Discover the serene, mist-draped rainforests of southwestern Rwanda with Fruits of Hope Adventure Tours on this immersive 2 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Tracking Tour. Perfectly tailored for luxury travelers with a passion for wildlife, comfort and eco-tourism, this itinerary takes you into the heart of Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse tropical rainforests. The highlight of the tour is tracking wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat, alongside scenic drives, canopy walks and encounters with other primates and exotic birdlife. With private transport, expert guides and handpicked upscale lodges, every element of this experience blends adventure with refinement.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Your journey begins in Kigali, where a Fruits of Hope Adventure Tours representative will pick you up in a private luxury 4×4 vehicle. After a brief welcome and itinerary overview, you’ll embark on a scenic drive southwest toward Nyungwe Forest, approximately 5 to 6 hours away. The journey itself is part of the experience, with rolling green hills, tea plantations and beautiful rural landscapes unfolding as you make your way through Rwanda’s countryside.
On the way, you may stop for a cultural visit at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza or Ethnographic Museum in Huye, both offering rich insights into Rwanda’s heritage and traditions. You’ll also have a chance to enjoy a gourmet lunch at a local boutique hotel or a well-curated countryside restaurant en route.
Arriving at Nyungwe Forest National Park in the late afternoon, you’ll check in to your luxury lodge nestled near the forest. The rest of the day is for relaxation and soaking in the serenity of the surroundings. Guests can unwind at the lodge’s spa, enjoy a fine dining dinner with views of the canopy or take a short nature walk guided by the lodge’s resident naturalist. Early bedtime is recommended as the chimpanzee tracking starts at dawn the next day.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guest House.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking Experience & Optional Canopy Walk – Return to Kigali
Day two begins before sunrise with an early breakfast at your lodge, followed by a short transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing. You’ll then head into Cyamudongo or Uwinka sector of Nyungwe Forest with experienced trackers and park rangers in search of wild chimpanzees.
The forest is alive with morning calls of various primates and birds, and as you trek deeper, your guide will point out flora and fauna unique to this Afro-montane rainforest. Once the chimps are located, you’ll spend a memorable hour observing them feed, groom and interact. The experience is exhilarating and deeply rewarding, offering rare insights into the social behavior of our closest living relatives.
After the trek, you return to your lodge for a hot shower, brunch and some downtime. For guests who are feeling energetic and interested in more forest adventure, an optional canopy walk can be arranged. Suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, the canopy bridge offers dramatic views of the treetops and a unique perspective of Nyungwe’s biodiversity.
By mid-afternoon, you’ll check out and begin the return drive to Kigali, with a brief stop at Lake Kivu or local tea plantations if time allows. You’ll arrive in Kigali in the evening, where your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport, concluding the journey.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 2 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Tracking Tour.
The 2 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee Tracking Tour cost includes;
- Airport Transfers.
- 1 Chimpanzee Permit per person.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Tour guide allowances.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
However, the tour cost excludes; Visa fees, international air fare, personal shopping bills, souvenirs, tips to local guides, personal travel insurance, items not listed as included in the cost.