Overview
Experience the incredible biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest National Park on this exciting 2 Days Nyungwe Canopy Walk & Chimpanzee Trekking safari. Beginning and ending in Kigali, this short adventure combines thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. Track endangered chimpanzees through one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests, walk high above the forest floor on the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, and enjoy a guided Kigali City Tour. Along the journey, you’ll also visit the historic King’s Palace Museum while taking in the spectacular landscapes of Rwanda’s rolling hills and endless tea plantations.
Tour Highlights
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- One hour with wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk on the Igishigishi Trail
- Kigali City Tour
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Explore Kimironko Market
- Visit the King’s Palace Museum
- Birdwatching and primate viewing
- Scenic drive through Rwanda’s tea plantations and rolling hills
- Wildlife photography opportunities
Detailed Itinerary of 2 Days Nyungwe Canopy Walk & Chimpanzee Trekking
Day 1: Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park & Canopy Walk
Your safari begins with a warm welcome from your professional driver-guide at your hotel or Kigali International Airport. After a short safari briefing, enjoy a guided tour of Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city. Visit some of the city’s most notable attractions, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local art galleries, and the bustling Kimironko Market, where you can experience everyday Rwandan life and culture.
After the city tour, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, enjoying a scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside. Along the way, stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza to learn about Rwanda’s royal history and cultural heritage before continuing with an en-route lunch.
Upon arrival at Nyungwe Forest National Park, head to the Uwinka Visitor Centre for the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. The adventure begins along the Igishigishi Trail, leading to a suspended walkway stretching approximately 160 meters in length and rising about 70 meters above the forest floor. From this unique vantage point, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the rainforest canopy while spotting birds, butterflies, and several primate species. The canopy walk lasts approximately two hours and offers one of Rwanda’s most memorable nature experiences.
After the excursion, transfer to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Return to Kigali
Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced park rangers. Learn about chimpanzee trekking guidelines and conservation efforts before setting off into the ancient rainforest in search of Nyungwe’s habituated chimpanzee community.
The trek typically lasts between two and five hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees. As you hike through the dense forest, your guide will help you spot a variety of wildlife, including L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, colorful birds, orchids, and other fascinating forest species.
Once you locate the chimpanzees, spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat as they feed, groom, communicate, and swing effortlessly through the trees. This remarkable wildlife encounter provides exceptional opportunities for photography while offering insight into the behavior of one of humanity’s closest relatives.
After the trek, return to the starting point and begin the scenic drive back to Kigali. Enjoy lunch en route while taking in Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, tea estates, and rural villages. Upon arrival in Kigali, your driver-guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport or your preferred hotel, bringing your memorable Nyungwe Forest adventure to a close.
End of 2 Days Nyungwe Canopy Walk & Chimpanzee Trekking