Combining Chimpanzee and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe with Gorilla Safari in Bwindi

Africa calls to the adventurous spirit, offering encounters with some of the world’s most magnificent creatures in their natural habitats. For those seeking an immersive wildlife experience, a journey through Rwanda’s lush Nyungwe National Park and Uganda’s ancient Bwindi Impenetrable National Park promises an unforgettable adventure. From thrilling chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks to the awe-inspiring privilege of meeting mountain gorillas, this guide helps you plan a seamless 5–6 day wildlife expedition.

The Nyungwe Experience: Chimpanzees and Canopy Walks

Nestled in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. Moreover, covering a vast montane forest, it is home to over 1,000 plant species and 13 primate species, including chimpanzees. In addition, the park hosts 275 bird species as well as countless insects and amphibians. Its untouched beauty and thriving ecosystem make it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe offers an intimate encounter with our closest primate relatives. Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees are active and agile, often swinging through the trees, making tracking both challenging and exhilarating.

Trek details:

• Start: Early morning from Uwinka, Gisakura, or Kitabi reception centers.
• Guidance: Experienced rangers and trackers lead the way.
• Duration: A few hours to a full day, depending on the chimpanzees’ movements.
• Experience: One hour observing chimpanzees grooming, feeding, playing, and interacting perfect for photography and wildlife connection.

The Canopy Walk

For a breathtaking perspective of the rainforest, the Nyungwe Canopy Walk is a must. Suspended 70 meters (230 feet) above the forest floor, this 160-meter (525 feet) bridge near the Uwinka Visitor Center offers panoramic views of the canopy. The 2.4 km (1.5 miles) round-trip walk allows visitors to spot primates such as colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys and enjoy excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Combining the canopy walk with chimpanzee trekking gives a complete understanding of the forest from the forest floor to the treetops.

The Bwindi Experience: Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Uganda, is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Its dense forest and rugged terrain make for a truly immersive and authentic trekking experience.

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is life-changing. After an early morning briefing, visitors are assigned to gorilla families, with groups limited to eight people to minimize disturbance.

Trek details:

• Duration: 1–8 hours, depending on gorilla locations.
• Experience: One hour with the gorillas watch silverbacks assert dominance, mothers care for young, and juveniles play a humbling wildlife encounter.

Gorilla Permits

Gorilla permits are essential and limited. Booking 3–6 months in advance is recommended:

• Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park): $800 per person; Gorilla Habituation Experience: $1,500 for 4 hours.
• Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park): $1,500 per person.

Best Time to Visit

• Nyungwe: Dry seasons (June–September, December–February) are ideal for trekking and canopy walks; wet seasons offer lush scenery and active wildlife but muddy trails.
• Bwindi: Dry seasons make trekking easier; wet seasons increase wildlife visibility and reduce crowds, though trails can be slippery.

What to Pack

Clothing:

• Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirts and trousers
• Waterproof jacket or poncho
• Sturdy hiking boots and gaiters
• Gloves, hat, and lightweight fleece

Essentials:

• Backpack, water, snacks, camera, binoculars
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, first-aid kit
• Headlamp, power bank, plastic bags, walking stick

Documents:

• Passport and visa (if required)
• Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
• Yellow fever certificate
• Travel insurance and copies of all important documents

Rules and Regulations

• Maintain a minimum 7-meter distance from primates
• No eating, drinking, or smoking near animals
• No flash photography
• Follow guide instructions at all times
• Only one hour with the primates once located

Specific notes:

• Chimpanzees: Be ready to move with them.
• Gorillas: Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and stay in a tight group, and never touch the animals.

6-Day Itinerary: Chimpanzee and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe with Gorilla Safari in Bwindi

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

• Evening arrival at Kigali International Airport
• Transfer to hotel, dinner, and rest

Day 2: Nyungwe National Park

• Morning drive to Nyungwe (5–6 hours)
• Afternoon chimpanzee trekking or canopy walk
• Evening: Lodge check-in, dinner, and relax

Day 3: Nyungwe & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

• Morning: Complete remaining activity or enjoy a nature walk
• Afternoon: Drive to Volcanoes National Park (4–5 hours)
• Evening: Lodge check-in, dinner, and rest

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Bwindi

• Morning: Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Late morning/afternoon: Transfer to Bwindi via Rwanda-Uganda border (2–3 hours)
• Evening: Lodge check-in, dinner, and rest

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

• Morning briefing at Bwindi
• Gorilla trek (2–8 hours) with one-hour observation
• Evening: Return to lodge, dinner, and relaxation

Day 6: Departure

• Breakfast at lodge
• Drive to Entebbe International Airport (8–10 hours) or Kigali International Airport (6–8 hours) for departure

This itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences, pace, and available time, ensuring a seamless, unforgettable adventure through Rwanda and Uganda.