Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in East Africa. While Rwanda is best known for its iconic mountain gorillas, meeting wild chimpanzees in their natural forest home offers an equally unforgettable adventure. These intelligent primates share more than 98% of human DNA, and watching their playful, social behavior in the treetops is a breathtaking sight for any traveler.

Where to See Chimpanzees in Rwanda

Rwanda is home to two main chimpanzee habitats: Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park. The majority of chimpanzee trekking takes place in Nyungwe Forest, one of the oldest and most biodiverse rainforests in Africa.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest is a vast montane rainforest covering more than 1000 square kilometers. It is home to over 500 chimpanzees, along with 13 other primate species such as L’Hoest’s monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and olive baboons. The main chimpanzee groups for trekking are found in the Uwinka and Cyamudongo sectors of the park.

• Uwinka Sector: Easily accessible and often used for research and guided tours.

• Cyamudongo Forest: A smaller but rich forest patch west of Nyungwe, known for excellent chimpanzee sightings.

Gishwati Mukura National Park

This newer park, located north of Nyungwe, is home to a smaller chimpanzee population. Treks here are less crowded and offer a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience for travelers who love nature and bird watching.

The Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda begins early in the morning, usually around 5:00 or 5:30 a.m. Visitors join their guides for a briefing before heading into the forest. As dawn breaks, you can hear the distant calls of the chimpanzees echoing through the trees. The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees that day.

Once found, visitors spend up to one hour observing the chimpanzees as they swing through the canopy, groom each other, and forage for food. The experience is both intimate and exhilarating, as chimps are more active and vocal than gorillas.

Chimpanzee Trekking Permits in Rwanda

A chimpanzee trekking permit is required to visit the chimps in Rwanda. These permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

• Cost: Around USD 100 per person (subject to change).

• Booking: Permits can be booked directly through RDB or through a licensed tour operator in Rwanda.

• Group size: Usually limited to 8 visitors per group to minimize disturbance.

It is recommended to book your permit well in advance, especially during the high season from June to September.

Best Time to Visit for Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is possible throughout the year, but the dry seasons offer the best conditions for hiking and photography.

• Dry season: June to September and December to February.

• Rainy season: March to May and October to November – chimp sightings can be easier since fruit is abundant and chimps stay closer to the trails, but the paths can be muddy and slippery.

What to Pack for Chimpanzee Trekking

Since the treks take place in a dense rainforest, proper preparation is essential. Here is a quick checklist:

• Sturdy hiking boots with good grip

• Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers

• Lightweight rain jacket

• Insect repellent and sunscreen

• Drinking water and snacks

• Binoculars and a camera with extra batteries

Where to Stay Near Nyungwe Forest

There are several comfortable lodges and hotels near Nyungwe Forest National Park catering to different budgets.

• One&Only Nyungwe House – a luxury eco-lodge inside the park.

• Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel – offers mid-range comfort with stunning views.

• Gisakura Guest House – budget-friendly and close to the park headquarters.

All these lodges provide easy access to chimpanzee trekking starting points and other park activities.

Other Activities in Nyungwe Forest

Chimpanzee trekking is just one of the many adventures you can enjoy in Nyungwe. The park also offers:

• Canopy walk – a thrilling 90-meter suspended bridge with panoramic views.

• Bird watching – over 300 bird species including Albertine Rift endemics.

• Waterfall hikes – beautiful trails to Isumo waterfall and other scenic sites.

• Colobus monkey tracking – one of the largest troops of black and white colobus monkeys in Africa.

Why Choose Rwanda for Chimpanzee Trekking

Rwanda is one of Africa’s safest, cleanest, and most organized destinations for wildlife tourism. The country’s compact size allows easy travel between national parks — visitors can combine chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or safari experiences in Akagera National Park. With well-maintained roads, excellent guides, and eco-conscious lodges, Rwanda offers world-class primate encounters.

Planning Your Trip

When planning your chimpanzee trekking adventure in Rwanda, it’s best to work with a trusted local tour operator who can arrange your permits, transportation, accommodation, and additional activities. A typical safari itinerary can combine chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, cultural tours, and scenic lake visits.