Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda: Everything You Need to Know
Rwanda is famous for its mountain gorillas, but there is another wildlife experience worth adding to your itinerary: chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Deep in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe is a beautiful tropical rainforest filled with birds, monkeys, ancient trees, and wild chimpanzees. The experience begins early in the morning, when you enter the forest with experienced guides and trackers to search for one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
You may hear the chimpanzees calling to one another before you see them. As you get closer, you might spot them feeding in the trees, moving through the forest, or interacting with members of their community. Their speed, intelligence, and loud calls make this a very different experience from watching mountain gorillas.
If you are planning a Rwanda safari with Go To Africa Safari, here is what you should know about chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, including where it takes place, the cost of permits, the best time to visit, and how to prepare for the adventure.
Where Is Nyungwe Forest National Park?
Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in southwestern Rwanda, close to the border with Burundi and not far from Lake Kivu. It protects one of the region’s important montane rainforest ecosystems and is known for its remarkable biodiversity.
The forest is home to chimpanzees and several other primate species, including Angola colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. Birdwatchers also visit Nyungwe to look for the many bird species found in this part of the Albertine Rift.
Unlike Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, which is known for mountain gorilla trekking, Nyungwe offers an opportunity to explore a different side of the country’s wildlife.
The journey to Nyungwe takes you through Rwanda’s rolling hills, rural communities, and tea-growing landscapes. For many visitors, the scenery along the way is part of the experience.
Chimpanzee trekking is one of the park’s main attractions, and it can be combined with other activities, such as the famous canopy walkway, forest hikes, birdwatching, and visits to nearby tea plantations.
What Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Like?
Chimpanzee trekking involves walking through the forest with a trained guide and trackers who help locate a habituated chimpanzee community.
The day starts early, often before sunrise. After reaching the designated meeting point, you receive instructions from park staff before heading into the forest.
Trackers usually go ahead to establish where the chimpanzees are moving. Once the group is located, your guide leads you towards them while explaining what to look for along the way.
Finding the chimpanzees can be exciting because they do not remain in one place. They move through the forest in search of fruit, leaves, and other food. Sometimes they are high in the trees, and at other times they may be moving along the forest floor.
You might hear loud calls echoing through the forest, watch individuals grooming one another, or see young chimpanzees playing while adults feed nearby.
Once the chimpanzees are found, visitors are generally allowed to spend up to one hour observing them, following park rules.
The experience is not always predictable. You may find the group relatively quickly, or you may need to walk for several hours. This uncertainty is part of what makes chimpanzee trekking a genuine wildlife adventure.
Where Do You See Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest?
Chimpanzee trekking takes place in designated areas of Nyungwe and the nearby Cyamudongo Forest.
1. Nyungwe Forest
The main forest is home to a habituated chimpanzee community that visitors can track with park guides. The forest’s dense vegetation, hills, and rich wildlife make the trek an interesting experience for nature lovers.
If you are staying near the main park area, this may be a convenient option, depending on the location of your accommodation and the assigned trekking arrangements.
2. Cyamudongo Forest
Cyamudongo is a smaller forest area separated from the main Nyungwe forest block. It is another important habitat for chimpanzees and is used for guided tracking experiences.
The journey to the starting point depends on where you are staying, so it is important to confirm the meeting location and transport arrangements when booking.
Both locations offer the chance to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The specific starting point, departure time, and availability should be confirmed with the park or your safari operator before travelling.
How Much Does Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda Cost?
Chimpanzee trekking permits are generally less expensive than mountain gorilla trekking permits, although the exact price depends on your visitor category and the current official rates.
The published Nyungwe National Park pricing schedule for 2025–2026 lists the following chimpanzee tracking fees:
- International and African visitors: US$150 per person.
- International visitors residing in Rwanda or the East African Community: US$75 per person.
- Rwanda and East African Community citizens: RWF 25,000 per person.
These rates are based on the published schedule and should be reconfirmed before booking, as fees and eligibility categories may change.
The listed tracking fee includes a guide. You should also budget for accommodation, transport, meals, and any additional activities you wish to enjoy in the park.
If you are planning your trip through Go To Africa Safari, request a quotation that clearly explains what is included in the package and what you will need to pay separately.
Booking your permit in advance is advisable, especially if you have fixed travel dates.
