Primate Tours
About This Tour
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is one of Rwanda's most extraordinary wildlife experiences and a perfect complement to gorilla trekking. Nyungwe hosts one of East Africa's largest chimpanzee communities — with over 500 individuals — as well as 12 other primate species, making it the most diverse primate habitat in Africa.
Unlike gorilla trekking where you visit a specific habituated family, chimpanzee tracking involves following a habituation community through the dense rainforest. Chimps are extremely active, vocal and mobile — the experience is dynamic and thrilling, with the sound of chimp calls echoing through the forest canopy as you approach.
Nyungwe Forest is one of Africa's oldest montane rainforests, covering 1,019 km² in southwest Rwanda. It sits at 1,600–2,950 m altitude, giving it a cool, misty atmosphere very different from typical African national parks. The forest is also home to 310 bird species including 29 Albertine Rift endemics, Angola colobusus monkeys (in troops of 300+), L'Hoest's monkeys and olive baboons.
The chimpanzee trekking permit includes a guided half-day trek. Full-day chimp habituation experiences are also available. Rwanda SafariTours arranges permits, transport from Kigali or Rubavu (Lake Kivu), and expert primate guides.
Tour Highlights
Track wild chimpanzees in one of East Africa's largest chimp communities
500+ chimpanzees in Nyungwe — exceptionally large population
13 primate species in one forest including L'Hoest's and colobus monkeys
One of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse montane rainforests
310 bird species including 29 Albertine Rift endemics
Can be combined with canopy walk and Kigali or Lake Kivu stay
RDB-certified primate specialist guide throughout
Dramatically different ecosystem from gorilla trekking
What's Included
Included
Chimpanzee trekking permit ($150 per person)
Nyungwe Forest NP entrance fee
RDB-certified primate guide
Walking sticks
Bottled water
Transport from Kigali or Rubavu (quoted separately)
Not Included
Transport from Kigali (2-day trip recommended — see packages)
Accommodation (arrange separately or through us)
Meals
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Tour Itinerary
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1Arrival AfternoonArrive Nyungwe — Lodge Check-InNyungwe Forest is 5–6 hours from Kigali (or 3.5 hours from Lake Kivu). We recommend arriving the afternoon before your trek and staying overnight at a lodge near the park entrance at Uwinka or Gisakura.
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2Trek Day — 5:30 AMEarly Briefing at Uwinka Visitor CentreYour guide and rangers brief your group on chimpanzee behaviour, forest rules and the day's tracking plan. You are assigned to a chimpanzee habituation group.
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36:00 AM – 12:00 PMChimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe ForestEnter the forest on foot following your RDB guide and expert chimp trackers. The chimps are monitored by radio — trackers know their approximate location. When you find them, you spend 1 hour in their presence. The noise, energy and movement of a large chimp community is extraordinary.
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4AfternoonOptional: Nyungwe Canopy WalkAfter the chimp trek, visit the famous Nyungwe canopy walkway — a 200 m suspension bridge 50 m above the forest floor. Outstanding forest views, birdwatching and photography. Separate entry fee applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the chimpanzee permit cost in Rwanda?
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe Forest cost $150 USD per person, issued by Rwanda Development Board (RDB). This includes a guided half-day trek with 1 hour in the presence of habituated chimpanzees. Rwanda SafariTours handles all permit bookings.
Is Nyungwe Forest far from Kigali?
Nyungwe Forest is approximately 230 km from Kigali — about 5–6 hours by road. We recommend a 2-day itinerary: drive to Nyungwe Day 1 (stopping at tea plantations and scenic viewpoints), trek Day 2, then return to Kigali or continue to Lake Kivu. This can also be combined with Lake Kivu for a 3-day Southwest Rwanda tour.
Can I see other primates in Nyungwe besides chimpanzees?
Yes — Nyungwe has 13 primate species. You will likely encounter Angola colobus monkeys (in troops of 100–400+), L'Hoest's monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys and others during your trek. The colobus groups in Nyungwe are among the largest in Africa.
Is chimpanzee trekking harder than gorilla trekking?
Chimp trekking is generally considered slightly easier than gorilla trekking as the altitude is lower (1,600–2,200 m vs 2,400–3,600 m for gorillas). However, chimps move very quickly and the forest undergrowth can be dense. Moderate fitness is recommended.
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