As Rwanda’s top spot for chimpanzee trekking, Nyungwe offers visitors the chance to track one of three semi-habituated chimpanzee groups in Cyamudongo, Mayebe, or Gisovu. To protect the chimps and preserve the experience, each group can be visited by a maximum of eight guests per day.
How to access Nyungwe Forest National Park from Kigali
It takes about 5 – 6 hours to drive from Kigali to Nyungwe (213km) to the Uwinka Visitor Centre and 234km to Gisakura Vistor Centre. A 30-min helicopter flight or 40min flight from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport are also viable options. The Drive from Kamembe airport is 1 hour to Gisakura and 1h30 to Uwinka.
What time does Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park begin?
- Best time to see Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park
The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is during the dry season, from June to September. During this period, fig trees bear fruit, attracting chimpanzees to feed for longer in the mornings. Trails are also drier and easier to navigate, with a lower chance of rain disrupting activities.
- Cost of Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Permits
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park cost US$150 for foreign nonresidents, US$75 for foreign residents and 25US$ for East African citizens. The chimpanzee trekking permit includes the guiding fees but excludes park entrance fees which are as follows
- For visitors spending one night in Nyungwe Forest National Park, the park entrance cost is US$100 for foreign residents, 60US$ for foreign residents & African citizens and US$10 for East African citizens.
- For visitors spending two nights in Nyungwe Forest National Park, the park entrance cost is US$150 for foreign residents, 90US$ for foreign residents & African citizens and US$15 for East African citizens.
- For visitors spending three nights in Nyungwe Forest National Park, the park entrance cost is US$200 for foreign residents, 120US$ for foreign residents & African citizens and US$20 for East African citizens.
- Visitors spending 4 – 7 days in the park will not be charged for their 4th to 7th day stays.
What is the Cost of Chimpanzee Habituation Permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee habituation permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park cost US$200 for foreign nonresidents, US$100 for foreign residents and 20US$ for East African citizens. The chimpanzee habituation permit includes the guiding fees but excludes park entrance fees
What is included in the Chimpanzee Trekking & Habituation Permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park
All chimpanzee trekking permits and habituation permits include the guide’s fee. The chimpanzee trekking fee allows you one hour with the chimpanzees.
Additionally, the park entry fee paid alongside the chimp trekking and habituation fees covers all nature walk trails including waterfalls, except trails that take more than one day.
Chimpanzee Habituation takes place at Gisovu Chimpanzee Community in the northern part of the park. The chimpanzee habituation experience involves spending a full day with trackers while studying their behavior, fruiting patterns, diet and data recording. Guests de-nest(experiencing chimps leaving their nest) and nest( experiencing chimps making their nests) them. They also participate, together with tracker, in identify chimps based on individual features.
Are there discounts for Chimpanzee trekking and habituation permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park?
Yes, there are. A 20% discount off the normal entry fee is available for more than 20 people or both nationals and residents
How to book Chimpanzee Trekking Permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking Permits as well as other activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be booked via the park’s microsite at Nyungwe.
Permits are paid for by Visa cards, Mobile Money, DirectPay Online, and bank transfers. No Cash payments are allowed.
How difficult is it to Trek Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park?
Chimpanzee trekking/hiking and the Chimpanzee habituation experience in Nyungwe National Park like many of its trails is considered by most difficult. This is especially because the park is at an elevation of 1600-2950m above sea level.
The trek has steep, muddy, and often slippery trails that cut through dense vegetation. Proper hiking footwear is essential, and a reasonable level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
Are chimpanzee permit cancellations allowed?
Yes, permit cancellations are allowed under the following conditions.
- more than 30 days prior to arrival, the client is charged 0% of the total amount due
- more than 7 days prior to arrival, the client is charged 30% of the total amount due
- less than 7 days prior to arrival, the client is charged 50% of the total amount due
- after the activity was due to have commenced, the client is charged 100% of the total amount due
What is the age limit for Chimpanzee trekking and Habituation Experiences in Nyungwe Forest National Park?
Only individuals aged 15 years and above are permitted to participate in chimpanzee trekking and habituation experiences
Other chimpanzee trekking destinations in Rwanda
Aside from Nyungwe Forest National Park, Chimpanzees can be found in Gishwati Mukura national Park, the newest national park located in the western Region of Rwanda.
