3 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Itinerary

This detailed 3 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience Rwanda’s most pristine rainforest in depth, even with limited time. Set in Nyungwe National Park, this itinerary combines chimpanzee trekking, rainforest hiking, the iconic Nyungwe Canopy Walk, waterfalls, biodiversity, and scenic countryside drives. It is ideal for nature lovers, primate enthusiasts, photographers, adventure travelers, and eco-tourists seeking a rich and authentic African rainforest experience.

Nyungwe national park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, home to 13 primate species, over 300 bird species, and hundreds of plant varieties. A well-planned 3-day itinerary allows you to fully appreciate its ecological value while enjoying comfortable lodges and reliable transport such as 4×4 safari car rental vehicles, car rental to Nyungwe National Park, or organized transfers to Nyungwe National Park.

Why Choose a 3-Day Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Safari?

A three-day itinerary is the perfect balance between time and experience. Unlike rushed day trips, this program allows you to:

• Trek chimpanzees without pressure
• Explore Nyungwe’s top attractions beyond primates
• Enjoy scenic drives and tea plantations
• Rest properly before and after trekking
• Experience both adventure and relaxation

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe national park is physically engaging and emotionally rewarding. Spending three days ensures flexibility in case of weather changes and maximizes your chances of excellent wildlife encounters.

Day 1: Kigali → Nyungwe National Park (Scenic Transfer & Relaxation)

Your 3 days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking safari begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city. After breakfast, meet your professional driver-guide and depart for Nyungwe National Park. The journey covers approximately 225 km and takes about 5–6 hours, passing through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, rural villages, and vast tea plantations.

Along the way, optional stops can be made at:

• Local markets and cultural villages
• Scenic viewpoints
• Tea estates for photography

As you approach Nyungwe, the air becomes cooler and the landscape transforms into dense montane rainforest. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge located either inside or near the park boundary. Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying forest views, bird sounds, and fresh mountain air. Depending on arrival time, a short nature walk or tea plantation visit can be arranged.

Overnight: Lodge near Nyungwe National Park
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Drive Time: ~5–6 hours
Transport Options:

• 4×4 safari cars to Nyungwe National Park
• Rent a car to Nyungwe National Park (self-drive or with driver)
• Private transfers to Nyungwe National Park

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest & Canopy Walk

This is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a detailed chimpanzee trekking briefing. Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking usually starts early in the morning to increase chances of finding the chimps while they are active.

Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

Accompanied by expert park rangers, trackers, and guides, you will enter the dense forest in search of a habituated chimpanzee community. Trekking time ranges from 2 to 5 hours depending on the movement of the chimps. Along the way, you may encounter:

• Black-and-white colobus monkeys
• L’Hoest’s monkeys
• Colorful bird species
• Ancient trees and medicinal plants

Once the chimpanzees are located, you are allowed a magical one-hour observation period. Watching chimpanzees interact, groom, communicate, and move through the forest canopy is a powerful and unforgettable wildlife experience.

Afternoon: Nyungwe Canopy Walk

After lunch and a short rest, head to the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, one of the most thrilling activities in Rwanda. The suspended bridge hangs about 50 meters above the forest floor and stretches over 160 meters across a lush valley. From here, you enjoy panoramic views of the rainforest, birds flying at eye level, and distant hills fading into mist.

Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Activities:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe
• Nyungwe Canopy Walk

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Note: Good hiking shoes are essential

Day 3: Waterfall Hike or Nature Walk → Return to Kigali

After breakfast, enjoy your final activity in Nyungwe National Park. Depending on your interests and fitness level, you may choose one of the following:

Option 1: Isumo Waterfall Hike

This is Nyungwe’s most scenic hike, leading through thick forest to a powerful waterfall hidden deep in the park. The trail offers rich biodiversity, birdlife, and stunning photography opportunities.

Option 2: Guided Nature & Birding Walk

Ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace, this walk focuses on forest ecology, medicinal plants, butterflies, and bird species unique to the Albertine Rift.

After the activity, depart Nyungwe and drive back to Kigali, arriving in the late afternoon. Drop-off can be arranged at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Drive Time: ~5–6 hours
End of Safari

What Is Included in the 3 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

• Chimpanzee trekking permit (Nyungwe)
• Park ranger and professional guide services
• Nyungwe Canopy Walk permit
• All ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Accommodation with meals as per itinerary

What Is Not Included

• International flights
• Rwanda visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs)
• Tips for guides and lodge staff

Best Time for Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is available all year. However, the best conditions are during the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) when trails are less slippery. During rainy months, 4×4 cars to Nyungwe National Park are strongly recommended due to muddy roads and steep terrain.

Accommodation Options Near Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe offers a wide range of accommodation options:

• Luxury lodges with forest views and spa services
• Mid-range eco-lodges offering comfort and proximity to trekking points
• Budget lodges and guesthouses for cost-conscious travelers

Accommodation choice can be tailored to your travel style and budget.

Getting to Nyungwe: Transport & Car Rental Options

Nyungwe National Park is best accessed by road from Kigali. Travelers can choose:

• Rent a car to Nyungwe National Park for flexibility
• Car rental to Nyungwe National Park with driver-guide for local expertise
• Safari cars to Nyungwe National Park for groups and rough terrain
• Private transfers to Nyungwe National Park for comfort and ease

A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially during rainy seasons.

Who Is This 3-Day Nyungwe Itinerary Ideal For?

• First-time visitors to Rwanda
• Primate lovers and wildlife photographers
• Couples and small groups
• Eco-tourists and nature travelers
• Travelers combining Nyungwe with Volcanoes National Park or Lake Kivu

Final Thoughts

This 3 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking Itinerary offers one of the most rewarding short safaris in Rwanda. It combines primate encounters, rainforest adventure, scenic beauty, and professional guiding into a well-paced and memorable journey. Whether you are traveling on a private safari, self-drive adventure, or guided tour, Nyungwe National Park promises an experience that is both wild and deeply enriching.

For More Information & Bookings

📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +250781441853
📧 Email: info@universaljourneysrwanda.com