest to the west of Nyungwe, while the others are found deeper within the central part of the park.
These habituated chimpanzee groups are familiar with human presence, allowing visitors to track and observe their daily behavior without causing distress or disturbances.
Chimpanzees tend to be highly mobile, moving quickly through the dense forest canopy and Nyungwe forest floor, so trackers need to keep their eyes peeled throughout the chimpanzee trekking experiences to get a glimpse of these huge chimps.
But once you find them, you may witness them grooming, feeding, hunting smaller mammals, building night rest nests, making loud pant-hoots, and engaging in playful interactions.
The Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Rwanda | How Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda Done?
Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda (the main primate-related tourist activity) typically starts early in the morning, around 4:30 or 5:00 to 6:00 AM, from one of the park’s three reception centers: Uwinka Reception Center, Gisakura Reception Center, or Kitabi Eco Center, with a briefing.
After a briefing by experienced park guides, guests are divided into small groups (8 people per day), each led by a trained park guide/armed ranger and a tracker familiar with chimpanzee movements to track chimps or facilitate the experience. please note that the Cyamudongo chimpanzee group is easier to trek because of its smaller size.
The chimpanzee trekking activity involves following trails into the dense forest, listening for chimp calls (loud pant hoots and tree slapping), broken branches, and fresh dung that indicate their recent movement.
Once located, you’ll spend only one hour with the chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), watching them in their natural environment while keeping a respectful distance (7-10m).
Chimpanzee trekking requires a reasonable level of fitness, as it can be challenging depending on the chimpanzees’ location, requiring good hiking shoes and a walking stick.
Contact us now and let us plan your chimpanzee trekking experiences for unforgettable Rwanda safari memories!
Duration of Rwanda Chimpanzee Treks | How Long Does Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda Take?
The total duration of chimp trekking in Nyungwe can range from 2 to 6 hours, including the hike to find the chimps and the one hour spent in their presence.
The exact time depends on how far the chimpanzee groups have moved because chimps in Nyungwe make new nests daily in different locations, contributing to the unpredictability of spotting them. The chimpanzee trekking experience often involves navigating steep slopes, slippery trails, and thick undergrowth.
Compared to Rwanda gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking is faster-paced and less predictable, as chimps tend to move more rapidly and climb trees more often than mountain gorillas.
The Age Limit For Rwanda Chimp Trekking Tours
The minimum age limit for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda/to track chimps is 15 years old. This restriction set by the Rwanda Development Board ensures the safety of both visitors and the chimpanzees, as younger children may struggle with the trek’s physical demands or unknowingly disturb the giant chimps and other wild animals in the park.
Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Rules and Regulations
To protect the chimpanzees and visitors, the following rules are set by the RDB and apply during Rwanda chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park:
- Do not track chimps if you are sick, especially with the flu or a cough.
- Keep a safe distance of at least 8 meters from the chimpanzees.
- Flash photography is not allowed when taking pictures of the giant chimps.
- Stay quiet and avoid sudden movements as you track chimps/during the chimpanzee trekking experience.
- Do not eat or drink near the chimpanzees.
- Follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
- Trekking groups are limited to 8 people per habituated group per day.
- Trekking requires a valid chimpanzee trekking permit and ID.
These rules help ensure minimal disturbance to the animals and the Nyungwe forest ecosystem, as well as human safety.
Where To Stay During Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Excursions in Nyungwe National Park?
There are several excellent accommodation options near Nyungwe Forest National Park, catering to various budgets.
- One&Only Nyungwe House/Nyungwe Forest Lodge – An all-inclusive 5-star retreat located within a working tea plantation near Gisakura.
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel – Offers stunning views over the Nyungwe forest canopy and Lake Kivu.
- Gisakura Guest House – Located close to the Gisakura reception center, ideal for early morning treks.
- Nyungwe Eco Village – Budget-friendly with a focus on community tourism and eco-lodging.
All these accommodations and more offer easy access to chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, and other Nyungwe forest activities.
Book any of these accommodation options in advance, especially during the dry peak season, to avoid disappointment!
The Cost of a Chimpanzee Trekking Permit and Related Safari Prices | How Much Is a Chimpanzee Permit in Rwanda?
The chimpanzee trekking permit in Rwanda, which includes a ranger guide and a one-hour experience with the huge chimps, can be obtained from the Rwanda Development Board and costs:
- $150 for international visitors/foreign non-residents
- $75 for foreign residents in Rwanda for the chimp trekking permit
- RWF 25,000 for East African citizens and Rwandan citizens
Besides the permit, other fees include park entry.
- The entry fee for international visitors to Nyungwe NP is $100.
