Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is one of Rwanda’s most thrilling wildlife experiences. Hidden within the ancient montane forests of Nyungwe, more than 500 wild chimpanzees roam freely, and a select number of them have been habituated for responsible tourism. This once in a lifetime activity allows visitors to hike deep into the forest with expert guides to observe these intelligent, social primates in their natural environment.
The trek begins early in the morning, often before sunrise, as chimpanzees are most active at dawn. After a briefing at the ranger station, small groups are assigned a guide and set off into the forest. The terrain can be steep and damp, but the rewards are incredible. As you follow chimp calls echoing through the canopy, you may encounter them feeding, grooming, calling, or swinging swiftly between trees. The experience is raw, immersive, and deeply moving, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
Unlike gorilla trekking, chimpanzees are fast-moving and often stay high in the trees, which makes the trek more dynamic and unpredictable. Visitors are allowed to spend one hour with the chimpanzees once they are located, maintaining a safe and respectful distance. Nyungwe is also home to other primates such as colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and blue monkeys, which you may spot along the way, adding to the richness of the trek.
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe currently cost USD $150 per person and should be booked in advance due to limited daily availability. The trek starts from either the Uwinka Visitor Center or Cyamudongo Forest, a smaller, denser section of Nyungwe that also hosts a habituated chimpanzee group. The Cyamudongo trek is often considered slightly easier and offers a higher chance of sightings, though both areas provide exceptional experiences.
Trekking chimpanzees in Nyungwe is about more than just wildlife, it’s about connecting with one of the world’s last intact montane rainforests. The forest itself is spectacular, filled with ancient mahoganies, orchids, and the sounds of hundreds of bird species. It’s a sensory journey into one of the most biodiverse and protected ecosystems in Africa.
For travelers seeking authentic primate encounters, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is the perfect complement to Rwanda’s iconic gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. It adds diversity, adventure, and educational value to any Rwanda itinerary, while supporting long term conservation and sustainable tourism efforts. Chimpanzee trekking is easier to be combined with gorilla trekking in the volcanoes National Park to give a complete experience to the client. Reach out to our team on Unique Rwanda Vacation Experts to help you organize a trip to Nyungwe, home of the chimpanzee in Rwanda.