Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda

While Rwanda is best known for its iconic gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, few travelers realize that this small, landlocked country is also home to another thrilling primate experience — chimpanzee trekking. Deep in the misty forests of Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati–Mukura National Park, visitors can encounter our closest relatives in the wild, swinging through ancient canopies and filling the forest with their piercing calls.

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda offers a rare and unforgettable glimpse into the intelligence, playfulness, and complex social lives of these fascinating creatures — an experience that complements gorilla trekking perfectly.

The Best Places for Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda

1. Nyungwe Forest National Park

Located in Rwanda’s southwest, Nyungwe Forest National Park is the country’s premier destination for chimpanzee trekking. Covering over 1,000 square kilometers, it’s one of Africa’s oldest and largest montane rainforests, brimming with biodiversity.

Nyungwe is home to an estimated 500 chimpanzees, split into two main habituated groups — one near Uwinka (main park headquarters) and the other in Cyamudongo Forest, a small but dense patch of forest about an hour’s drive from Uwinka.

The park is also home to 13 different primate species, including the Ruwenzori colobus monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, silver monkey, and blue monkey — making it one of the richest primate habitats in East Africa.

2. Gishwati–Mukura National Park

Rwanda’s newest national park, Gishwati–Mukura, lies in the country’s northwest. It’s smaller and less visited than Nyungwe but offers a more intimate trekking experience. The park is home to a growing population of chimpanzees and other primates, such as golden monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

Treks here are shorter and less demanding than in Nyungwe, and because visitor numbers are still low, encounters feel especially exclusive and personal.

The Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda typically begins early in the morning, around 5:00–6:00 AM, as chimps are most active at dawn. Trekkers gather at the park office for a briefing before setting out with armed rangers and trackers who locate the chimps by following their calls, nests, and feeding signs.

The hike can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the troop’s location that day. Once found, visitors are allowed to spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat.

You’ll see the chimps swinging from branches, grooming one another, feeding on figs and fruits, or curiously observing you from above. Their energy is contagious — and the sound of their hoots and screams echoing through the forest canopy is something you’ll never forget.

Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees are highly active and move quickly, often staying in the trees. This makes the experience more dynamic — full of movement, sound, and excitement.

Permit Costs and Booking

Chimpanzee trekking permits in Rwanda are more affordable than gorilla trekking permits, making them an excellent addition to any primate itinerary.

Chimpanzee Trekking Permit (Nyungwe or Gishwati): USD 90 per person (foreign non-residents)
Rwandan Residents and East Africans: Pay discounted rates

Permits can be obtained through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or booked via a licensed tour operator who will handle logistics such as transport, accommodation, and park entry.

Because group sizes are limited, it’s best to book permits at least 2–3 months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (June–September and December–February).

Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda

Chimpanzee trekking is available year-round, but the best time to visit depends on weather and accessibility.

Dry Seasons (June–September, December–February): Trails are less slippery, and visibility is better — ideal for photography.
Wet Seasons (March–May, October–November): Chimps are easier to locate because food is abundant and they move less, but trails can be muddy and challenging.

For the best balance of clear trails and high activity, most travelers prefer the June to September dry season.

What to Pack for Chimpanzee Trekking

The trek can be physically demanding, so being well-prepared enhances comfort and enjoyment.

Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (to protect from thorns and insects)
Rain jacket or poncho – the forest is humid and rainfall can occur any time
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Reusable water bottle and light snacks
Camera with a zoom lens (no flash photography allowed)
Walking stick – often provided at the park headquarters

Hiring a local porter is highly recommended — not only for assistance but also as a way to support local communities.

Accommodation Options

Around Nyungwe Forest National Park:

One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury): An exquisite eco-lodge on a tea plantation, offering world-class service.
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (Mid-range): Panoramic views and proximity to park headquarters.
Gisakura Guest House (Budget): A comfortable, affordable option favored by independent travelers.

Around Gishwati–Mukura National Park:

Gishwati Lodge (Luxury): A beautifully designed eco-lodge offering exclusive access to the park and local community experiences.

Other Activities to Combine with Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda can easily be combined with other exciting experiences in the same region:

Canopy Walk (Nyungwe): A thrilling 90-meter-long suspension bridge offering panoramic views above the forest canopy.
Colobus Monkey Tracking: Observe large troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Waterfall Hikes: Explore Nyungwe’s Isumo Waterfall Trail.
Bird Watching: Nyungwe hosts over 300 bird species, including 27 Albertine Rift endemics.
Tea Plantation Tours: Visit local tea estates around Gisakura for scenic and cultural experiences.

Conservation and Community Impact

Rwanda’s approach to conservation is globally admired. Both Nyungwe and Gishwati–Mukura are protected under national park status, ensuring long-term sustainability for chimpanzees and other primates.

A portion of every permit fee goes directly toward conservation and community development, funding schools, healthcare, and livelihood projects for nearby residents. By trekking with chimps, visitors actively contribute to their protection.

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is an experience of pure emotion and connection — one that reveals just how closely linked humans are to the natural world. Watching a chimp family interact, hearing their laughter and calls, and feeling the pulse of the rainforest around you is nothing short of magical.

It’s a perfect complement to gorilla trekking — wilder, faster, and just as moving. For travelers seeking a deeper, more rounded primate experience, Rwanda’s forests offer a journey into both the wilderness and the soul.