

A chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the most exciting wildlife adventures in Rwanda. This safari offers travelers a rare chance to walk deep into the lush rainforests and watch chimpanzees in their natural home. The experience connects you with nature and gives you a close-up view of these playful and intelligent primates. A chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park also allows you to enjoy Rwanda’s natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Wagatil Safaris is here to make this journey unforgettable by organizing a well-planned, safe, and fun-filled adventure for every traveler.
If you love wildlife, nature, and unforgettable moments, then this chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the perfect experience for you. It gives you a deep appreciation of Rwanda’s wildlife treasures and offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and discovery.
Your 3-day chimpanzee trekking safari begins with a scenic drive from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park. After breakfast, a professional guide from Wagatil Safaris will pick you up from your hotel or residence. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours, passing through beautiful rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural communities that showcase Rwanda’s charm and culture.
On the way, you will make a stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza to learn about Rwanda’s traditional monarchy and history. You may also visit the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, which holds fascinating exhibits about Rwandan culture and heritage.
As you continue your journey, you will enjoy incredible views of the countryside before reaching Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. This park is home to over 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge for dinner and relaxation. Spend the evening enjoying the cool forest air and listening to the natural sounds of the jungle.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House
Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Budget: Gisakura Guest House
After an early breakfast, your guide from Wagatil Safaris will take you to the park headquarters for a briefing about chimpanzee trekking. The park rangers will share safety guidelines and tips on how to behave while observing the chimpanzees.
Your chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park starts early in the morning, as this is when chimpanzees are most active. You will walk through thick vegetation and follow their calls, guided by expert trackers who know where the chimps were last seen. The trek can take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on their location.
When you finally find the chimpanzees, you will spend up to one hour observing them. You may see them playing, grooming each other, or swinging from tree branches. Watching these creatures so closely is a truly emotional and memorable experience. Their human-like behaviors remind you how closely related we are to them.
Besides chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest is also home to other primates like L’Hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and vervet monkeys. You may also spot some of the 300 bird species that live here, making it a paradise for bird lovers.
After the trek, you will return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later in the afternoon, you can take an optional Canopy Walk, which gives you a bird’s-eye view of the forest from a 60-meter-high bridge. It’s an amazing experience where you can see the treetops, butterflies, and birds up close.
Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
On your last day, enjoy a relaxed morning breakfast at your lodge. If time allows, you can go for a short nature walk or tea plantation visit around Gisakura. The area surrounding Nyungwe Forest is filled with scenic views and friendly local communities who warmly welcome visitors.
Later, you will begin your drive back to Kigali with the help of your Wagatil Safaris driver-guide. You will have a few stopovers along the way to enjoy the scenery, take photos, or buy souvenirs. Upon arrival in Kigali, the guide will drop you off at your hotel or at the airport, marking the end of your 3 Day Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
At Wagatil Safaris, we are passionate about creating unforgettable safari experiences in Rwanda and East Africa. Our guides are friendly, professional, and experienced in wildlife adventures. We make sure every detail of your trip is well organized, from comfortable transportation to quality accommodation and timely meals.
By booking with Wagatil Safaris, you are guaranteed:
Expert local guides with deep knowledge of Nyungwe Forest
Flexible safari plans that suit your travel style
Comfortable and clean vehicles
Affordable rates with no hidden costs
A personalized safari experience tailored just for you
We ensure your chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park is both exciting and safe. With our experienced team, you can relax and enjoy the best of Rwanda’s natural treasures.
Chimpanzee trekking can be done all year round, but the best time is during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February). During these months, the forest trails are easier to walk on, and the chances of spotting chimpanzees are higher because the vegetation is less dense.
However, the wet season (March to May and October to November) is also beautiful, as the forest becomes greener and birdlife more active. Wagatil Safaris operates all year round, so no matter when you plan your trip, we will make sure you have a memorable adventure.
When going for a chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park, pack light but bring essentials such as:
Comfortable hiking shoes
Rain jacket or poncho
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Binoculars for birdwatching
Insect repellent
A camera for capturing memories
Refillable water bottle
These items will help you stay comfortable and ready for the adventure ahead.
A chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in Rwanda. It combines adventure, education, and the beauty of nature all in one trip. With Wagatil Safaris, every moment is carefully planned to give you the best memories of your life. Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or in a group, this 3-day safari will leave you inspired and connected to nature.
Book your chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park today with Wagatil Safaris and let us guide you through Rwanda’s magical rainforest — where adventure meets discovery.