2-Day Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe and Canopy Walk Adventure
per person
The 2-Days Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe and Canopy Walk Adventure takes you to Rwanda’s largest forest for activities like hiking the Igishigishigi trail, enjoying a canopy walk, and tracking chimpanzees. Nyungwe National Park, established in 2004, is one of Africa’s oldest and largest afro-montane forests, covering 970 square kilometers. It has diverse landscapes, including swamps, bogs, grasslands, and bamboo forests at 300 meters above sea level, bordering Burundi, Congo, and Lake Kivu. The park hosts over 275 bird species, 400 tree species, 75 mammal species, 20 reptiles, and 12 primate species, though it notably lacks gorillas.
Nyungwe Forest is a remarkable destination for chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, bird watching, waterfall visits, chimpanzee trekking, and viewing primates. The famous Congo Nile trail runs through the forest, attracting hikers, bikers, and motorcyclists. Chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk are the most popular activities. The 2-Days Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe and Canopy Walk Adventure begins with a canopy walk and a hike on the Igishigishigi trail. On the second day, participants will get a briefing on chimpanzee trekking before searching for primates in the lush jungle.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Pickup from Kigali – City tour – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park – Canopy Walk
- Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest – Transfer to Kigali
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali – City tour – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Wake up early and prepare, have breakfast, and after meet your guide/driver for a briefing about the tour. Pickup will take place at your residence, hotel, or the airport. After the briefing, the guide will take you on a short tour of Kigali city, known for being one of the cleanest cities in Africa. You will visit the Genocide Memorial Centre, the city market, and the former presidential palace. Then, you will travel to Nyungwe Forest with a stop at the Butare Museum to learn about Rwandan culture and shop for local crafts. If time allows, you may also visit Kamegeli Rock and the Nyanza King’s Palace. En route, Lunch will be in Huye, followed by a journey through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, exhibiting why it is called the land of a thousand hills.
After arriving at your hotel, you will have lunch before heading to the Uwinka visitors center to begin your hike along the Igishigishigi trail, which takes about 30 minutes duration. Here, you can see various tree species, birds, and primates. You will then walk on the 60-meter suspended metallic walkway above the trees for amazing views of the forest and its wildlife, including primates such as red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and mangabeys. The canopy walk lasts about 2 hours and is followed by some relaxation by the waterfalls.
Accommodation: One & Only Nyungwe House (Luxury), Top View Hill Hotel, Emerald Hotel/ Gisakura Guest House (Budget)
Meal plan: Lunch and DinnerDAY 2: Gorilla Trekking and Visit Dian Fossy Tomb
Your day begins at 6:00 am with a drive to the Volcanoes National Park offices for a 7:00 am briefing on gorilla trekking rules. Then, at 8:00 am, you will start your trek. The main experience is spending an hour with the peaceful mountain gorillas as they feed, play, and rest. Volcanoes National Park protects the mountain gorillas and features various ecosystems like forests, grasslands, and swamps.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
2-Day Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe and Canopy Walk Adventure Includes and Excludes
Inclusions:
- All ground transportation using a standard 4X4 safari vehicle
- 1 Chimpanzee permit per person
- All park entrance fees, including the canopy walk
- Kigali city tour
- Accommodation for one night
- All meals and bottled drinking water, including en route meals
- An experienced guide/driver with excellent English-speaking skills
- Airport Pickup and drop off if departure is on the last day of the safari
- All government taxes
- Park entrance
Excludes:
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Air tickets and Visas
- Accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip
- Tips
- Travel insurance, souvenirs, and other expenses of a personal nature