How difficult is the Chimpanzee trek compared to Gorilla trekking?

Chimp trekking is generally more active. While gorillas tend to stay in one place once found, chimps are mobile. You may need to hike faster and through thicker undergrowth. However, the terrain in Nyungwe is spectacular and well worth the effort.

Is the Canopy Walk safe for people with a fear of heights?

The bridge is a masterpiece of engineering and perfectly safe. However, it is suspended 70 meters (approx. 230 feet) high. If you have severe vertigo, you may prefer one of the many beautiful ground-level nature trails instead.

What should I wear for the Nyungwe rainforest Tour?

Waterproof hiking boots are essential. We also recommend long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to protect against "blister" bushes and insects. Always bring a high-quality rain jacket, as it can rain at any time in Nyungwe

Can I see other primates in Nyungwe Forest besides Chimpanzee?

Absolutely. Nyungwe has 13 species. On a typical 3-day tour, it is common to see L'Hoest’s monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, and Blue monkeys right from the roadside or during your hikes.

How far is the drive from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park?

The drive is about 5 to 6 hours. While it sounds long, the "Cultural Corridor" stops make it very manageable and interesting. The roads are paved and offer some of the best "Thousand Hills" views in the country.

3-Day Nyungwe Chimpanzee & Canopy Walk Safari

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk Safari

Step back in time into one of the oldest rainforests on Earth. This 3-Day Nyungwe Chimpanzee & Canopy Walk Safari is one of the best Short Rwanda Safaris and a sensory journey into a prehistoric world that survived the last Ice Age. While the gorillas of the north command silence, the Chimpanzees of Nyungwe offer a high-energy, vocal, and exhilarating encounter that brings you face-to-face with our closest biological relatives.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is the crown jewel of the Albertine Rift. It is a sprawling, emerald expanse home to 13 primate species and over 300 types of birds. On this tour, you won’t just walk through the forest; you will soar above it on the famous Canopy Walkway—the only one of its kind in East Africa.

At Hope Tours Africa, we believe the journey is as important as the destination. That is why we break the drive from Kigali with rich cultural stops at the King’s Palace. We transform a long transfer into a deep dive into the heart of Rwandan heritage. Whether you are suspended 70 meters above the forest floor or tracking a hooting troop of chimps at dawn, this is Rwanda at its most raw and vibrant.

Accommodation Options:

Midrange: Nyungwe Topview Hill
Standard: Maravilla Kivu Lodge
Budget: Ken Barham Guest House

Cost per Person in USD

Accommodation Options	1 Pax	2 Pax	3 Pax	4 Pax	5 Pax	6 Pax	SSR
Standard	$1846	$1227	$1040	$945	$885	$850	$40
Budget	$1770	$1115	$923	$829	$770	$735	$70
MidRange	$2050	$1350	$1160	$1065	$1005	$968	$105

Highlights

Chimpanzee Trekking
Canopy Walk Adventure
Cultural Heritage Tour at King's Palace Museum

Day 01 :

Transfer To Nyungwe Forest with a visit to King's Palace Museum

To begin your Affordable Rwanda Tour, We will depart Kigali early, heading southwest. This isn’t just a drive; it is a journey through Rwanda’s history. Our stop is the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where you will meet the royal long-horned Inyambo cattle.

By late afternoon, the air cools and the vegetation densifies as we enter Nyungwe Forest. We check into your lodge, located on the edge of the ancient forest. If time permits, we enjoy a sunset walk through the emerald Gisakura Tea Estate, where the vibrant green leaves provide a stunning contrast against the dark forest wall.

Breakfast

Day 02 :

Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk Experience

Today starts before the sun. We head to the meeting point at 5:00 AM for a briefing before venturing into the deep forest. Tracking Chimpanzees is a dynamic experience; they are fast and vocal. You will follow their hoots and “pant-hoots” through the canopy, eventually spending a magical hour observing them play, groom, and feed.

After a well earned lunch, we head to the Uwinka Visitor Centre for the Canopy Walk. Suspended 70 meters above the ground, you will see the forest from a bird’s-eye perspective. Meanwhile, your guide will point out rare orchids and colorful birds that stay hidden from the forest floor. We return to the lodge for dinner and a night filled with the sounds of the wild.

Breakfast

Day 03 :

Return to Kigali for Departure

after a final breakfast overlooking the mist-covered peaks, we begin our scenic journey back to Kigali. This drive allows you to soak in the stunning landscapes of the “Land of a Thousand Hills” one last time. We wind through the terraced mountains and vibrant villages that define the Rwandan countryside.

We will stop for a leisurely lunch in Huye or Nyanza en route. Eventually, we arrive in Kigali in the late afternoon. Your guide will provide a final transfer to your hotel or Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. Meanwhile, you depart with a deep appreciation for the ancient wild heart of Rwanda.

Breakfast