Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nestled in the southwestern region of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a treasure trove of biodiversity. This spectacular park shares its borders with Burundi, Kibira National Park to the south, and Lake Kivu along with the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Renowned as the best-preserved montane rainforest in Central Africa, Nyungwe is home to over 1,050 plant species, 250 endemic species from the Albertine Rift, 200 orchid species, 120 butterfly species, 85 mammal species, and 38 reptiles.

Established in 2004, Nyungwe covers approximately 970 km² of lush rainforest, bamboo forests, grasslands, swamps, and bogs. In October 2020, the Rwanda Development Board entered into a partnership with African Parks to manage Nyungwe National Park for an initial 20 years. All tourism activities in the park are now overseen by the Rwanda Development Board.

Top Things to Do in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is a unique experience that allows you to observe these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. The trekking begins in the morning and is conducted in groups of up to eight people, similar to gorilla trekking. Every year, a significant number of tourists flock to Nyungwe to meet face-to-face with chimpanzees—our closest living relatives—watching them as they play, feed, and interact.

Nyungwe boasts the highest population of chimpanzees in Rwanda, with about 400 individuals residing in the park. Two communities have been habituated for trekking: approximately 60 chimps live in Nyungwe Forest, while around 30 can be found in Cyamudongo Forest. These intelligent creatures are fascinating to observe, offering an unforgettable adventure in Africa’s oldest rainforest.

Cost of Chimpanzee Trekking Permits

The cost for a chimpanzee trekking permit is $100 per person, which includes park entry, a ranger, and a guide who will accompany your group. Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board, responsible for all tourism activities in the country. You will need to present your permit at the park headquarters before heading to the trekking start point on your designated date. Since chimpanzee permits are limited and tend to sell out quickly, it’s advisable to book in advance. Feel free to contact us for availability and assistance with your permit booking for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe National Park is also a birdwatching haven, hosting 322 bird species, including 29 endemic species, making it one of the premier birding destinations in Africa. The standout species here is undoubtedly the Red-collared Babbler, found exclusively in Rwanda, offering birders a unique sighting opportunity. Other notable species include the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, Grauer’s Warbler, and a variety of sunbirds, including Regal, Blue-headed, and Purple-breasted.

Birdwatchers can explore a well-maintained network of trails, often with the guidance of expert birding guides, to increase their chances of spotting these magnificent birds. With enough time and a bit of luck, you may also encounter the elusive Kungwe Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, and Willard’s Sooty Boubou. Among Nyungwe’s rarest birds are the Congo Bay Owl, Albertine Owlet, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing, along with the seldom-seen Rockefeller’s Sunbird.

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park

The canopy walk is one of the must-do highlights during your safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park, known for its incredible biodiversity. Starting from the Uwinka Reception Centre, you’ll embark on a scenic hour-long trek to the canopy walkway, where you’ll be surrounded by countless butterflies, vibrant orchids, and colorful birds—many of which are endemic to the region. Keep your eyes peeled for the chance to encounter one of the thirteen primate species that call Nyungwe home. The park’s steep, forested slopes feature well-maintained footpaths, though they can get muddy after rainfall, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Nyungwe Forest spans 1,015 square kilometers, making it the largest remaining area of tropical Afro-montane rainforest in East Africa. The canopy walk itself is a thrilling 200-meter-long trail suspended 50 meters above the forest floor. This elevated viewpoint offers an eagle’s-eye perspective of the breathtaking Nyungwe landscape, making it an unforgettable experience.

Hiking Through Nyungwe Forest

Hiking in Nyungwe is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty. With a variety of trails available, you can explore diverse ecosystems while enjoying views of unique plants, colorful birds, and butterflies. Some of the notable hiking trails include:

• Gishigishigi Trail
• Karamba Trail
• Umugote Trail
• Umoyove Trail
• Uwinka Trail
• Irebero Trail
• Imbaraga Trail
• Bigugu Trail (which leads hikers through lush tea fields and steep rainforest ravines to the park’s largest waterfall)
• Kamiranzovu Trail
• Muzimu Trail
• Ngabwe Trail
• Rukuzi Trail

Depending on the trail you choose, hikes can last anywhere from one hour to a full day, providing ample opportunity to connect with nature.

Colobus Monkey Tracking

Nyungwe Forest is home to thirteen species of primates, with the Rwenzori Colobus monkey being the most prominent. This endemic species can be tracked throughout the forest, particularly in the southern region. You might encounter groups of up to 400 individuals during your trek. Early mornings are the best time to track them, as they are most active, feeding, and grooming before settling down for the day. Other monkey species you may spot include Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys, Blue Monkeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Owl-Faced Monkeys, and Mona Monkeys.

Accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Visitors to Nyungwe have a variety of accommodation options to choose from, catering to different budgets. Whether you’re looking for luxury or something more modest, you’ll find a suitable place to stay. Recommended accommodations include:

• One & Only Nyungwe House
• Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
• Nyungwe Forest Lodge
• Gisakura Guest House

These options provide comfortable and beautifully designed rooms, perfect for an exclusive honeymoon adventure or a romantic getaway in Africa.

Getting to Nyungwe Forest National Park

By Air: You can fly into Kamembe International Airstrip from Kigali with RwandAir, which operates a minimum of nine flights weekly on the Kigali-Kamembe route. The airport is conveniently located near Nyungwe Forest and various accommodations.

By Road: Alternatively, you can reach Nyungwe by road. We offer organized road trips for chimpanzee safaris, taking approximately 5-6 hours from Kigali city. Our safaris begin at 8:00 AM, with scenic stops along the way for photography and enjoyment of the beautiful landscapes.

Book Your Adventure Today

Ready to embark on your chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe National Park? Contact us at Excursia Adventures to book your adventure today!