The Nyungwe Forest chimpanzee trek follows Rwanda’s RN1 highway south from Kigali through one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests — the road itself passes through the forest, with colobus monkey troops visible from the car window as a bonus on the transit drive. The Nyungwe chimp trek is paired with the canopy walkway (one of Africa’s highest, 60 metres above the forest floor) for a two-activity forest day.
Circuit Overview
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
- Distance: Kigali – Nyungwe – Kigali, approx 460 km total (RN1 loop)
- Vehicle: Toyota Prado or Land Cruiser
- Chimp permit: USD 90/person via RDB — book 2–4 weeks ahead
- Best timing: June–September (dry, chimps more concentrated at fruiting trees)
Day-by-Day Route
Day 1: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest (230 km, 3.5 hours via RN1). Drive through the forest on the highway — colobus monkeys along the road. Overnight at Nyungwe lodge or campsite.
Day 2: 6 am chimp trekking briefing at Uwinka visitor centre. Trek (2–4 hours). Afternoon canopy walkway (separate ticket). Overnight Nyungwe.
Day 3: Nyungwe morning forest walk, return Kigali via RN1 (3.5 hours).