3-Day Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

Overview

Embark on a thrilling 3-day chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe National Park, one of Rwanda’s most enchanting natural treasures. This safari combines scenic drives, cultural encounters, and a rare opportunity to watch wild chimpanzees in their natural rainforest habitat.

Your journey begins in Kigali with a short city tour before heading southwest through Rwanda’s rolling hills to the lush landscapes of Nyungwe Forest National Park. On the second day, trek deep into the forest in search of playful chimpanzees before returning to Kigali on the final day for your departure.

This 3-day Rwanda chimpanzee trekking tour can be tailor-made to your preferences whether you prefer luxury or mid-range accommodation, private transport, or extra activities. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation in the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Trip Highlights

• Experience chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
• Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial and explore Rwanda’s vibrant capital.
• Enjoy scenic drives through Rwanda’s rolling hills and tea plantations.
• Discover Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage at the Ethnographic Museum in Huye.
• Optional canopy walk offering breathtaking views over the forest.
• Professional, English-speaking driver-guide and comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle.

Tour Summary

• Tour starts and ends: Kigali, Rwanda
• Main destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Activities: Chimpanzee trekking, sightseeing, and nature exploration
• Transport: 4×4 safari vehicle
• Airport transfers: Included
• Accommodation: Included (mid-range or luxury options available)
• Tour departure: Any day (subject to chimpanzee permit availability)
• Age limit: 15 years and above for chimpanzee trekking
• Customization: Tour can be tailor-made to your preference

Detailed Itinerary

Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, a professional safari guide will welcome you and brief you about the adventure ahead. Airport transfers and accommodation before or after the safari can be arranged upon request at an additional cost.

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast or upon arrival in Kigali, your guide will take you on a brief Kigali city tour. Highlights may include visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and the lively city center, providing a deep insight into Rwanda’s history and culture.

You will then begin your scenic journey southwest toward Nyungwe Forest National Park, a UNESCO-listed rainforest renowned for its pristine biodiversity. The drive offers breathtaking views of terraced hillsides, tea plantations, and charming rural villages.

A stop will be made in Huye (formerly Butare) for lunch and a visit to the Ethnographic Museum, showcasing Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. Later, continue to Nyungwe and check in at your lodge, ideally located with sweeping views over the forest canopy.

Spend the evening relaxing at your lodge and preparing for your chimpanzee trekking adventure the following day.

Main Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or One&Only Nyungwe House (or similar)
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water provided

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Rise early for breakfast before heading to the Nyungwe Park Headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. With the guidance of expert rangers, venture into the heart of the rainforest in search of humankind’s closest relatives  the chimpanzees.

As you trek through dense forest, you’ll hear a symphony of bird calls, rustling leaves, and the distant chatter of primates. Once you locate a troop of chimpanzees, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing their fascinating behavior grooming, feeding, and playfully swinging through the trees.

After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you may unwind while admiring the scenic forest views or choose an optional canopy walk, a thrilling suspended bridge that offers spectacular vistas over the treetops and valleys below.

Main Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or One&Only Nyungwe House (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water provided

Day 3: Return Drive to Kigali and Departure

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kigali, retracing the scenic countryside roads. En route, stop at local craft markets or tea plantations for last-minute souvenirs and photos.

Upon arrival in Kigali, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport for your flight home. This marks the end of your 3-day chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda — a journey filled with breathtaking scenery, enriching culture, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Main Destination: Kigali
Accommodation: Not included (can be arranged at extra cost)
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Drinks: Drinking water provided

Tour Includes

• Chimpanzee trekking permit (subject to availability)
• All park entrance fees
• Accommodation as per itinerary
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Professional English-speaking driver/guide
• Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Bottled drinking water during the safari
• Airport transfers

Tour Excludes

• International flights
• Rwanda entry visa
• Accommodation before and after the safari (available on request)
• Optional activities (e.g., canopy walk)
• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks, souvenirs)
• Travel insurance

End of Tour

This 3-day chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park promises a rare and intimate experience with one of Africa’s most intelligent primates  the chimpanzee  all while discovering Rwanda’s natural and cultural beauty.

For inquiries or tailor-made packages, contact Experiya Tour Company and let our safari experts customize your perfect Rwanda adventure.