2-Day Nyungwe Forest Safari in Rwanda: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk

Discover the beauty of Rwanda’s ancient rainforest on a 2-day Nyungwe Forest safari with Epic Uganda Vacation. This short adventure combines chimpanzee trekking, a spectacular canopy walkway experience and scenic travel through Rwanda’s rolling hills and tea-growing countryside.

Located in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park protects an extensive montane rainforest renowned for its primates, Albertine Rift bird species, native plants and spectacular hiking trails. It is one of the country’s leading destinations for nature lovers, birdwatchers, hikers and travellers seeking an immersive rainforest experience.

During this two-day tour, travel from Kigali to Nyungwe, explore the forest canopy from a suspended walkway and venture into the rainforest with experienced park guides to search for wild chimpanzees. Although sightings cannot be guaranteed, the experience offers an opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat.

This safari is ideal for visitors with limited time in Rwanda who want to experience the country’s remarkable biodiversity beyond its famous mountain gorillas.

2-Day Nyungwe Forest Safari Highlights

• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.
• Walking above the rainforest canopy on the famous canopy walkway.
• Hiking the Igishigishigi Trail.
• Opportunities to spot colobus monkeys and other forest primates.
• Birdwatching in an important Albertine Rift biodiversity area.
• Scenic drives through Rwanda’s countryside and tea plantations.
• Optional cultural stops around Huye and Nyanza, subject to available time.
• One overnight stay near Nyungwe Forest.

Detailed 2-Day Nyungwe Forest Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali to Nyungwe National Park – Canopy Walk and Rainforest Hiking

Your Nyungwe Forest safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Kigali or Kigali International Airport, depending on your arrival arrangements. Meet your professional driver-guide for a short briefing before travelling southwest towards Nyungwe National Park.

The drive takes you through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside, characterised by rolling hills, rural communities, cultivated landscapes and tea plantations.

Depending on your departure time and interests, you may arrange a stop in Huye to explore Rwanda’s cultural heritage. Possible visits include the Ethnographic Museum or selected cultural attractions around Nyanza. These stops are optional and should be planned carefully to allow sufficient time for the forest activities.

Continue towards Nyungwe and check in at your selected accommodation. After lunch, proceed to the Uwinka Visitor Centre for your guided forest walk and canopy walkway experience, subject to the day’s schedule and confirmed activity times.

Experience the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway

The canopy walkway is one of Nyungwe National Park’s most distinctive attractions. Suspended high above the forest floor, the bridge offers a remarkable perspective across the treetops, valleys and surrounding rainforest.

The experience typically involves walking along a forest trail before reaching the suspended bridge. As you cross, look for birds moving between branches, monkeys in the canopy and the rich vegetation that makes Nyungwe an important conservation area.

Your guide will help you appreciate the forest’s ecology and point out wildlife where visible. The elevated views also provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography.

Hike the Igishigishigi Trail

The Igishigishigi Trail is associated with the canopy walkway experience and provides a short introduction to Nyungwe’s rainforest environment. Along the trail, you can observe indigenous trees, ferns, mosses and other forest plants.

Birdwatchers may also encounter some of the park’s forest birdlife, although sightings vary according to weather and conditions. Keep an eye out for primates moving through the vegetation.

After completing your activities, return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Selected guesthouse, lodge or luxury forest retreat near Nyungwe National Park.

Meals: Lunch and dinner, according to your confirmed package.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest – Return to Kigali

Wake up early for breakfast before transferring to the designated chimpanzee trekking briefing point. Chimpanzee trekking normally starts early in the morning, and the exact reporting time and trekking location will be confirmed by the park authorities.

After a briefing from the park rangers, enter the forest with your assigned guide to search for a habituated chimpanzee community.

Search for Wild Chimpanzees

Nyungwe’s chimpanzees live in a dense and challenging forest environment. Unlike mountain gorillas, which may remain in one area for a while, chimpanzees can travel quickly through the canopy and forest floor. Finding them may therefore involve walking over uneven terrain and following calls, movement and other signs of their presence.

The trek’s duration varies depending on the chimpanzees’ location and the conditions on the day. Your ranger will guide you through the forest while explaining the behaviour of the primates and the importance of protecting their habitat.

Once the chimpanzees are located, visitors are generally allowed a limited viewing period under the park’s rules. When conditions permit, you may observe them feeding, grooming, communicating, playing or moving through the trees.

