3 Day Nyungwe Chimpanzee Safari in Rwanda

This 3-day Nyungwe chimpanzee safari is designed for travellers who want to experience Rwanda’s rainforest, primates and forest adventure within a short trip. The safari starts in Kigali and takes you south-west to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and one of Rwanda’s best destinations for chimpanzee tracking. The itinerary combines chimpanzee tracking, the Nyungwe canopy walk and black and white colobus monkey tracking. It also includes cultural and historical stops along the route, such as the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, depending on timing. This safari works well for couples, solo travellers, families and guests combining Nyungwe with Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu or Akagera National Park. The experience is active but rewarding, with forest walks, primates, birdlife, tea country scenery and private road transfers from Kigali.

Safari Highlights

• 3-day Rwanda safari to Nyungwe National Park
• Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest
• Nyungwe canopy walk above the rainforest
• Black and white colobus monkey tracking
• Scenic drive from Kigali to southwestern Rwanda
• King’s Palace Museum visit in Nyanza, depending on time
• Forest birding and primate viewing opportunities
• Private driver guide and road transfers
• Budget, mid-range and luxury lodge options
• Suitable as a short Rwanda primate safari

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Kigali Pickup, King’s Palace Visit and Transfer to Nyungwe

Your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali, the airport or another agreed location in the city. After a short briefing, begin the drive to Nyungwe National Park in south-western Rwanda. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic, stops and road conditions. Along the way, you may visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, one of Rwanda’s important cultural sites. Depending on your route and timing, another suitable cultural or museum stop can be included before continuing towards Nyungwe. The drive gives you a good view of Rwanda’s countryside, with rolling hills, farms, towns and tea-growing landscapes as you approach the forest region. Arrive in the afternoon, check in at your lodge and relax before the next day’s chimpanzee tracking experience. Accommodation options: Budget option: Simple guesthouse or lodge near Nyungwe, Mid-range option: Nyungwe Hill View Hotel, Luxury option: One and Only Nyungwe House.

Day 2, Chimpanzee Tracking and Nyungwe Canopy Walk

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park briefing point for chimpanzee tracking. Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe often starts very early because chimps are active in the morning and can move quickly through the forest. You will join ranger guides and trackers who help locate the chimpanzee community. The walk can take 2 to 4 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are feeding or moving. Nyungwe’s forest is dense and mountainous, so good hiking shoes, long trousers and a light rain jacket are recommended. Once the chimpanzees are located, you spend time observing them as they feed, call, climb and move through the forest. Some sightings may be high in the canopy, so binoculars can be useful. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and rest.

In the afternoon, continue to the Nyungwe canopy walk. This guided experience takes you above the forest canopy and gives wide views over the rainforest, valleys and treetops. It is one of the most memorable activities in Nyungwe, especially for guests who enjoy forest scenery, photography and soft adventure. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3, Colobus Monkey Tracking and Return to Kigali

After breakfast, return to Nyungwe Forest for black-and-white colobus monkey tracking. Nyungwe is known for its large troops of black and white colobus monkeys. The walk usually takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on where the troop is located and how long you spend observing them. During the walk, you may also see other primates, forest birds, butterflies and beautiful rainforest vegetation. After the forest walk, return for lunch, then begin the journey back to Kigali. You will arrive in Kigali in the evening, depending on traffic and stops along the way. Your driver guide will drop you at your hotel,  Airport, or another agreed location. This marks the end of your 3-day Nyungwe chimpanzee safari in Rwanda.

Inclusions and Exclusions

• Kigali airport or hotel pickup
• Private road transfers throughout the safari
• English-speaking driver guide
• 2 nights accommodation near Nyungwe
• Meals as stated in the final itinerary
• Bottled drinking water during transfers
• Chimpanzee tracking permit
• Nyungwe canopy walk booking support
• Colobus monkey tracking booking support
• Return transfer to Kigali

Exclusions

• Rwanda visa fees
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Tips for guides, rangers, and lodge staff
• Personal drinks, laundry and calls
• Optional activities not confirmed in the final itinerary
• Extra accommodation before or after the safari