Take a 5-Day Nyungwe Forest Tour to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest forests, for a cool and unforgettable experience. The park is located near the border with the DR Congo and close to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest body of water.
In addition to chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, this package includes nature walks, bird-watching, photography, a canopy walk, and other exciting activities.
This is a road trip with carefully selected lodging options in and near the park. Nyungwe Forest has one of the few free-hanging canopy walkways in East Africa.
Here, you can enjoy the cool breeze, views, and the diversity of plants and animals. Pickup and drop-off are arranged at a predetermined location.
5-Day Nyungwe Forest Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Explore Kigali City
- Day 2: Kigali City to Nyungwe Forest
- Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
- Day 4: Nature Walk and Canopy Walk Adventure
- Day 5: Departure
Detailed 5-Day Nyungwe Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Kigali City
When you arrive in Kigali, the land of a thousand hills, you will be welcomed by the calm and beautiful scenery and the friendly people. Your guide will introduce themselves and explain the safari details before starting a tour of Kigali City.
You will visit sites that showcase the culture, history, and people of one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities. These include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, museums, and city landmarks. After lunch in the city, return to the hotel for dinner and rest.
Day 2: Kigali City to Nyungwe Forest
After breakfast, depart from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park. The drive takes 4-5 hours, with a break for refreshments and photography along the way.
You will pass through rural areas with rolling hills, homesteads, and busy towns. Stop for lunch en route, and later, arrive at your lodge in the evening to relax and spend the night.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast, prepare for your trek to visit the chimpanzees. Dress in appropriate trekking gear, pack your lunch, and gather any other items needed for the trek. At the park headquarters, a ranger guide will give you instructions for the activity.
The trek requires physical fitness as you hike to and from the chimpanzees. Chimpanzees share over 98% of their traits with humans, and they have more than 25 unique vocalizations, each with its own meaning.
The trekking experience lasts 2-3 hours, plus one additional hour to observe the chimpanzees, take photos, and learn about their behavior.
You may also see other primates, such as black-and-white colobus monkeys, and chimpanzee nests. After the trek, enjoy lunch and take the rest of the day to relax. Dinner and an overnight stay will end the day.
Day 4: Nature Walk and Canopy Walk Adventure
Start the day with a cup of tea, then head out for a nature walk along the authorized trail. This activity will introduce you to various plants, birds, beautiful views, and opportunities for photography.
The walk lasts about 2-3 hours.
After lunch, enjoy an exciting canopy walk in the forest. With your camera ready, explore the treetops and listen to forest lovers explaining the happenings in the forest.
You might see primates like monkeys and various bird species, along with views of the forest. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay in the forest.
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and return to Kigali. On the way, stop at Nyanza Palace to learn about the Rwandan culture through music, storytelling, traditional dances, and local cuisine.
The driver/guide will then drop you off at your designated location in Kigali, where you can catch your flight or continue to your next destination.
This marks the end of your 5-Day Nyungwe Forest Tour.