- Foreign residents in Rwanda pay $60 for park entry to Nyungwe NP.
- Rwandan citizens pay $10 for park entry to Nyungwe NP.
It is worth noting that only 24 chimp trekking permits are available each day, limited to 8 tourists per group in Nyungwe NP.
In addition to the permit, overall chimpanzee trekking safaris in Rwanda may cost anywhere between $500 and $1,000+, depending on the tour operator, accommodation, and other safari activities included.
Liaise with a reputable Rwanda tour operator for actual pricing quotes for a memorable chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe National Park!
How To Get to Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking Tours?
Nyungwe Forest National Park is approximately 225 kilometers (140 miles) or 4 to 6 hours from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, and can be reached in about 4 to 6 hours by road.
Transport Options:
- 4×4 Private safari vehicle with a licensed tour operator such as Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd., Wild Gorilla Safaris, or Rwanda Gorilla Tracking Safaris, etc.
- Self-driving car rentals
- Scheduled charter flights to nearby Kamembe Airport, followed by a 1-hour drive to the park.
Contact a reputable tour operator to help you organize logistics, packages, transportation, and all for a hassle-free chimpanzee trekking experience in Rwanda!
The Best Time to Visit Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking Tours
The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February.
During these dry months, the Nyungwe forest trails are drier and less slippery, making the chimpanzee trekking experience more comfortable for tourists.
However, chimpanzees are present year-round, and chimpanzee trekking is available every day throughout the year, including during the wetter months (rainy season), but early morning sessions are preferred.
Please note that permits for chimpanzee trekking, an activity primarily organized in Nyungwe Forest, need to be booked in advance and cannot be purchased on-site.
Visit Rwanda today and take part in the chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe National Park for lasting memories!
Safari Packing List for Rwanda Chimpanzee Treks in Nyungwe National Park
To ensure a smooth and safe chimpanzee trekking experience, wear and pack the following:
- Good hiking shoes with ankle support
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants for protection against insect bites and scratches
- Rain jacket—the Nyungwe forest is wet and misty even during the dry season
- Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and Nyungwe forest bugs
- Hat and sunglasses
- Refillable drinking water bottle or drinking water
- Snacks or energy bars
- Gardening Gloves (optional) to protect hands during hiking
- Camera (no flash)
Contact a reputable Rwanda safari operator for the most recommended essentials to pack to avoid carrying excess luggage!
Other Tourist Attractions seen in Nyungwe NP during Chimp Trekking safaris in East Africa
Besides chimpanzees seen on chimp trekking safaris, Nyungwe Forest National Park offers thrilling attractions such as the canopy walkway (a popular attraction), over 13 primate species (blue monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, Angola/black & white colobus monkeys, and l’hoest monkeys, and owl-faced monkeys, among other primates), rare Albertine Rift birds, Isumo Waterfall, Mount Bigugu, tea plantations, L’Hoest’s and Mona monkeys, over 200 orchid species, colorful butterflies, local communities, biodiverse Cyamudongo Forest, and 130 km of scenic hiking trails (e.g., igishigishigi trail).
Other Safari Activities to Enjoy in Nyungwe National Park Besides Chimpanzee Trekking
Nyungwe Forest National Park is not just about chimpanzees but also other species. The park offers a variety of fun ecotourism/safari activities and primate tracking adventures, each of which adds unique value to your Rwanda trip:
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
This is the process where trained personnel make continuous visits to wild chimps until they realize that humans are not a threat. This habituation process takes several years to ensure the huge chimps tolerate the human footprint during trekking.
Go beyond trekking chimpanzees/chimpanzee trekking by joining researchers familiar with the chimps in the wild during chimpanzee habituation experiences.
Please note that the huge chimps in the habituation process can tolerate tourists only if they see familiar faces of the personnel and the Cyamudongo chimpanzee group is easier to track due to the smaller size of the Cyamudongo forest.
Spend extended hours in the Nyungwe forest learning how wild chimpanzees adapt to human presence.
This deeper, immersive experience offers rare insights into primate behavior and long, rewarding moments with semi-habituated chimps.
It is worth noting that the chimpanzee habituation experiences can also be done in the famous Kibale National Park in Uganda
Walk across a 70-meter-long suspension bridge suspended high above the Nyungwe forest floor. The canopy walkway (the only one in East Africa) provides a bird’s-eye view/sweeping views of Nyungwe’s lush jungle, with chances to spot monkeys, butterflies, and tropical birds at eye level in the treetops.
Colobus Monkey Tracking
Join guided Nyungwe forest treks to see large troops of Angolan colobus monkeys, often spotted in large troops/groups of 50 to 400 individuals. These striking black-and-white primates are fun to watch and photograph as they swing through the trees near Gisakura.
