Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park starts before dawn, when trackers locate the chimps at their night nests. Treks on steep, slippery trails can take from one to several hours, followed by an hour with the chimps. The permit costs US$150. Sightings are good but less reliable than in Uganda’s Kibale, as Nyungwe’s chimps range widely over mountainous terrain.
Key takeaways
- Dawn starts to find chimps at their nests.
- Permit US$150.
- Steep, mountainous terrain.
- Combine with the canopy walk and colobus troops.
Nyungwe National Park is a vast montane rainforest in south-west Rwanda and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023. Its chimpanzees live in steep, forested valleys, which makes tracking an adventure.
How tracking works
Trackers head out before dawn to find the chimps where they nested. Your group follows on steep, often muddy trails, sometimes for several hours, guided by radio. When you reach the chimps, you spend one hour watching them, often high in the canopy feeding on fruit.
Kibale or Nyungwe?
| Kibale (Uganda) | Nyungwe (Rwanda) | |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | US$250 (US$200 low season) | US$150 |
| Sightings | Above 90% | Good, less predictable |
| Terrain | Fairly flat | Steep and mountainous |
| Extra highlights | Bigodi Wetland | Canopy walk, colobus troops |
Make the most of Nyungwe
- Walk the canopy walkway in the afternoon.
- Look for the huge colobus troops.
- Bird the forest for Albertine Rift specials.
Bring gloves and wear boots with good grip; the slopes are steep and slippery, especially after rain.
How it works
Treks start early, often with a pre-dawn drive from Gisakura or Uwinka to the area where chimps were last seen. Trackers go ahead to find the chimps and radio their location. Treks can take from one to several hours, often on steep, slippery slopes. Once found, you spend an hour with them.
Nyungwe or Kibale?
| Nyungwe | Kibale | |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | US$150 | US$250 (US$200 low season) |
| Terrain | Steep, mountainous | Gentler, lower |
| Sighting chances | Good, but chimps range widely | Very high |
| Other highlights | Canopy walk, colobus | Bigodi Wetland, crater lakes |
Cyamudongo
Some treks visit the Cyamudongo forest, a small patch of forest separated from Nyungwe by farmland, where a chimp community lives. Sightings are often good, but the drive is longer.
Where to stay
Gisakura, on the western edge of Nyungwe, has a tea estate and lodges close to the trailheads. Uwinka is the park’s main visitor centre.
Getting there
Nyungwe is about five to six hours from Kigali by road, or about two hours from Lake Kivu at Karongi. The road through the forest is spectacular.
What to bring
Waterproof boots with good grip, gloves, a rain jacket, warm layers for the cool dawn, water and snacks. Nyungwe is one of the wettest forests in the region, so be ready for rain at any time of year.
Plan it
Our 3-day Nyungwe chimpanzees and canopy walk is the easiest way to visit. Between November and May, staying in Nyungwe can also qualify you for a 30% discount on a Rwanda gorilla permit.
When to go
Trekking runs all year. The dry seasons, June to August and December to February, give the best chance of finding chimps and easier trails. In the rains, the chimps range widely and trails are slippery.
Good to know
- Stay near Gisakura or Uwinka for early starts.
- Bring gloves for steep, slippery slopes.
- Pack a warm layer: Nyungwe is cool at dawn.
- Afternoons are perfect for the canopy walk.
Combine it with
Nyungwe pairs naturally with Lake Kivu, two hours away, for rest and kayaking, with Volcanoes National Park for gorillas and golden monkeys, and with Akagera for Big Five game drives. Between November and May, staying in Nyungwe also helps you qualify for the Rwanda gorilla permit discount.
Who it suits
Nyungwe protects about 1,000 km² of ancient montane forest and 13 primate species, though its chimps are less habituated than Kibale’s and move fast on steep ground. Treks suit fit walkers who enjoy a real forest adventure. Some groups track the separate community in the small Cyamudongo forest, a longer drive from Gisakura.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for chimp trekking in Nyungwe?
15 years.
How early does it start?
Very early, often before 6am, to reach the chimps near their nests.
What is the best time of year?
The dry seasons, June–August and December–February, are best for sightings and trails.
Can I combine it with gorillas?
Yes. Many Rwanda itineraries combine Nyungwe with Volcanoes National Park.
Is Nyungwe far from Kigali?
About 5–6 hours by road, or 1–2 hours from Lake Kivu.
Are chimps easy to see in Nyungwe?
Sightings are good, but chimps range widely in the dry season and treks can be long.
What else can I do in Nyungwe?
The canopy walk, colobus walks, waterfall hikes and birding.
What is the minimum age for chimp trekking in Nyungwe?
Usually 12 years; check current RDB rules when booking.
How much is the Nyungwe chimp permit?
US$150 per person, set by the Rwanda Development Board. Park activities in Nyungwe also count towards the two nights needed for the Rwanda gorilla permit discount from November to May.
Do I need to be fit?
Yes. Trails are steep and slippery, and treks can last several hours.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
