4-Day Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee Trek – Canopy Walk & Colobus Monkeys

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

4-Day Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee Trek – Canopy Walk & Colobus Monkeys

Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, a primordial wilderness of mist-shrouded canopy, rushing mountain streams, and remarkable biodiversity. Home to over 1,000 chimpanzees and 13 primate species, Nyungwe offers some of the best primate tracking experiences on the continent. The park’s crowning jewel is the colobus monkey, with a single community of over 600 Rwenzori colobus observed here, the largest ever recorded of any primate on the continent. This 4-Day Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee Trek takes you into this ancient ecosystem, where you’ll track chimpanzees through dense forest trails, walk among the treetops on the famous canopy walk, and witness the spectacular acrobatics of the black-and-white colobus monkeys.

This 4-Day Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee Trek includes round-trip transport from Kigali, 3 nights’ accommodation at a comfortable lodge near the forest, all meals, chimpanzee trekking with expert rangers, a guided canopy walk, and colobus monkey tracking. You’ll travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional guide. All park fees, chimpanzee permits, and activity fees are included. With expert trackers and intimate forest encounters, this is the ultimate primate adventure.

Highlights

Day 1: Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
Day 3: Colobus Monkey Tracking & Community Visit
Day 4: Nyungwe – Return to Kigali – Departure

Day 01 :

Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Your Nyungwe chimpanzee trek begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport or your hotel. Your driver-guide greets you and assists with all formalities. Enjoy a scenic 5-6 hour drive through Rwanda's breathtaking countryside, passing through the rolling hills and lush landscapes that give Rwanda its nickname, "Land of a Thousand Hills." En route, stop at the National Museum of Rwanda in Butare for a fascinating introduction to Rwandan history and culture. Arrive at your lodge on the edge of Nyungwe Forest in the late afternoon. Settle in, enjoy dinner, and prepare for tomorrow's extraordinary primate encounter. Overnight at your Nyungwe lodge. Meals: Lunch & Dinner.

Day 02 :

Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk

Rise before dawn for an early breakfast, as chimpanzees are most active during the cool morning hours. Transfer to the Uwinka or Cyamudongo sector for registration and a pre-trek briefing by experienced park rangers. Accompanied by armed rangers and specialist chimpanzee trackers, venture into the ancient rainforest in search of your assigned chimpanzee group. The trek may last 1 to 4 hours depending on the chimps' location. Once located, you'll spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, experience the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a 200-meter suspended bridge offering breathtaking aerial views of the forest canopy and the chance to spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies from a completely new perspective. Overnight at your Nyungwe lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 03 :

Colobus Monkey Tracking & Community Visit

After breakfast, return to the park for colobus monkey tracking. Nyungwe is home to the largest recorded troop of black-and-white colobus monkeys on the continent, with a single community of over 600 individuals. Sessions last 2 to 3.5 hours depending on the monkeys' location. Once located, you'll spend one hour observing these striking primates known for their acrobatic leaps through the canopy. In the afternoon, visit a local community near the park to learn about traditional life in rural Rwanda and the efforts to balance conservation with community development. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Overnight at your Nyungwe lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 04 :

Nyungwe – Return to Kigali – Departure

After breakfast, check out and enjoy a scenic drive back to Kigali. Upon arrival, take an optional city tour of Kigali, one of the cleanest cities in Africa. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and stop at the Caplaki Crafts Village for traditional crafts. After exploring Kigali, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. Meal Plan: Breakfast.