Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda offers one of the most intense primate tracking experiences in Africa. While mountain gorillas often steal the spotlight, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park provides a wilder, more unpredictable encounter. This is not a gentle nature walk. It is a high-speed chase through an ancient rainforest, following the pant-hoots of our closest living relatives. For travelers who want to go beyond the standard tourist circuit, this trek delivers a raw connection to the jungle. You will push through dense vegetation, navigate steep slopes, and wake up before dawn. The reward is a face-to-face moment with a community of chimpanzees in their natural home
Where to Find Chimpanzees in Rwanda
Most visitors assume all trekking happens in one location, but your experience depends entirely on which forest sector you choose. Nyungwe Forest National Park is divided into different territories.
Cyamudongo Forest: The High-Success Option
Cyamudongo is a small, isolated fragment of forest detached from the main park. It covers only about four square kilometers but holds a community of over 30 habituated chimpanzees. Because the forest is small, the chimpanzees have less room to disappear. This makes Cyamudongo the preferred choice for travelers who prioritize sighting success over scenic hiking. The terrain here is steep and physically demanding, but the chances of locating the troop are significantly higher than in the main forest.
Uwinka and the Main Nyungwe Forest
The main body of Nyungwe Forest is massive, protecting over 1,000 square kilometers of rainforest. The habituated group here is larger, with around 60 individuals, but they roam across a vast territory. Tracking them can be a challenge. You might hike for hours without making contact if the group moves deep into the valleys. However, the main forest offers a more complete “jungle” experience, with taller trees, wider views, and access to the famous Canopy Walkway
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
This is Rwanda’s newest national park, located near Lake Kivu. Gishwati-Mukura is currently being restored and offers a more exclusive, research-focused primate experience. While sightings here are improving, Nyungwe remains the primary destination for commercial trekking.
The Trekking Experience: A Day in the Life
Chimpanzees are early risers. To find them, you must be up before they leave their nests. This is not a leisure activity; it is an expedition.
The 4:30 AM Start
Your day begins in the dark. Most lodges will serve an early breakfast around 4:00 AM. You need to leave your hotel by 4:30 AM or 5:00 AM to meet the park rangers at the designated reception centers (Uwinka, Gisakura, or Kitabi) for a briefing.
The Chase
Unlike gorillas, which move slowly and feed in one area, chimpanzees are active foragers. They move quickly through the canopy and across the forest floor. You will likely hear them before you see them. Their “pant-hoot” calls echo through the trees, giving the rangers a direction to follow. The trek is dynamic. You might find yourself jogging down a muddy slope or bushwhacking through vines to keep up with the group. The rangers are in constant radio contact with trackers who leave even earlier to locate the nests.
The Encounter
Once you catch up to the troop, the clock starts. You have one hour to observe them. You might see them grooming on the forest floor, fighting, or feeding in the fig trees high above. If they are in the trees, viewing can be difficult, requiring you to crane your neck and use binoculars. If they descend to the ground, the experience becomes intimate and powerful.
Permit Costs and Booking Logistics
Securing a permit is the first step in planning your safari. Permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and are strictly limited to ensure the safety of the primates.
Current Permit Rates:
Foreign Non-Residents: $150 per person
Foreign Residents: $75 per person
East African Citizens: $25 per person
Prices are subject to change by the park authorities. Always confirm the final rate with us before booking.
The permit fee includes the park ranger guide and one hour with the chimpanzees. It does not include your transport to the park headquarters or porter fees. We recommend booking your permit at least three months in advance, especially for the dry season (June to September).
Chimpanzee vs. Gorilla Trekking
Many travelers ask if they should choose chimpanzees or gorillas. The two experiences are completely different
| Feature | Gorilla Trekking | Chimpanzee Trekking |
| Pace | Slow and steady hiking | Fast-paced, often running |
| Viewing | Usually clear, close-up on ground | Often high in trees, obscured by leaves |
| Atmosphere | Gentle giants, quiet observation | Loud, chaotic, high energy |
| Cost | Premium ($1,500) | Mid-range ($150) |
| Location | Volcanoes National Park | Nyungwe Forest National Park |
Uganda vs Rwanda: Choosing Your Primate Destination
Many people ask if it is better to see chimpanzees in Uganda or Rwanda. While both countries share a border, the trekking experience in each is unique. Your choice depends on your budget, your fitness, and how much time you want to spend in the forest.
