2 Days Nyungwe Forest Tour
The 2 Days Nyungwe Forest tour Safari takes you to Rwanda’s largest forest, where you will hike the Igishigishigi trail, embark on a canopy walk, and track chimpanzees. Nyungwe National Park, located in the southwestern corner of Rwanda, was established in 2004 and is one of the oldest and largest afro-montane forests in Africa. Spanning an impressive 970 square kilometers, the park features diverse ecosystems, including bogs, swamps, grasslands, and bamboo forests. Situated at an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level, Nyungwe extends to the borders of Burundi, the DRC, and Lake Kivu.
About Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park boasts an impressive biodiversity, home to over 275 bird species, 400 types of trees, 75 mammal species, 20 reptiles, and 12 primate species. Notable primates include Dent’s mona monkeys, golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, hamlyn’s monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, silver monkeys, Angola colobus, vervet monkeys, and the common chimpanzee. While Nyungwe is renowned for its rich primate diversity, it is important to note that it does not host gorillas.
While in Nyungwe, visitors can partake in various activities, such as canopy walks, birdwatching, waterfall visits, chimpanzee trekking, primate viewing, and exploring nearby local villages. The famous Congo Nile Trail passes through sections of the forest, making it a popular route for bikers, hikers, and motorcyclists. Among the activities, chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk are particularly favored.
The 2-Day Nyungwe National Park Safari begins with a canopy walk followed by hiking the Igishigishigi trail. On the second day, you will attend a briefing on chimpanzee trekking at the park offices before venturing into the forest to track these fascinating primates. For a more extended experience in the park, consider our 3-Day Nyungwe Chimpanzee
2 Days Nyungwe Forest Tour Highlights
- Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
- Hiking the Igishigishigi trail
- Chimpanzee trekking experience
- Water Falls Hike
2 Days Full Itinerary
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali – City Tour – Transfer to Nyungwe Park – Canopy Walk
Start your day early to meet your Guide/Driver for a briefing about your tour. Your pickup will occur at your hotel, residence, or at the airport. After the briefing, your guide will take you on a brief city tour of Kigali, known as one of the cleanest cities in Africa. You will visit significant sites, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, local markets, and the former Presidential Palace.
Following your city tour, you will embark on the journey to Nyungwe Forest, stopping at the Butare Museum along the way. This museum is an excellent place to learn about Rwanda’s cultural heritage, and you will have the opportunity to purchase local crafts and souvenirs. If time allows, you might also stop at Kamegeri Rock and the Nyanza King Palace. Lunch will be enjoyed in Huye.
After lunch, you will continue your scenic journey through the beautiful Rwandan countryside, which will illustrate why Rwanda is often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Upon arrival at your accommodation, enjoy lunch before heading to the Uwinka Visitor Centre to start your hike along the Igishigishigi trail, leading to the canopy walkway. On this trail, you will encounter various species of trees, birds, and primates over approximately thirty minutes. The canopy walkway, a 60-meter suspended metal bridge above the trees, offers stunning aerial views of the forest and its wildlife, including birds, colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and baboons. After the canopy walk, relax by the nearby waterfalls. The entire canopy walk experience typically lasts around 2 hours, depending on your group’s pace.
Dinner and overnight options include:
- Gisakura Guest House (budget)
- One&Only Nyungwe House (luxury)
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (luxury)
- Emeraude Hotel (budget)
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking – Transfer Back to Kigali
On the second day, rise early to enjoy breakfast before embarking on an adventurous day of tracking chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking starts at 5 AM. The early start increases your chances of encountering the primates, as their movements can be unpredictable.
Your driver will take you to the Uwinka Visitor Centre for a briefing with the park Rangers/Guides who will lead you into the forest. During this briefing, the guides will explain the rules and requirements for chimpanzee trekking. If there are many visitors, the group may be divided into two, with one group starting from Uwinka and the other from the Cyamudongo area. Nyungwe Forest is home to around 500 chimpanzees.
As you enter the forest, you will be greeted by the enchanting sounds of the jungle—birds singing, primates chattering, and insects buzzing. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe can be just as unpredictable as gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, with the activity potentially taking up to 4 hours depending on the location of the primates that day. Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees are known for their mobility and vocal nature, making it easier to locate them based on their calls.
As you search for the chimps, you’ll be treated to beautiful scenery, diverse birdlife, butterflies, and more. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have one hour with them, during which you can observe their feeding, playing, nest-building, and social interactions. Each chimp has a unique personality; some may be more aggressive while others are more laid-back. Your park ranger will guide you on which individuals to observe from a safe distance.
After your memorable encounter with the chimps, you will begin your journey back to Kigali, filled with unforgettable memories of your Nyungwe Forest adventure.
This itinerary captures the essence of the 2 Day Nyungwe Forest Safari, emphasizing the unique experiences that await in Rwanda’s beautiful rainforest. If you need any further details or modifications, feel free to let us know!
How to Get There?
The trip will start from Kigali International Airport to Nyungwe Forest National Park and you will be dropped off at Kigali International Airport.