6 Days Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee Trekking Rwanda
- Overview
- Tour Details
Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a globally significant biodiversity hotspot. Home to thirteen primate species – including a large chimpanzee population and over 400 black-and-white colobus monkeys travelling in some of the largest troops anywhere on the continent – it offers a wilder, less-trafficked alternative to Uganda’s more famous primate parks.
This six-day group safari pairs early-morning chimpanzee tracking with the celebrated canopy walkway, a 70-metre suspension bridge that takes you into the upper rainforest canopy where you may spot Ruwenzori turacos, great blue turacos, and rare hornbills. Birders will find Nyungwe extraordinary – it shelters 27 Albertine Rift endemics.
The trip also includes time at Lake Kivu, where you can swim, kayak, and explore the lakeside town of Gisenyi. With Rwanda’s excellent road network, scenery that ranges from terraced hillsides to dense forest, and the safety and ease of getting around, this is one of Africa’s most under-appreciated primate destinations.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon Kigali city tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Drive to Nyungwe
Scenic drive south-west through tea plantations to Nyungwe Forest (approx 6 hours). Afternoon at your lodge.
Accommodation: Nyungwe House (or similar)
Meals: Full board
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking
Pre-dawn departure for chimpanzee tracking with park rangers. Trekking can last 3-6 hours. Afternoon rest.
Accommodation: Nyungwe House
Meals: Full board
Day 4: Canopy Walk & Colobus
Morning canopy walkway through upper forest, afternoon optional Colobus monkey trek - troops of 300+ can sometimes be seen.
Accommodation: Nyungwe House
Meals: Full board
Day 5: Drive to Lake Kivu
Transfer north to Lake Kivu (approx 5 hours). Afternoon at leisure - swim, kayak, or relax on the shore.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meals: Full board
Day 6: Return to Kigali
Morning drive back to Kigali for departure flight or extension.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
What's Included
- 5 nights lodge accommodation
- All ground transport (shared 4x4)
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Chimpanzee permit (USD 90)
- Canopy walkway entry
- Full board on safari
- Bottled water
- Kigali airport transfers
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Rwanda visa (USD 50 on arrival)
- Tips, drinks, personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Optional Colobus monkey trek (USD 60)
- Optional Lake Kivu boat hire
Additional Notes
Best Time to Trek:
- June - September & December - February: Dry seasons, easier trails
What to Bring:
- Long sleeves, trousers, waterproof hiking boots
- Light rain jacket and gaiters
- Daypack with water and energy snacks
Fitness: Trekking can take 2-6 hours over uneven, sometimes muddy terrain. A reasonable fitness level is required.
Important Information
- This tour is organized by the tour operator.
- The exact itinerary sequence, details, and pricing of this tour depend on availability.
- If a selected accommodation is fully booked, the operator will recommend a comparable alternative.
- The operator reserves the right to adjust the rates advertised on this website.