Sighting Success and Populations
Uganda is often called the primate capital of the world. Kibale National Park alone is home to about 1,500 chimpanzees. Because the population is so large and the forest is relatively flat, the success rate for seeing them is nearly 99%. In Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest is much larger and more mountainous. The chimpanzees here are wilder and move across steep ridges. This means the success rate in Rwanda is slightly lower, around 80% to 85%. If your main goal is a guaranteed sighting, Uganda has the edge. If you want a more challenging hunt in an ancient mountain forest, Rwanda is the winner.
The Difficulty of the Hike
The terrain is the biggest difference for your legs. In Uganda’s Kibale Forest, you will mostly walk on gently rolling hills. It is a brisk walk, but it is rarely exhausting. In Rwanda’s Nyungwe or Cyamudongo forests, you are dealing with deep valleys and sharp ridges. You will climb up and down steep slopes that can be very slippery after rain. Rwanda requires more physical stamina and better balance
Costs and Permits
Permit prices are a major factor for many travelers. In Uganda, a chimpanzee permit for Kibale National Park currently costs $250. Uganda also offers cheaper options in places like Budongo Forest or Kalinzu Forest, where permits can be as low as $50 to $130. Rwanda’s pricing structure is a bit different. A trekking permit in Nyungwe is $150, but you must also pay a daily park entrance fee of $100. This brings the total cost to $250, which is the same as Uganda’s top park. However, Rwanda does not have the “budget” forest options that Uganda offers
The Habituation Advantage
Uganda offers a special activity called the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX). On a normal trek, you spend exactly one hour with the group. With a habituation permit in Uganda, you spend four to six hours with them. You watch them wake up, hunt, play, and build nests for the night. Rwanda currently only offers the standard one-hour trekking encounter.
Physical Requirements and Difficulty
We believe in honest preparation. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is physically tough. The forest sits at an altitude of 1,600 to 2,950 meters. The air is thin, and the terrain is mountainous. You do not need to be an athlete, but you need good cardiovascular fitness. You will be hiking on slippery trails that are often wet, even in the dry season. There are no handrails or paved paths. You will climb over fallen logs and traverse steep mud banks. If you have knee problems or limited mobility, please discuss this with us so we can recommend alternative activities like the Colobus Monkey trek, which is generally easier. Age Limit: You must be 15 years or older to trek chimpanzees in Rwanda.
Best Time to Go
Dry Season (June – August, December – February): The trails are firmer and easier to hike. However, chimpanzees may move deeper into the forest to find food, making the trek longer.
Wet Season (March – May, September – November): The trails are muddy and slippery. The advantage is that food is abundant, so chimpanzees often stay closer to the trailheads, potentially shortening the hiking distance.
Essential Packing List
Hiking Boots: Essential. They must have a good grip and ankle support. Sneakers will not work in the mud.
Gaiters: These waterproof covers go over your boots to stop mud, safari ants, and water from getting inside your socks.
Garden Gloves: The vegetation is thick and sometimes thorny. You will grab branches for support.
Long Trousers and Long Sleeves: Protect your skin from insect bites and stinging nettles. Wear neutral colors like khaki or green.
Waterproof Jacket: A lightweight rain shell is mandatory.
Daypack: Carry at least 2 liters of water and energy snacks.
Getting to Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe Forest is located in southwestern Rwanda, near the border with Burundi and the DRC. The drive from Kigali takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. The road is paved and winds through endless hills and tea plantations, offering beautiful views of the countryside. For those with limited time, domestic flights are available from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport. From Kamembe, it is a 45-minute drive to the edge of the forest.
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