Nyungwe is also home to other primates, forest birds, butterflies and an impressive variety of plant life. Even when wildlife is difficult to spot, the rainforest itself makes the walk rewarding.

After the trek, return to the meeting point and begin your road journey back to Kigali. The return drive is substantial, so this day requires an early start and careful coordination with your driver.

If you have an international flight departing that evening, we recommend confirming the timing carefully or arranging an additional overnight stay in Kigali to avoid a rushed connection.

Meals: Breakfast and any other meals included in your selected package.

END OF SAFARI

What Makes Nyungwe National Park Special?

Nyungwe National Park is one of Rwanda’s most important natural treasures. Its extensive montane rainforest protects diverse habitats and supports a rich variety of wildlife.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is one of Nyungwe’s principal attractions. Accompanied by trained park guides, visitors enter the forest to search for wild chimpanzees and learn about their behaviour, social structures and conservation.

The Canopy Walkway

The canopy walkway offers an unusual view of the rainforest from above the forest floor. It is a memorable experience for photographers, nature lovers and adventurous travellers.

Birdwatching

Nyungwe is an important destination for birdwatching, particularly for visitors interested in Albertine Rift species. Birders may look for turacos, sunbirds, forest flycatchers and other montane forest birds. Specialist birding trips may require additional time and a dedicated birding guide.

Forest Hiking and Waterfalls

The park contains a network of hiking trails through different forest habitats. Depending on your interests and available time, a longer stay can include additional hikes, waterfall visits and dedicated birdwatching excursions.

Best Time to Visit Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe can be visited throughout the year, but conditions vary with rainfall, altitude and trail location.

The relatively drier periods, often from June to September and around December to February, can be suitable for hiking and forest exploration. Rain is possible in every season, however, and trails may be muddy or slippery.

Chimpanzee sightings are not guaranteed on any particular day. Because trekking involves a natural forest environment, it is important to bring suitable hiking footwear, waterproof clothing and a flexible attitude.

What to Pack for Your Nyungwe Safari

We recommend bringing:

• Sturdy hiking boots with good grip.
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts.
• A lightweight waterproof jacket.
• A small daypack for water and personal items.
• Insect repellent.
• Binoculars for birdwatching and spotting wildlife.
• A camera with protection against moisture.
• Drinking water and any personal medication you require.

Follow your park guide’s instructions throughout the activities, particularly when observing chimpanzees.

2-Day Nyungwe Forest Safari: Inclusions and Exclusions

What Is Included?

The final inclusions depend on your selected package and confirmed quotation. They may include:

• Private road transportation from Kigali and back.
• Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
• One night’s accommodation near Nyungwe.
• Meals specified in the itinerary.
• Chimpanzee trekking permit.
• Canopy walkway permit.
• Listed park activities and applicable fees.
• Bottled or otherwise provided drinking water during the safari, as specified.

What Is Excluded?

Unless confirmed in your quotation, exclusions may include:

• International flights.
• Rwanda visa fees.
• Travel insurance.
• Tips and gratuities.
• Personal expenses and souvenirs.
• Optional cultural visits and additional activities.
• Additional accommodation in Kigali.
• Any service not expressly listed in the final itinerary.

Please confirm current permit costs, activity schedules and inclusions with Epic Uganda Vacation before booking.

Can You Combine Nyungwe with Other Rwanda Safaris?

Yes. Travellers with additional time can combine Nyungwe National Park with other destinations in Rwanda.

• Volcanoes National Park: For mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking.
• Akagera National Park: For savannah wildlife safaris and boat trips.
• Lake Kivu: For lakeside relaxation and scenic experiences.
• Kigali: For museums, cultural attractions and historical visits.

A longer itinerary allows you to experience more of Rwanda’s varied landscapes without rushing between destinations.

Book Your 2-Day Nyungwe Forest Safari with Epic Uganda Vacation

Explore Rwanda’s rainforest on a carefully organised two-day adventure with Epic Uganda Vacation. From chimpanzee trekking to walking above the forest canopy, this short safari offers a memorable introduction to one of East Africa’s most remarkable natural environments.

We can tailor your accommodation, transportation and activities to your travel dates, budget and interests.

Contact Epic Uganda Vacation to plan your 2-day Nyungwe Forest safari in Rwanda and experience the country’s extraordinary rainforest biodiversity.