This 3 Days Nyungwe National Park Safari offers a journey into one of Africa’s oldest and most beautiful rainforests, located in southwestern Rwanda. Nyungwe National Park is a haven for primates, with 13 different species, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, as well as hundreds of bird species and a lush canopy of tropical vegetation. This short safari is perfect for travelers who wish to experience chimpanzee trekking and the iconic canopy walk while surrounded by the natural beauty of Rwanda’s montane rainforest.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park
You will be picked up early in the morning from your hotel or Kigali International Airport by your driver-guide for a scenic drive to Nyungwe National Park. The journey takes about 6–7 hours and offers some of the most breathtaking views in Rwanda. Along the way, you’ll pass through rolling hills, tea plantations, and charming rural towns.
You’ll make a stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where you’ll learn about Rwanda’s pre-colonial history, traditional monarchy, and cultural heritage. Continue to Huye for a visit to the Ethnographic Museum, which houses fascinating exhibits about Rwanda’s culture and history.
You’ll then proceed through the beautiful tea estates of Gisakura before arriving at your lodge near Nyungwe National Park in the evening. Check in, relax, and enjoy dinner as you prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Gisakura Guest House / One&Only Nyungwe House
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk Experience
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters at Uwinka for a briefing about chimpanzee trekking. You’ll then embark on an exciting trek into the forest in search of chimpanzees. The trek can take between 2 to 4 hours depending on their location. As you move through the forest, you’ll enjoy the sounds of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the occasional call of other primates like blue monkeys and mangabeys.
Once you locate the chimpanzees, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they play, feed, and swing from the trees. This experience offers incredible photographic opportunities and a deep connection to the natural world.
Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, head back to the park for the thrilling canopy walk. Suspended 70 meters above the ground, the 200-meter-long walkway offers spectacular views of the forest canopy and the opportunity to spot birds and monkeys from above. After the canopy walk, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Return to Kigali
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge with scenic views of the surrounding forest. You may opt for a short morning nature walk or visit a nearby tea plantation to learn about tea growing and processing before departing for Kigali.
The return journey takes approximately 6–7 hours with scenic stops for photos and refreshment breaks along the way. Upon arrival in Kigali, your driver will drop you off at your hotel or the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of this unforgettable Nyungwe adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Trip Inclusions
Chimpanzee trekking permit
Canopy walk fees
Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Park entry fees
Bottled drinking water
Meals as per the itinerary
Accommodation for two nights
Trip Exclusions
International flights
Rwanda visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips to guides and porters
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and beverages