What Is the Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe?
Chimpanzee trekking is available throughout the year, but the experience can vary with the weather.
The wetter periods, generally around March to May and October to November, can offer rewarding opportunities to observe chimpanzees. Food availability influences how chimpanzees move through the forest, and during some wetter periods, they may spend more time feeding in areas where fruit is available.
However, rain can make forest trails muddy and slippery, and sightings are never guaranteed.
The relatively drier months, particularly June to September and December to February, are also popular with visitors exploring Rwanda. Hiking conditions may be more comfortable, although chimpanzees can still move deep into the forest.
There is no perfect month that guarantees an easy trek or a close encounter. Your experience depends on the chimpanzees’ movements, weather conditions, and the location of the group on the day.
If you plan to combine chimpanzee trekking with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, consider the conditions for both activities when choosing your travel dates.
How Difficult Is Chimpanzee Trekking?
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe can be physically demanding. The forest has steep slopes, uneven ground, thick vegetation, and trails that can become slippery after rain.
You do not need to be an experienced mountaineer, but you should be comfortable walking for an extended period. The time needed to find the chimpanzees varies, so it is best to prepare for several hours of hiking.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, long trousers, and a long-sleeved shirt. A lightweight waterproof jacket is useful even when the morning starts out clear.
Carry drinking water and a small backpack for your essentials. Hiking poles may help with balance, but check with your guide before using them on the trek.
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe generally has a minimum age of 15 years, according to published park guidance. Confirm the current age rules when making your reservation.
Visitors must follow their guide’s instructions, keep the required distance from the chimpanzees, and never attempt to touch or feed them. If you have symptoms of a contagious illness, inform your operator before the trek because human infections can pose a serious risk to great apes.
Can You Combine Chimpanzee Trekking With the Nyungwe Canopy Walk?
Yes, and it is a great way to experience more of the forest.
The Nyungwe canopy walkway is a suspended bridge above a forested valley, offering views across the treetops and surrounding rainforest. It is accessed as part of a guided forest walk and provides a very different perspective from trekking on the forest floor.
While chimpanzee trekking focuses on finding wild primates, the canopy walkway gives you a chance to appreciate the forest from above. You may also spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife during your visit.
Depending on your schedule, you can arrange the canopy walk for another day or combine it with other suitable activities. Because chimpanzee trekking starts early and its duration is unpredictable, avoid making your itinerary too tight.
Nyungwe also offers forest hiking, birdwatching, and opportunities to explore the surrounding tea-growing region.
Can You Combine Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking With Gorilla Trekking?
Absolutely. If you have enough time, combining chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe with mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park creates a wonderful Rwanda primate safari.
The two experiences are quite different. Chimpanzees are highly active and often move quickly through the forest, while mountain gorilla encounters usually involve observing a family group after it has been located by trackers.
A longer itinerary can include chimpanzee trekking, the canopy walkway, gorilla trekking, and visits to Rwanda’s scenic lakes or cultural attractions.
Allow enough time for travel between destinations. Nyungwe is in southwestern Rwanda, while Volcanoes National Park is in the northwestern part of the country, so the road transfer can take several hours.
A well-planned itinerary will give you time to enjoy each activity without rushing from one park to another.
Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Worth It?
For travelers who enjoy wildlife, forests, and active outdoor adventures, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is a memorable way to discover Rwanda beyond its famous mountain gorillas.
You get to explore a remarkable rainforest, learn about chimpanzee behavior, and experience the excitement of searching for wild animals with the help of local trackers.
It is important to remember that chimpanzees are wild, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. The trek can also be challenging, especially when trails are muddy or the animals are far from the starting point.
Nevertheless, the combination of wildlife, forest scenery, and the chance to observe our close relatives makes this an experience worth considering when planning a Rwanda safari.
Plan Your Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Safari With Go To Africa Safari
Nyungwe Forest National Park offers an unforgettable opportunity to discover Rwanda’s rich biodiversity and observe chimpanzees in their natural environment.
Whether you want to visit Nyungwe for chimpanzee trekking alone or combine it with the canopy walkway, mountain gorilla trekking, and other destinations, planning ahead will help you make the most of your trip.
Go To Africa Safari can help you organise a Rwanda safari based on your available time, interests, and budget, including transport, accommodation, and wildlife activities.
