Rwanda has undoubtedly outdone the African travel destination growth curve in the past decade, positioning itself as a top primate viewing destination with outstanding adventure experiences like gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking. If you’re thinking of visiting Rwanda, it must be for one of the two adventures centered around conserving the endangered species, their habitats, and the human communities around the habitat.

Rwanda may have made it to your adventures list because of the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees, but the country is also host to monkeys – colobus,  golden, L’Hoest’s, owl-faced, Dent’s, blue and vervet – and olive baboons and nocturnal primates like potto and bushbabies.

On a typical Rwanda safari, expect to sweep through the metropolitan culturally-rich Kigali capital. Then head northwest to encounter the gentle mountain gorillas and climax the trip with a chimpanzee trekking experience in the primate-rich Nyungwe National Park located in the country’s south.

What To Expect on a Chimpanzee Trekking Trip to Nyungwe National Park

The small country’s primate adventures get people talking. They make the list of top things to do before you die. But, we will focus our attention on what you should expect on a chimpanzee trekking trip to Nyungwe National Park. So let’s get to it.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nnyungwe is found in Rwanda’s southwestern mountainous region at the border with Burundi, contingent with Kibira National Park (on the side of Burundi) and between Lake Kivu and Lake Tanganyika. Nyungwe is one the oldest rainforests in Africa, endowed with wildlife, and dramatically beautiful. 

Although the park protects a great list of unique wildlife species, its small population of chimpanzees is the main attraction. However, on a chimpanzee trekking adventure, expect to encounter one of the 12 other primate species, including L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift.

A keen adventurer wouldn’t hike through Nyungwe National Park to just find the chimpanzee. One of the 1,068 plant species, especially one of the 140 orchids, may get a plants geek’s attention. Even you might not be able to shay away from the multi-colored feathers of any of the 322 bird species and 120 butterfly species that may cross your trail to the chimpanzee troops. 

One of the rewards of hiking into Africa’s unspoiled jungles, in the surprises that jolt your adrenaline and make you alive again. Nyungwe has more than 70 mammals hiding under its enchanting forest canopy. Expect at one moment for any of the shy inhabitants like a serval cat, mongoose, or leopard to cross your path. 

Fortunately, all excursions are escorted by expert trackers and a pair of armed guards to avoid insecure surprises. No doubt, such an experience is worth flying over oceans for.

Although chimpanzee trekking is worth your visit to Nyungwe National Park, the forest is a hiker’s Eden. Trekkers should expect more than watching the antics of our evolutionary cousins.

Chimpanzee Trekking

It’s because scientists discovered that chimps are 98% human DNA, closely related to us, that we find watching them so fascinating. Spending even a small-time within the wild, we can learn about them and ourselves and appreciate the natural world. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park comes the closest to those experiences. So, expect to bond with the oldest untamed wild in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests on a chimp trek. 

Nyungwe Forest hosts more than 500 chimpanzees in several troops or communities. Just two of the groups are habituated for human visits, and you’ll be tracking one of them.

Small groups of trekkers set out at 5:00 am to find one of the troops with an expert guide and armed guides. Duration of reaching the chimps could be anywhere between 20 minutes to hours because the chimps could move anywhere within the 340 sq mi radius. 

Fortunately, you’ll be walking with expert trackers who would have predicted their movements and can track them seamlessly. You’ll be allowed to spend at least an hour when you find them. The time may be short to prevent over-staying your invite. Over the limit to what our primitive cousins can accommodate—they’re wild, you know!

Expect a challenging trek through the rugged rainforest terrain. Improve your fitness level before you come and pack to wear appropriately because the landscape can be steep, slippery, and muddy, trekking through thick vegetation to reach the chimpanzees. Suitable footwear is essential, as well as a certain level of fitness. 

Although you can book your permit with the RDB office ($90 per person), we advise that you get yours through Encounter Africa Safaris. We have a ground office accredited to process the permit on your behalf. Besides, you might want to avoid the logistics headache and leave that to us.

Hiking, Canopy Walk in Nyungwe

Nyungwe National Park’s rugged landscape makes it an attractive destination for hikers. The park has an extensive network of over 11 scenic hiking trails. Expect this jungle to indulge you in its delights on a guided hiking adventure for at least a week. If you’re tracking gorillas in the famous Volcanoes National Park, nature hiking in Nyungwe is worth your consideration.

The most famous ofNyungwe’s trails in the Igishigishigi Trail—a 2.1-km hike will lead you to majestic views over the Canopy Walkway. The Igishigishigi Trail is named after the giant tree ferns which are dotted along the trail. If the trail seems shorter, it’s because you’re rushing it. Please don’t! At least combine it with the longer Imbaraga or Umuyove Trails for a dramatic experience. Hiking in Nyungwe entrance fee will cost you $60 per person.

Birders will be excited to hike through Nyungwe National Park’s trails and tick off a list of 322 bird species, with 29 endemics to the region. Most birders will be expecting to spot the Red-collared Babbler. This magnificent flyer easily finds Rwanda the most comfortable place to dwell. 

Other specialties include Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Nightjar, Grauer’s Warbler, Regal, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Blue-headed, Purple Breasted Sunbirds, and Neumann’s Warbler. You’ll spot all these from any of the well-maintained birding trails networks with guidance from the park’s expert bird guides.

How to get there

Let’s assume that your primary entrance in Rwanda will be through Kigali International Airport. In that case, expect to drive about 200km/124mi across the country to the southwestern border to find the Nyunge National Park’s visitation center at Rusizi. The drive takes about 5-7 hours from Kigali through well-paved highways. 

Let’s say you’re combining your chimpanzee trekking trip to Nyungwe with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in the north. Therefore, expect to drive 4-6 hours between Rusizi and Ruhengeri over the eastern Lake Kivu shores. A stunning drive that’ll leave you renewed.

Where to stay

From deluxe forest luxury to cheap hostels for intrepid backpackers, Nyungwe has something for everyone. If you don’t expect to deal with the overwhelming logistics, let Encounter Africa help you with your accommodation for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe.

However, you can book into One&Only Nyungwe House, or Nyungwe Forest Lodge for a luxury stay with premium amenities. Gisakura Guesthouse and  Nyungwe Top View Hill are something for the mid-range third-tier traveler. 

If you expect to go lower than the mid-range budget, the nearest towns have a wide range of guesthouses and homestays. Campers, too, can get on any of the available campsites along the park’s trails and pull up their camping gear.

When to go

Nyungwe National Park is open for hiking and chimpanzee trekking all year through. Anytime is a goodtime. 

However, October to May is the best time for chimpanzee trekking trips in Nyungwe because they are wet seasons. Expect to easily spot chimps when there is plenty of food around the park during the rains. 

General hiking and spotting other primates might be more accessible in the drier months, from June to September.

Shall we go?

Chimpanzee trekking is the most successful way to fund the conservation of our endangered cousins. They need us to buy that permit and visit them to understand their plight for wanting to avoid extinction as we’ve done to other animals.

Come with Encounter Africa, who’ll take care of all the ground logistics and manage your expected chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe National Park. Send us an email at info@gorilla-tracking-uganda.com now to hold your seat!