This 4 Day Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure in Nyungwe National Park is designed for adventure seekers who want to fully immerse themselves in the lush landscapes, spot incredible wildlife, and experience the awe of meeting chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is one of Africa’s most pristine rainforest ecosystems and a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast. Known for its incredible biodiversity, it is especially popular for its unique chimpanzee tracking experiences.
Safari Highlights:
- Rwanda Monarchy History at King’s Palace Museum.
- Chimpanzee Tracking Experiences.
- Canopy Walk Experience.
- Tea Plantation Tour Experience.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host, who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport and aid you through fast-track assistance with visas and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at The Retreat by Heaven/Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury), Hotel des Milles Collines (Midrange), 5 Swiss Hotel (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion Tour –Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast on this exciting day at 0600hrs, you will start on a scenic 5-6-hour drive through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills and local communities to Nyungwe National Park. The drive itself offers a glimpse of Rwanda’s beauty and a chance to witness rural life up close. We recommend staying at a lodge near the park entrance to make early starts convenient for tracking days. Along the way, you will venture into cultural and historical heritageat Nyanza King’s Palace Museum which offers a detailed look into the Rwandan monarchical system and its abolition in the early 1960s. After this 2-hour tour, you will visit the Huye Ethnographic Museum for an extensive look throughthe ancient history of Rwanda. Thereafter, you will continue with your journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Upon arrival at the park, you will have a pre-tracking briefing by your guide before check-in at your lodge followed by 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: 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 4: 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.
Safari Inclusion
1. All Chimpanzee trekking permits.
2. All ground transportation in a 4WD Vehicle.
3. Canopy walk experience.
4. Tea plantation tour experience.
5. King’s Palace Museum visit.
6. Ethnographic Museum.
7. All Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
8. English-speaking Experienced Safari guide.
9. Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
10. Refreshments and snacks in the vehicle.
Safari Exclusions
1. All Tips to Hotels/Lodges/Camps staff and Safari Guide.
2. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are not accompanying meals.
3. International flight/s and departure taxes and other taxes.
4. Visa fees. Visas are available online or upon arrival at all Entry points.