3-Day Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking & Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk Safari

Embark on an unforgettable 3-Day Rwanda Safari combining chimpanzee trekking and the spectacular Nyungwe Forest canopy walk. This rewarding adventure leads into Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa's oldest and most biologically diverse montane rainforests. Covering approximately 1019 square kilometres, Nyungwe is Rwanda's leading destination for chimpanzee encounters and an exceptional place to experience the country's wild, green highlands.

The park shelters an impressive variety of life, including more than 1068 plant species, 322 bird species, 75 mammal species, and 13 primate species. Among its most sought-after residents are chimpanzees and the striking L'Hoest's monkey. Chimpanzee tracking begins early, often from around 5:30 a.m., when visitors set off with experienced ranger guides in search of habituated chimpanzee families. The duration of the trek varies according to the chimps' overnight movements and can take from about one hour to several hours through the dense forest.

Your Rwanda safari unfolds amid Nyungwe's rolling emerald hills, mist-covered valleys, and ancient rainforest trails. Giant forest trees, some rising beyond 40 metres, form a magnificent natural ceiling over the trails and provide the setting for one of the park's signature experiences: the canopy walk. Suspended high above the forest floor, this exciting walkway presents sweeping views across the treetops, dramatic photography opportunities, and the chance to observe birds, butterflies, monkeys, and other forest life.

From the first moments in the park, Nyungwe surrounds you with the sounds of rushing streams, calling birds, and rustling leaves. It is a place where adventure and tranquility come together. Rwanda's strong dedication to conservation and responsible tourism is reflected throughout this journey.

• Chimpanzee trekking through the lush forests
• Canopy walk above montane rainforest
• Explore Scenic Road journeys
• Cultural exploration and local encounters in Gisakura Village, Nyungwe District
• Close encounters with Nyungwe's remarkable diversity of primate species

On arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide and begin your scenic journey to Nyungwe National Park. This 225 kilometre transfer takes about 4–5 hours, revealing Rwanda's beautiful countryside along the way. Your safari continues toward Gisakura Village, the gateway to Nyungwe's ancient rainforest. En route, admire the country's rolling green hills, expansive tea estates, and everyday scenes of rural Rwandan life. On reaching the park, check in at your preferred lodge and receive a detailed briefing in preparation for your memorable chimpanzee tracking experience.

Accommodation Options:

After breakfast, you will be collected and transferred to the Nyungwe National Park headquarters at Gisakura for a pre-trek briefing. Accompanied by your Rwanda safari guide, set out early along the rainforest trails in search of one of the park's habituated chimpanzee families. As the forest comes alive with birdsong and primate calls, follow signs of their movement through this ancient, mist-covered wilderness. Your chimpanzee trekking permit allows one unforgettable hour with these intelligent primates, giving you time to observe their lively social bonds, feeding habits, and remarkable behavior in the wild.

After lunch, experience Nyungwe's celebrated Canopy Walkway, suspended 60 metres above the forest floor and revealing sweeping views across the treetops, with opportunities to spot monkeys, birds, and other rainforest wildlife.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation Options:

On the final morning of your Rwanda safari, enjoy breakfast before setting out on a guided nature walk through the remarkable Nyungwe Forest. As you follow its leafy trails, look out for primates, colourful forest birds, rare butterflies, and fascinating indigenous plants. Your expert Rwanda safari guide will reveal the hidden connections that sustain this ancient rainforest ecosystem.

After an enriching morning in nature, begin your scenic journey back to Kigali, carrying memories from an unforgettable three-day adventure. Along the way, admire Rwanda's rolling countryside and, where time allows, pause near a local community for a meaningful glimpse into the area's cultural heritage.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch