3 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Safari – Rwanda
This 3-day Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking safari introduces travelers to one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. The journey leads to Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda near Lake Kivu and the border with Burundi. The park protects one of the best-preserved montane rainforests in Africa and covers more than 1,000 square kilometers of lush forest.
Nyungwe is famous for its chimpanzee trekking experiences, spectacular canopy walkway, and impressive primate diversity. The forest shelters 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
This short safari starts and ends in Kigali and combines wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and breathtaking rainforest landscapes.
THE RATE IS $1330 BUDGET $1530 MIDRANGE
Safari Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- Canopy walk above the rainforest
- Scenic drive through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills”
- Visit tea plantations near Nyungwe
- Optional Kigali city tour
Detailed 3-Day Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Your guide picks you up early from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. A short briefing introduces the safari and explains the activities ahead.
If time allows, the morning begins with a brief city tour in Kigali. You may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, or cultural centers. The visit provides insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience.
After the city tour, begin the scenic drive toward Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey takes approximately 5–6 hours and passes through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside filled with terraced hills, villages, and tea plantations.
Along the way, enjoy an optional stop at the Ethnographic Museum, one of the best cultural museums in East Africa. The museum showcases Rwanda’s traditions, royal history, and ancient artifacts.
Continue south toward Nyungwe with lunch en route. As you approach the forest, the scenery changes dramatically. Thick rainforest blankets the hills, while vast tea plantations stretch along the edges of the park.
Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and check in for relaxation.
Accommodation options
Mid-range- Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge
Budget- Ken Barham Guest House
Dinner and overnight near Nyungwe Forest.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Wake up early for breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for a briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers.
The rangers explain chimpanzee trekking guidelines and safety rules before the adventure begins. Nyungwe hosts several habituated chimpanzee groups living deep inside the forest.
With an experienced guide, begin hiking through dense rainforest trails. The trek may take between 30 minutes and 5 hours, depending on where the chimpanzees are located that morning.
During the trek, the forest reveals extraordinary biodiversity. Expect to see colorful birds, butterflies, and other primates such as colobus monkeys and vervet monkeys.
Once the chimpanzees are located, spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch them feed, groom, and communicate while swinging through the trees. This close encounter provides remarkable insight into the behavior of our closest relatives.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Afternoon Canopy Walk
Later in the afternoon, head to the Uwinka Visitor Center for the famous Nyungwe canopy walk. The suspension bridge stretches roughly 90 meters above the forest floor, offering breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy.
Walking across the bridge creates a thrilling perspective of the forest ecosystem. Visitors often spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies from above the treetops.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Tea Plantation Visit – Return to Kigali
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast while overlooking the rainforest hills.
Before leaving Nyungwe, take an optional visit to the nearby Gisakura Tea Estate. Here you learn about Rwanda’s tea production process, from leaf picking to processing. Visitors can walk through the plantations and interact with local tea farmers.
After the visit, begin the return journey to Kigali. The drive again offers magnificent views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, villages, and farmland.
Stop for lunch en route before continuing to Kigali.
Arrive in Kigali in the late afternoon and transfer to the airport or your hotel.
End of the 3-Day Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
Safari Inclusions
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- 2 nights accommodation
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Meals as indicated
- Bottled drinking water
- Park entrance fees
- Canopy walk fee
Safari Exclusions
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses