A perfect choice for travelers looking to see the chimpanzees in the shortest time possible, this 3-day Rwanda Chimpanzee trek takes you to the Southern Province where the famous Nyungwe Forest National Park is found. You will enjoy the allure of Rwanda, famously known as the land of a thousand hills as you drive through the countryside and over lush hillsides while making stops for photography.
Highlights
- Meet face-to-face with the chimpanzees in the wild.
- See the jaw-dropping ravines, primates, birds, and tree canopies during the canopy walk.
- Explore the City of Kigali.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Nyungwe Forest National Park by road.
- Day 2: Walk through Nyungwe Forest to search for chimpanzees and the canopy walk.
- Day 3: Depart the verdant Nyungwe Forest for Kigali City.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nyungwe Forest National Park by road.
Have breakfast at the Hotel in Kigali and get picked up by your private safari driver for a transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwestern corner of Rwanda. Take in the mind-blowing views of the rolling hills, terraced slopes, locals going about their activities, and verdant Valleys during the 6-7-hour journey. Along the way, there will be a stop at the Palace Museum in Nyanza for an insight into the ancient Kingdoms of Rwanda prior to abolishment by Colonialists and the outstanding Inyambo cows that represent Royalty and elegance.
There will also be a visit of the Ethnographic Museum in Butare, then lunch before continuing with the drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Receive exciting welcome by the chirping birds and playful monkeys while heading to the pre-booked Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight:
- Upmarket: One & Only Nyungwe House.
- Moderate: Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel.
- Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2: Walk through Nyungwe Forest to search for chimpanzees and the canopy walk
Start this amazing day with breakfast at the Lodge, followed by driving or walking to Uwinka Visitor Center for the pre-tracking registration and briefing on the guidelines to be followed by tracking, watching, and interacting with chimpanzees. A 1-5-hour walk away from the Visitor Center is the chimpanzee community whose members are busy playing, foraging, resting, grooming each other or mating. Make sure to spend no more than the allotted one hour watching and photographing them.
After the remarkable chimpanzee trek, you will have lunch in the middle of the jungle and make your way to the canopy walkway, marked by a 160-meter-long bridge suspended over 50 meters above the forest floor. Different bird species, primates, and tree species will be sighted during this 2-hour walk and later retire for dinner and overnight at the Safari Lodge.
Overnight:
- Upmarket: One & Only Nyungwe House.
- Moderate: Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel.
- Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse.
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 3: Depart the verdant Nyungwe Forest for Kigali City
Having enjoyed your final breakfast at the Lodge around Nyungwe Forest National Park, you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight back home or the next phase of your African adventure. See you next time!
Meal Plan: Breakfast.
3-Day Akagera National Park Inclusions:
- Rwanda Chimpanzee permit.
- Park entry fees.
- Ranger fees.
- Bottled water.
- Road transfers by a private 4WD Vehicle.
- Relevant Government taxes and levies.
- 2 nights’ accommodation plus meals.
- Visit to the Genocide site and other historical areas, as mentioned in the program.
- Canopy walk fees.
Exclusions
- Laundry fees.
- Visa fees.
- Airfares.
- Souvenir shopping.
- Tips.
- Porter fees.
- Optional activities not mentioned on the itinerary.
- Telephone calls.