Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda

 How Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda Works?

Just like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking starts early in the morning. After breakfast, travelers meet at the Uwinka Visitor Center or Cyamudongo sector for a briefing with park rangers. Groups are assigned guides and trackers before entering the forest. The hike can range from one hour to several hours depending on how far the chimpanzees moved overnight. Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees rarely sit still, so trekking can involve fast walking, quick changes of direction, and sometimes following them as they feed, call, and move through the trees. Once visitors find the chimps, they are allowed to spend one hour observing and photographing these intelligent primates as they play, groom, feed, jump, and communicate. Every trek is different—some peaceful, some wild, all unforgettable.

What Makes Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda Special

Chimp trekking in Rwanda is known for being immersive and energetic. When chimpanzees are excited, the forest comes alive—branches shake, leaves fall, and loud hoots echo through the mountains. Visitors often see chimps in large troop numbers, jumping between canopy trees or running across small open areas. Many travelers enjoy the fact that chimpanzee trekking gives a deep look into primate behavior and social life. Chimps use tools, solve problems, recognize individuals, and show emotions just like humans. Watching mothers protect babies, brothers wrestle, and dominant males call to gather the group is an emotional reminder of our close connection to them.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda Permit and Price

A chimpanzee trekking permit in Rwanda costs less than gorilla trekking and can be purchased through tour operators or the Rwanda Development Board. Permit fees support conservation, ranger salaries, and community projects around Nyungwe Forest. Because chimp trekking groups are small and limited per day, visitors are advised to book several weeks or months in advance, especially in high season.

Combining Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda with Gorilla Trek

Many travelers combine chimpanzee trekking with gorilla trekking in Rwanda for a complete primate safari. This combination offers the best of both worlds—slow, magical encounters with peaceful gorillas and fast-paced, exciting chimp adventures. A typical itinerary includes gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, then a transfer to Nyungwe Forest for chimp trekking and the famous Canopy Walkway. Some packages include tea plantations, waterfalls, colobus monkey trekking, and a relaxing break at Lake Kivu. This makes Rwanda one of the only countries where you can see chimps, gorillas, and golden monkeys in one trip.

Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walkway

One of the highlights of visiting Nyungwe is the Canopy Walkway, the only suspension bridge of its kind in East Africa. Hanging 50 meters above the forest, the bridge allows travelers to walk through treetops and view monkeys, birds, and butterflies from above the trees. Many people combine this activity with chimpanzee trekking, making the day even more memorable.

Best Time to Go Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda

Chimp trekking is possible all year, but the dry months of June–September and December–February offer the easiest hiking conditions. In rainy months, the forest becomes thicker and greener, and chimps may be easier to hear but harder to spot. No matter the season, sightings are strong and the experience is always rewarding.

Fitness Level Required

Chimp trekking requires moderate physical fitness. The forest can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Porters are available to help carry bags and assist with challenging areas. Even travelers over 60 or 70 years old successfully complete the trek with the help of guides and porters.

Where to Stay for Chimpanzee Trekking

Nyungwe offers excellent lodges and hotels for all budgets. Luxury travelers enjoy One&Only Nyungwe House, known for gourmet cuisine, luxury rooms, and private forest scenery. Midrange options include Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel and Gisakura Guesthouse, both close to trekking start points and offering comfortable rooms with beautiful views. Many guests spend two or three nights in Nyungwe to fully enjoy chimp trekking, canopy walks, and nature hikes.

Wildlife and Birdwatching in Nyungwe Forest

In addition to chimpanzees, Nyungwe is home to:

• L’Hoest’s monkeys
• Colobus monkeys
• Grey-cheeked mangabeys
• Olive baboons
• Over 310 bird species, including rare and endemic birds

Bird lovers visit Nyungwe for some of Africa’s best forest birding, with colorful species like the Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, red-collared mountain babbler, and black-faced apalis.

Why Chimp Trekking in Rwanda Is Worth It

Unlike any other wildlife encounter, chimp trekking feels raw, wild, and unpredictable. You hear the chimps long before you see them—screams, hoots, drumming, and loud calls echo through the rainforest. Then, in an instant, the trees shake and a family of chimpanzees appears, feeding, chasing, and interacting like humans. The experience creates a deep emotional connection, and travelers leave Nyungwe with memories that last a lifetime. Whether combined with gorillas, golden monkeys, or a full safari in Rwanda, chimp trekking is a must-do experience that completes a true primate adventure.