Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda

Rwanda’s forests offer memorable chimpanzee tracking beyond its famous gorilla treks. The search often begins with hoots, shaking branches and movement high in the canopy, as chimpanzees travel quickly through the trees.

Nyungwe National Park is the main tracking destination, while Gishwati-Mukura National Park offers a smaller experience. Both parks also provide rainforest walks, birdwatching and conservation-based tourism.

Why Visit Nyungwe National Park?

Nyungwe National Park covers about 1,019 square kilometres and protects rainforest, bamboo, wetlands and grasslands.

It is home to 13 primate species and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.

Chimpanzee tracking takes place in the Cyamudongo, Mayebe and Gisovu communities, with a maximum of eight visitors per group each day.

What Happens During a Chimpanzee Track?

Chimpanzee tracking usually begins around 5:30 am with a briefing before visitors head to the trail.

Trackers follow calls, nests and feeding signs to locate the animals, which may take from one to several hours.

Once found, visitors can observe the chimpanzees for up to one hour as they feed, rest and move through the forest.

Sightings are not guaranteed, but experienced trackers improve the chances.

Chimpanzee Tracking Permits and Prices

Nyungwe’s published 2025-2026 tariff lists the chimpanzee tracking fee as:

• International visitor: US$150
• Foreign resident of Rwanda or the East African Community: US$75
• Rwandan or East African Community citizen: RWF25,000

The guide is included, but park entry is charged separately, bringing the basic cost for an international visitor to about US$250.

Fees may change, so confirm the total when booking.

Trackers must be at least 15 years old, and reservations are advised because each group is limited to eight visitors per day.

How Difficult Is Chimpanzee Tracking?

Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe is physically demanding, with steep, muddy and uneven trails at elevations of about 1,600–2,950 metres. Walking time varies depending on the chimpanzees’ location.

Technical climbing skills are unnecessary, but good fitness is recommended. Hiring a porter can help with luggage and provide support on difficult sections.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee tracking is available year-round. June to mid-September offers drier trails but higher demand, so early booking is advised.

Rainy periods can make paths muddy, although the forest is especially green.

As Nyungwe is a rainforest, visitors should prepare for rain in any season.

What to Wear and Carry

Wear waterproof hiking boots, long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt for protection from mud, insects and vegetation.

Pack a rain jacket, water, a snack, insect repellent, sunscreen and medication.

Keep electronics waterproof, and consider binoculars or a lightweight zoom camera for viewing chimpanzees in the canopy.

Responsible Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzees can catch human illnesses, so visitors with cold or flu-like symptoms should contact the park or tour operator before travelling.

During tracking, stay with the guide, keep a safe distance, speak quietly and follow all rules.

Do not eat near the chimpanzees or leave any waste in the forest.

Getting to Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe is about a five- to six-hour drive from Kigali, while flights to Kamembe provide a faster alternative followed by a road transfer.

Stay close to your assigned tracking area because departures begin early, and confirm the meeting point before booking accommodation.

Gishwati-Mukura: A Smaller Alternative

Gishwati-Mukura National Park covers about 34 square kilometres and protects Gishwati and Mukura forests.

It is home to chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

Visits must be booked in advance through the Forest of Hope Association and include accommodation and guided activities.

Limited capacity makes early booking essential.

Other Activities in Nyungwe

A two- or three-night stay allows time for activities beyond chimpanzee tracking.

Visitors can add colobus monkey tracking, specialist birdwatching, waterfall walks, the canopy walkway or one of the park’s longer hiking trails.

These experiences reveal more of Nyungwe’s habitats and provide opportunities to see additional primates, butterflies and forest birds.

Final Thoughts

Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda is challenging but rewarding, with early starts, steep trails and unpredictable sightings. Nyungwe offers the country’s main tracking experience, while Gishwati-Mukura provides a quieter alternative.

Prepare for rain, uneven ground and a patient search through the forest.