Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe

Overview

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is a slow, physical and deeply rewarding morning. You walk into the forest with a ranger and trackers, find a chimpanzee community that is used to human visitors, and spend time watching them feed, groom and travel above and around you.

This page is about the Nyungwe trek in particular, and how we organise it from Kigali. If you want to compare the different places in Rwanda where chimpanzees can be seen, start with our overview of chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. For the park as a whole, read our Nyungwe National Park guide.

How a Nyungwe chimpanzee trek works

Groups are small and led by park rangers. Trackers go out early to locate the community, so the walk begins with a briefing and a radio update on where the chimpanzees are. Where they are decides everything else: some mornings you reach them within an hour, on others the walk is long.

Rules protect the animals. You keep a set distance, you do not eat in their presence, and anyone who feels unwell must say so before the trek begins. Time with the chimpanzees is limited to a fixed period once you find them. <!-- VERIFY: current group size, minimum viewing distance, time-with-chimpanzees limit and minimum age with RDB -->

Your day, hour by hour

Most guests sleep in or near the forest the night before, because the drive from Kigali is long. Read our guide on getting from Kigali to Nyungwe for the road.

1. Early morning: breakfast at your lodge and transfer to the park trailhead.
2. Briefing: a ranger explains the rules, the terrain and how to behave near the chimpanzees.
3. The walk: the group follows trackers along forest trails, often steeply downhill and then back up.
4. The encounter: time with the community, with plenty of chances to photograph and simply watch.
5. The return: a walk back to the vehicle, usually by midday.
6. Afternoon: rest, or a shorter activity such as a tea plantation visit or the canopy walk.

What you may see

Chimpanzees in Nyungwe live in large, active communities. You may see adults feeding in fruiting trees, mothers with young, and males calling across the valley. Encounters vary: sometimes the chimpanzees are high in the canopy, sometimes on the forest floor. We never promise a particular behaviour.

Nyungwe also holds many other primates, including troops of colobus monkeys. Our list of the 13 primates of Nyungwe shows what else to watch for on the way.

Fitness and what to wear

Be honest with yourself about fitness. Slopes are steep, the ground is wet and the altitude is moderate. Our full chimpanzee trekking guide for Nyungwe describes the terrain in detail.

• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
• Long trousers and long sleeves, for nettles and insects
• A light rain jacket, since rain can fall in any month
• Gloves for gripping vines and branches
• Insect repellent, water and a small snack
• A camera without flash, and a dry bag

We can arrange a porter to carry your bag and give you a steadying hand on steep sections.

Nyungwe or somewhere else

For a shorter, smaller forest option, see our Cyamudongo forest chimpanzees article and our Gishwati-Mukura tour. If you are also considering Uganda, our comparison of Kibale and Nyungwe helps you decide.

Best time to go

The forest can be trekked in every month. The drier months, June to September and December to February, make the trails less slippery and the walking easier. In the rains the forest is lush and quieter, but expect mud. See our advice on the best time to visit Nyungwe.

What is included, and what is not

A typical quote from us includes a private vehicle with driver-guide, fuel, and the arrangement of your permit and lodging. The permit, park fees and meals are itemised so you see exactly what you pay. International flights, visas, travel insurance, tips and personal items are not included. Our guide to Rwanda travel insurance explains what cover to look for. <!-- VERIFY: current chimpanzee permit price and what it includes -->

Combining the trek with a wider trip

Many guests pair Nyungwe with gorillas in the north or a stay on Lake Kivu. Our 6-day Rwanda primate safari links the three primate experiences in one route.

Booking

Book early for June to September and the December holidays, because permits and lodging in the forest are limited. We need names, dates of birth and nationalities to arrange permits. Tell us about any health concerns, and we will advise honestly whether the trek suits everyone in your group.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe?

It is moderate to demanding. The trails are steep and often muddy, and the length depends on where the chimpanzees are that day. Reasonable fitness and good boots make a big difference.

Can we do it as a day trip from Kigali?

It is possible in principle, but the drive is long and the trek starts early, so we strongly recommend sleeping near the forest the night before. See our guide to the drive from Kigali.

Are chimpanzees guaranteed?

Trackers are usually successful, but wild animals move, and we cannot guarantee a sighting or how long it will last. Your guide and the rangers will do everything they can.

Is there an age limit?

The park sets a minimum age for trekking. <!-- VERIFY: current minimum age --> Tell us the ages of your group when you enquire.

Can we also see gorillas on the same trip?

Yes. Gorillas are in the north and chimpanzees in the south west, and we can build both into one route. See our gorilla trekking page.

What should I bring on the trek?

Waterproof boots, long sleeves, a rain jacket, gloves, water and a camera without flash. We give you a full packing list when you book.