This 3-day Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Tour will take you to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the largest and thickest montane forests in all of East Africa, currently under the protection of Nyungwe National Park.
This forest harbors various primates, plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, and a few amphibians.
It is also the only place in East Africa—and the third on the African continent—where you can experience a canopy walk, offering an incredible view of the forest.
The highlights of this tour include a chimpanzee trekking experience, colobus monkey tracking, cultural visits to Butare Museum and Nyanza Palace, and the magical canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest.
If you want the best Rwanda safari experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park but have limited time, this safari package is ideal for you.
Please see the detailed itinerary below:
3-Day Rwanda Chimpanzee Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 2: Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
- Day 3: Transfer to Kigali for Departure
Detailed 3-Day Rwanda Chimpanzee Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our tour guide and transferred to Nyungwe Forest National Park, driving through the beautiful lush countryside of southern Rwanda and the lovely town of Butare before reaching Nyungwe Forest National Park in the late afternoon or evening, depending on your arrival time.
If we arrive in the late afternoon, we will take an evening community walk, where we will interact with the local Rwandans in the southern part of the country and observe their daily life and development.
If you speak French, communication will be easier. Afterward, we will return to our accommodation for an overnight stay as we prepare for the main activities the next day.
Day 2: Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
On this day, we venture into the heart of Nyungwe Forest, so we will need to start with a hearty breakfast to stay energized throughout the trek.
After breakfast, we will head to the park headquarters for a short briefing session at 8:00 AM, then set off into the forest to search for Rwanda’s chimpanzees.
Nyungwe Forest is the largest montane forest in the region, sheltering over 290 bird species, 68 mammals, and approximately 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, along with a variety of butterflies, strong towering trees, and orchids.
The chimpanzee trekking experience typically lasts up to 5 hours, with a full hour spent in close proximity to these primates, depending on their movements.
You will have the chance to observe the chimpanzees feeding, playing, and jumping from tree to tree.
After this activity, we will return to the starting point to meet your guide, who will drive you to your accommodation for lunch and relaxation.
In the afternoon, we will embark on a walk on East Africa’s only canopy walk. Starting at the Uwinka Visitor Center, this adventurous walk on top of the forest canopy may last up to two hours and offers amazing views of Nyungwe Forest and its inhabitants.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make sure to bring a fully charged camera to capture unforgettable moments.
Afterward, we will return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay as we prepare for the next day’s activities.
Day 3: Transfer to Kigali for Departure
After breakfast, we will begin our journey back to Kigali City, with a stopover in Butare to explore the largest museum in Rwanda.
Butare Museum houses over 90,000 artifacts that depict the rich history and traditions of Rwanda, offering a perfect opportunity to connect with the country’s past.
Following the museum visit, we will head to the Nyanza Palace, the royal residence of two Rwandan kings, Musinga and Rudahigwa, for an exciting cultural tour.
Afterward, we will continue our journey to Kigali City, where you will have time to relax before preparing for your departure flight in the evening.
End of 3-Day Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Tour.