Explore Rwanda’s Rainforest for an Intimate Encounter with Wild Chimps
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park offers one of the most captivating wildlife experiences in Rwanda. Tucked away in the southwestern corner of the country, Nyungwe is a pristine tropical rainforest, spanning over 1,000 square kilometers and serving as a biodiversity hotspot. It is home to over 500 chimpanzees, with two main communities habituated for tourism—one near the Uwinka visitor center, and the other in the Cyamudongo Forest, a small patch of isolated rainforest known for more consistent chimp sightings.
Trekking begins at dawn with a briefing at the park headquarters, followed by a guided hike into the dense forest. Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, visitors move through tangled vines, moss-covered trees, and narrow trails, listening carefully for chimp calls and movements. The forest is alive with sound—birdsong, rustling leaves, and the occasional hoot or scream from a chimpanzee troop echoing through the trees.
Encounters with the chimps are often dramatic and exciting. Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees are highly vocal, fast-moving, and often found in the canopy. When the group is located, trekkers typically get to spend up to one hour observing the chimps from a safe distance. Guests may witness them grooming each other, communicating with expressive gestures and calls, feeding on fruit, or playfully chasing one another through the trees. These interactions highlight the deep social bonds and intelligence that make chimpanzees our closest living relatives.
Nyungwe is not just about chimps—it’s also home to 12 other primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and owl-faced monkeys. The forest also boasts over 300 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The surrounding landscape is mountainous and lush, with mist-covered hills that give the park an ethereal beauty, especially in the early morning hours.
While the trek can be physically demanding due to steep slopes, muddy trails, and changing weather, it is accessible to most travelers with a moderate level of fitness. The Cyamudongo Forest is typically easier for chimp sightings due to its smaller size, while the Uwinka sector offers a more immersive forest experience, albeit with slightly less predictable sightings.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe can be paired with other incredible park activities, such as the canopy walk—a thrilling suspension bridge offering panoramic views above the treetops—or guided nature hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. Accommodation options near the park range from luxury eco-lodges to budget guesthouses, many of which offer stunning views and forest access.