Tea Plantation Tours
Visit the scenic Gisakura Tea Estate or other plantations around the park for an authentic Rwandan tea experience. Learn about the growing, harvesting, and processing of tea; meet local farmers; and enjoy sampling fresh local tea brews while surrounded by green, rolling hills.
Nyungwe is a birding paradise for birders, with over 310 recorded species. Look out for Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori turaco, the great blue turaco, and Shelley’s crimsonwing, among other birds. Bring your birding binoculars—you could spot over 100 unique species in one trip/birding session.
Isumo Waterfall Hike
Take guided Nyungwe forest hikes/treks to Isumo Waterfall, one of Nyungwe’s hidden gems and a popular site to visit in Nyungwe. The trail winds through pristine rainforest, filled with butterflies, birds, and monkeys. Enjoy the misty spray and peaceful setting at the base of this beautiful jungle waterfall during Rwanda safaris.
Mount Bigugu Hiking
Climb to the top of Mount Bigugu, Nyungwe’s highest peak at 2,950 meters. The hike is challenging but rewarding, with panoramic views stretching over tea plantations, Lake Kivu, and even the distant volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains.
Cultural Experiences Around Nyungwe National Park
Visit nearby communities like Banda or Cyamudongo for an enriching Rwanda cultural experience. Enjoy traditional music, Rwandan dance, storytelling, crafts, and warm hospitality from locals eager to share their heritage and way of life with visitors.
Don’t miss out on an adventure of a lifetime; contact us now and let us tailor the best Rwanda safari package for you to enjoy all these fun safari activities firsthand for unforgettable safari experiences!
Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Chimpanzee Trekking Worth It?
Yes! Seeing huge chimps in their natural forest habitat is a rare and rewarding experience that offers insights into our closest wild relatives to tourists partaking in it during Rwanda wildlife safaris/chimpanzee trekking tours.
For the ultimate Rwanda safari, the chimpanzee trekking safaris are often combined with other safari park activities, e.g., big five safaris in Akagera National Park, mountain gorilla tracking in Volcanoes NP, etc.
- How Difficult Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda? | How Strenuous Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
Rwanda Gorilla trekking tours undertaken to see the endangered mountain gorillas can be strenuous due to the steep terrain in the Volcanoes NP, but porters and guides assist. Physical fitness helps, but anyone in moderate shape can do it.
- How Much Does It Cost to Trek the Golden Monkey in Rwanda?
Golden monkey trekking permits cost $100 per person according to RDB, and this activity is only done in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla NP in Africa to see the golden monkeys.
- Where Can You See Chimpanzees in Rwanda? | Can You See Chimps in Rwanda? | Do Chimpanzees Live in Rwanda?
Yes. Chimpanzees live in Nyungwe Forest and Gishwati-Mukura National Park and can be seen firsthand during chimpanzee trekking safaris in Rwanda after getting a chimpanzee tracking permit from RDB.
- How Much Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest?
In Budongo Forest (Uganda), chimp permits range from $85 to $130, depending on the season and nationality, and can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
- Is Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safe?
Yes. Rwanda gorilla treks/gorilla trekking tours in Rwanda, East Africa, done in Volcanoes NP to see the famous mountain gorillas, are led by trained rangers and tourism security who take the safety and security of the tourists as a top priority in the country.
- Which African Country Has the Most Chimpanzees?
Uganda has the largest wild chimpanzee population (1,500+) and therefore, stands out as a premier destination for chimpanzee enthusiasts, offering unparalleled opportunities to trek these fascinating apes in the lush forests of Kibale National Park—the primate capital of the world.
Other countries with a fair number of chimpanzees include Rwanda (Nyungwe Forest NP), the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks), and Tanzania (Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks).
- Are There Still Gorillas in Rwanda?
Yes. Mountain gorillas live in Volcanoes NP, one of Africa’s top Mountain gorilla trekking destinations.
These famous mountain gorillas can be seen during Rwanda gorilla tours.
- Which Country Is Famous for Chimpanzees?
Uganda, Tanzania, DR Congo, and Rwanda are all famous for wild chimpanzee trekking safaris in central and eastern Africa.
- What Is the Largest Gorilla Family in Rwanda?
The Susa Group in Volcanoes NP is one of the largest and most studied mountain gorilla families.
Experience the thrill of chimpanzee trekking and more in Nyungwe Forest National Park, a must-visit destination in Rwanda’s wilderness. Reach out to us now and let us tailor the best Rwanda chimpanzee trekking safaris for you for lasting memories during explore Rwanda tours!
