Day 1: Pick Up - Cultural Immersion Tour –Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Early in the morning at 0600hrs,you will be picked up and start on a 2-hour journey to the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, a historic and cultural landmark that provides insight into Rwanda’s royal heritage. This palace is an impressive reproduction of a traditional royal residence, with its thatched roofs and distinctive architecture. During this guided tour, you’ll experience a glimpse of Rwanda’s monarchical traditions and courtly life. The palace is famous for its resident royal cows, known as “Inyambo,” which symbolize Rwandan heritage and are revered for their elegance. This enriching experience sets the cultural foundation for the days to come. You will continue with your scenic journey 3.5-hour drive through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills and local communities to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The drive itself offers a glimpse of Rwanda's beauty and a chance to witness rural life up close. Upon arrival, you will settle in at a lodge near the park entrance.
Dinner and overnight stay at One and Only Nyungwe House (Luxury), Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Midrange) Emeraude Kivu Resort (Budget).
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking – Canopy Walk Experience
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe starts early in the morning at 0500hrs.With a packed breakfast, your guide will drive to Cyamudongo visitor reception where an experienced guide will give a briefing that will usher you into the chimpanzee tracking guidelines. You will dive into the forest with a ranger guide in your lead searching for the chimpanzees. The dense, mist-covered forest provides an unforgettable setting as trekkers navigate through steep and sometimes muddy paths. The chimpanzees of Nyungwe are accustomed to human presence but remain unpredictable, making each tracking experience unique. The trek can last between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the chimpanzees' location, so physical endurance and appropriate gear, including hiking boots, rain gear, and insect repellent, are essential.As you reach the chimpanzees, a sense of awe fills the group. You will watch the chimps interact, play, and communicate in ways that reveal their intelligence and complex social structures. This encounter, which typically lasts about an hour, is a profound experience that highlights the beauty of wildlife in its natural form. You will return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon at 1400hrs, you report to Uwinka Park reception for a briefing prior to undertaking the canopy walk experience, a key highlight in Nyungwe. Suspended 50 meters above the ground, this 160-meter bridge offers panoramic views of the rainforest and the unique chance to observe wildlife from above. The canopy walk allows for sightings of other primates, such as the L'Hoest’s monkey and blue monkeys, as well as numerous bird species like the great blue turaco, making it ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. After this exhilarating activity, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight stay at One and Only Nyungwe House (Luxury), Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Midrange) Emeraude Kivu Resort (Budget)
Day 3: Tea Plantation Tour – Return to Kigali - Departure.
Following a hearty breakfast at 0700hrs, you will take a scenic drive to a local tea estate, where you’ll learn about the tea-making process, from leaf to cup. At the tea estate, a guided tour covers the entire production cycle, from harvesting and drying the leaves to packaging. You’ll even have the chance to sample freshly brewed tea while taking in panoramic views of the plantation. The tea tour offers a fascinating insight into one of Rwanda’s most significant agricultural exports. After an exhilarating crop-to-cup tea tour, you will begin the journey back to Kigali (5-6-hour drive). Whether you’re continuing your travels or heading home, the memories from Nyungwe will stay with you. You will be dropped off at your accommodation or airport for your return flight.
End of the 3 Day Chimpanzee Tracking Experience in Nyungwe.
