Embark on an unforgettable 3 Days Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking Safari with Verdant Safaris and explore the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, one of Rwanda’s most important primate destinations. Nyungwe is home to chimpanzees as well as a remarkable diversity of other primates, birds, butterflies and forest wildlife. Rwanda’s tourism authorities estimate that around 500 chimpanzees live throughout Nyungwe, while the forest also supports species such as black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s, blue and vervet monkeys. This short safari gives you the opportunity to travel through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, enjoy a guided chimpanzee tracking experience and explore the rainforest environment. You will also have time to experience the spectacular Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, depending on your preferred programme and timing. The itinerary is ideal if you want to focus on primates and rainforest experiences while enjoying the convenience of a short Rwanda safari.
Day 1: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Kigali, where you will meet your Verdant Safaris guide and begin the scenic journey towards Nyungwe National Park in southwestern Rwanda. The drive takes you through the famous Land of a Thousand Hills, with beautiful views of terraced hillsides, valleys, villages, farms and tea-growing areas along the route. You will have opportunities to make scenic and refreshment stops as you travel towards the rainforest, allowing you to appreciate Rwanda’s countryside and rural communities. As you approach Nyungwe, the landscape gradually changes into dense montane forest, introducing you to one of Africa’s oldest rainforest environments. Nyungwe is recognised for its exceptional biodiversity, including chimpanzees, 12 other primate species, birds, orchids and butterflies. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon relaxing or taking an optional nature-based activity. If time permits, you may visit a tea plantation or enjoy a short forest experience before returning to your lodge for dinner. Your guide will also brief you about the following morning’s chimpanzee tracking, including the early departure time and suitable clothing for the forest.
Accommodation options in Nyungwe: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest and Canopy Walk
You will wake very early and have breakfast or a packed breakfast before travelling to the designated park briefing point for your chimpanzee tracking adventure. Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe begins early, with official guidance indicating a start time of around 5:30am, because the chimpanzees are particularly active in the morning. After receiving your briefing, you will enter the forest accompanied by experienced guides and trackers who will follow signs, calls and other clues to locate the chimpanzee community. The trek may take anywhere from approximately one hour to several hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located, and the terrain can include steep, muddy and slippery sections. Once the chimpanzees are located, you will have a regulated period to observe them as they move through the forest, feed, communicate and interact with one another. You may also encounter other primates and a variety of forest birds and butterflies during the trek. After returning from the forest, you will head back to your lodge for lunch and time to relax. In the afternoon, you can experience the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, subject to availability and your preferred schedule, enjoying elevated views across the rainforest and opportunities to observe wildlife in the upper forest levels. Published Visit Rwanda itineraries include the Canopy Walkway as an afternoon activity following chimpanzee tracking. You will return to your lodge for dinner and your final overnight stay in the Nyungwe region.
Accommodation options in Nyungwe: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and begin your journey back towards Kigali. The return drive gives you another opportunity to appreciate Rwanda’s spectacular landscapes as you leave the rainforest behind and travel through the rolling hills and agricultural countryside. Depending on your departure schedule, your guide can arrange suitable scenic stops along the route, allowing you to take photographs and enjoy refreshments before continuing towards the capital. If your international flight is later in the day, you may have time for lunch in Kigali and a short city experience before proceeding to Kigali International Airport. Alternatively, you can travel directly to the airport if your flight departs earlier. Your Verdant Safaris guide will assist you with your final transfer and ensure that you arrive at the airport in good time for your departure. Your 3 Days Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking Safari will conclude after an immersive experience in one of Rwanda’s most important rainforest ecosystems. You will depart Rwanda with memorable experiences of chimpanzees, ancient forest landscapes, fascinating primates and the scenic countryside of the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
Safari Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Chimpanzee tracking permit.
- Nyungwe National Park entry fees.
- Guided chimpanzee tracking experience.
- Nyungwe Canopy Walkway experience, where included in the final programme.
- Bottled drinking water during safari activities.
- Applicable government taxes and service charges.
- All activities specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Safari Exclusions
- International flights.
- Rwanda visa fees, where applicable.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and souvenirs.
- Alcoholic and premium beverages.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff.
- Porter services, if required.
- Personal photography equipment.
- Optional activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 3.
- Any additional activities requested outside the agreed programme.
- Any services not specifically listed under the inclusions.