Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Allow us to transport you deep into the heart of Rwanda’s lush rainforest as we offer you a comprehensive guide to one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on the planet.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park offers you an adventure that you’ll remember forever as you get the opportunity to witness these playful primates in their natural habitat. Get the most out of your authentic Rwanda safari holiday by taking the time to enjoy this truly special wildlife encounter.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan and prepare for this incredible journey.

How to Obtain Permits

To obtain a chimpanzee trekking permit, one will need to call or email the Rwanda Development Board with this request. Alternatively, a tour operator like Tailormade Africa can help you with obtaining your permit – just don’t leave it until the last minute. The cost for non-residents is typically $90 per person (not to be mistaken for a gorilla trekking permit), and there is a minimum age requirement of at least 16 years old.

What to Expect During the Trek

Terrain

The terrain during your trek will depend on the exact location of the chimpanzees as well as what time of year you go. Rainy season treks can be more challenging, but the trek is typically suitable for most fitness levels. We advise the shoulder or dry season.

Duration

Participants need to meet with their guides between 4:30 am and 5 am at one of the guest centres. Your guides will conduct a briefing, where they will tell you more about the rules before they lead you into the forest. You can expect to spend around an hour observing the chimps, but the entire experience typically lasts between 3 and 7 hours.

Chimpanzee Behaviour

Did you know chimps share around 99% of their DNA with humans? This makes them one of our closest living relatives. You can expect to see the chimpanzees sleeping, grooming, eating, and playing. Your knowledgeable guide will give you further insight into chimp behaviour.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Beyond the main attraction of seeing chimpanzees, the Nyungwe Forest National Park offers diverse ecosystems filled with unique fauna and flora. At nearly 1000 square kilometres, Nyungwe is one of the oldest and most beautiful rainforests in the entire world. 

The park is home to over 300 species of birds and around 75 different mammal species. There are two wild chimp communities, making up a combined population of roughly 500 individuals. The knowledgeable guides will share insider information about the forest and its many inhabitants.

What to Pack

• Hiking shoes or boots
• At least two litres of water for the hike
• Snacks
• Sun protection
• Camera
• Long pants
• Rain jackets

Known for its incredible natural beauty, friendly locals and diverse ecosystems, Rwanda is an incredible African safari destination. If you need a bit of help with planning your upcoming Rwanda safari, the expert team at Tailormade Africa would love to come up with a custom itinerary that suits your specific needs. Contact us to get started.