3-Day Chimpanzee Safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Safari Overview

Nyungwe Forest National Park is renowned as the best destination in Rwanda for chimpanzee trekking. As the country’s largest conservation area, Nyungwe spans 1,019 square kilometres and extends along the borders of Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This lush, biodiverse rainforest is an extension of Burundi’s Kibira National Park and is home to an incredible array of wildlife.

Safari Highlights

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Canopy Walk – East Africa’s best treetop experience
Cultural stops at the Ethnographic Museum and Nyanza Palace
Scenic drive through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills”

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Your driver-guide will be waiting at the airport, ready to kick start your adventure with Usoke Explorers. Choose to depart immediately for a scenic 268-kilometre drive approximately 6 hours of captivating Rwandan landscapes or refresh at a hotel in Kigali before setting off.

Your Journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park:

Scenic Road Trip: Enjoy beautiful views of Rwanda’s lush landscapes as you travel toward Nyungwe Forest National Park
Butare Stopover: Savor a delicious lunch in Butare, an ideal midway stop to relax and rejuvenate
Timely Arrival: Arrive at Nyungwe in perfect time to unwind, enjoy dinner, and settle in for a restful overnight stay

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge – Upscale comfort amid breathtaking nature
Mid-range: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel – Stunning vistas and modern amenities
Budget: Gisakura Guest House – Authentic and economical experience

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk Experience

Start your day with an early, hearty breakfast before setting off at around 5:00 to 6:00 AM toward the park headquarters. Upon arrival, you will receive a comprehensive briefing on forest dos and don’ts to ensure a safe and immersive experience in this ancient montane forest an ecosystem that has thrived since the last Ice Age.

Chimpanzee Trekking: A Journey into the Wild
At exactly 8:00 AM, join your group of up to 8 trekkers for a guided chimpanzee trekking adventure that lasts between 2 to 5 hours. As you explore the forest’s rich flora and fauna, our expert guide will introduce you to various bird species, distinctive tree varieties, and unique primates, explaining their significance and natural behavior.

Meet the Chimpanzees: Spend a full hour observing these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat watch them play, mate, breastfeed, and communicate as they jump effortlessly from branch to branch.

Picnic Lunch: After the trek, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in the heart of nature.

Nyungwe Canopy Walk: East Africa’s Best
Post-lunch, head to the Uwinka Visitor’s Centre for an unforgettable canopy walk the best in East Africa and ranked as the 3rd best in Africa. This exhilarating walk, approximately 50 metres high and 90 metres long, takes about 2 hours to complete and offers stunning panoramic views of the expansive Nyungwe Forest.

Return to your lodge to relax, enjoy a sumptuous dinner, and settle in for an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Return Journey – Discover Rwanda’s Heritage on the Way Back to Kigali

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 6-hour drive back to Kigali, marking the grand finale of your unforgettable 3-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Safari. Your return journey is as enriching as the adventure itself, with cultural stops that showcase the rich heritage of Rwanda.

Cultural Stopovers on Your Journey:

Ethnographic Museum in Butare
Begin your cultural exploration at Rwanda’s largest museum, the Ethnographic Museum in Butare. Housing over 100,000 artifacts, this museum offers a deep dive into Rwanda’s fascinating history and vibrant culture. Discover ancient traditions, art, and everyday life through meticulously curated exhibits that bring Rwanda’s past to life.

Nyanza Palace
Next, visit Nyanza Palace, the former residence of traditional Rwandan kings, including King Musinga and his successor King Rudahigwa. Here, you can marvel at impressive replicas of the royal huts and authentic royal equipment, providing a glimpse into the regal heritage and traditions that have shaped modern Rwanda.

After these inspiring cultural experiences, continue your drive to Kigali. Arriving in the bustling capital, you will conclude your 3-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Trip on a high note, enriched by both wildlife adventure and Rwanda’s cultural legacy.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Best Time to Visit

The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is during the dry seasons June to September and December to February when the trails are drier and easier to navigate. The wet seasons (March–May and October–November) bring lush vegetation and migratory birds but can make trails muddy and slippery.

Safari Inclusions

Airport pickup and drop-off in Kigali
Transportation in a private 4WD vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Chimpanzee trekking permit
Canopy walk experience
Park entry fees and conservation levies
Cultural stops (Ethnographic Museum, Nyanza Palace)
All meals as specified in the itinerary
Bottled drinking water

Safari Exclusions

International flights and visas
Travel insurance
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
Porter fees during the trek