Three-Day Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee Trekking & Habituation, Canopy Walk Adventure and Bird Watching

Overview

Embark on an exhilarating 3-day journey into Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests, located in southwestern Rwanda. This adventure combines the rare opportunity to trek and observe habituated chimpanzees in their natural environment, a thrilling canopy walk with panoramic views of the forest, and bird watching to spot some of Nyungwe’s 300+ avian species. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this tour offers an immersive experience in a pristine montane ecosystem teeming with primates, birds, and lush flora.

Duration

• 3 days and 2 nights, including travel time from/to Kigali.

Destinations

• Nyungwe Forest National Park: Explore chimpanzee habitats (Gisovu or Cyamudongo sections), the iconic canopy walkway (60 meters high, 200 meters long), and bird-rich forest trails.

Package Highlights

• Chimpanzee Trekking & Habituation Experience: Track and spend time with wild chimpanzees, observing their behaviors up close during a full-day habituation experience in Gisovu, guided by expert trackers.
• Spectacular Canopy Walk: Traverse Rwanda’s only canopy walkway, a 60-meter-high, 200-meter-long suspension bridge, offering stunning aerial views of the forest canopy alive with primates and birds.
• Bird Watching Paradise: Discover Nyungwe’s rich avifauna, including the great blue turaco, Rwenzori turaco, and other endemic species, with guided walks through prime birding spots.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: Encounter 13 primate species (e.g., colobus monkeys), rare orchids, and towering mahogany trees in a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve.
• Scenic Drive: Enjoy a picturesque journey from Kigali to Nyungwe, winding through Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea estates, and charming villages.

Itinerary Details

• Day 1: Travel from Kigali to Nyungwe + Canopy Walk
  • Depart Kigali at 6:00–7:00 AM with a private 4x4 vehicle (5–6-hour drive, 225 km). Stop for lunch en route.
  • Arrive at Nyungwe by early afternoon, and check into your accommodation (e.g., Gisovu Guest House or nearby lodge).
  • At 3:00 PM, embark on a 2-hour canopy walk along the Igishigishigi Trail, soaking in aerial views of the forest.
  • Return for dinner and overnight stay.
• Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Habituation + Bird Watching
  • Wake up at 4:00 AM, enjoy a quick breakfast, and transfer to the Gisovu section by 5:00 AM for a briefing.
  • Begin the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHE), a full-day adventure (6–8 hours) tracking chimps with rangers. Witness de-nesting at dawn, observe behaviors and watch nest-building at dusk.
  • Return to the lodge by late afternoon for a late lunch. Optional evening bird watching (1–2 hours) to spot species like the Rwenzori turaco.
  • Dinner and overnight stay.
• Day 3: Morning Bird Watching + Return to Kigali
  • After breakfast (7:00–8:00 AM), enjoy a 2-hour guided bird-watching walk (e.g., Umuyove or Kamiranzovu trails), targeting Nyungwe’s colorful birdlife.
  • Depart Nyungwe by 10:00 AM for Kigali (5–6 hours). Optional cultural stops at the Ethnographic Museum in Huye or King’s Palace in Nyanza.
  • Arrive in Kigali by afternoon/evening for drop-off at your hotel or airport.

Transportation

• Private 4x4 vehicle with a driver/guide for the round trip from Kigali to Nyungwe and back.
• Short transfers within Nyungwe (e.g., to trekking or canopy walk starting points) are included.
• Airport or hotel pickup/drop-off in Kigali is provided.

Inclusions and Exclusions

• Included:
  • Chimpanzee Habituation Experience permit.
  • Canopy walkway fees.
  • Park entry fees.
  • Accommodation(Nyungwe not Kigali).
  • Guide and tracker fees.
  • Private transportation and driver/guide.
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the tour.
  • Bottled water during activities.
• Excluded:
  
  • Visa fees, souvenirs, and tips.
  • Personal expenses (e.g., drinks beyond water, additional snacks).
  • Travel insurance.

Physical Requirements

• Moderate to High Fitness Level:
  • Chimpanzee habituation involves 6–8 hours of hiking on steep, uneven, and potentially muddy trails (elevation 1,600–2,950 meters).
  • Canopy walking requires crossing a stable but high-suspension bridge (not suitable for those with a severe fear of heights).
  • Bird-watching walks (1–2 hours) are moderate, with some uneven terrain..
• Age Limit: Minimum 12 years for chimpanzee trekking/habituation.