The Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trek primarily starts at three reception centers called Kitabi, Uwinka, and Gisakura. All visitors going on chimpanzee treks are expected to arrive at the Park Center early in the morning. Your driver-guide will pick you up at your respective hotel/safari lodge and take you to the starting point of the hike. There you will meet your ranger guide and receive a keen briefing.
Before embarking on the chimpanzee trek, you will be led by a ranger guide to locate the chimpanzees. Follow your guide’s instructions and hike through a dense tropical forest. After trekking to the chimpanzee, trekkers are given a maximum of 1 hour in the presence of the primate.
During this time, observe how chimpanzees live and interact with nature. Chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA with humans, so don’t be surprised if they display some human-like traits. If you decide to go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, the familiar chimpanzee group in the Nyungwe forest has around 60 individuals, but it is difficult to see due to the rugged terrain. Habitual groups of Cyamudongo are small, about 30 individuals, but there have been some successful sightings. The chimpanzee trekking permit costs 100$ for one night, 150$ for 2 nights, 200$ for 3 nights. Please note that this is the cost of the permit, not the cost of the tour.
The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is 16 years old. Remember to bring walking shoes and clothing, including a rain jacket. The Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trek is a wonderful activity and not to be missed when visiting Rwanda. Other activities included in the Rwanda Tour include Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Bird Watching, Kigali City Tour, Rwanda Game Safari, Nyungwe Canopy Walk, lake Kivu visit, Gishwati mukura national park and many others