Chimp trek Rwanda

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is the second sought for activity after Gorilla trekking. Chimpanzee trekking occurs in Nyungwe national Park which is thought to be one of the Africa's oldest forests.

Nyungwe national Park is famous for hosting 12 primate species including Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus), it’s also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal among others.

As you explore Nyungwe forest, expect to see a variety of attractions including insects, tree species, butter flies and reptiles among others.

Chimpanzee trekking is the major tourist attraction in Nyungwe forest and begins with briefing as early as 4:30am - drive to the starting point. Look for chimps in groups under the guidance of game rangers.

Trekkers starts daily chimpanzee trekking from three reception centers: Uwinka, Kitabi and Gisakura where the tourists meet the park rangers.

Currently, the cost of Rwanda chimp permit goes up to US$ 90 per permit to enable tourists view chimpanzee physically by their naked eyes at a close range for 1 hour.

Compared to Uganda's chimpanzee permit at US$ 150 each (Kibale National Park), Rwanda chimpanzee permit still cheaper. Chimpanzee trekking is so fast paced and so exciting and in our opinion which makes it more of the adventure than gorilla trekking. There are also few well established paths, denser forests to go through and discovering them on one’s own also makes it more exciting.

Nyungwe National park is the largest in Rwanda covering over 1000km2 and among tropical forest parks in Africa.