4 Days – Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe
Book a Nyungwe canopy walk safari and chimp tracking. Walk above the rainforest floor and track chimpanzees in Rwanda pristine forest.
Planning a Nyungwe canopy walk safari? This 4 day journey takes you to Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Nyungwe is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, as well as over 300 bird species. A Nyungwe canopy walk safari offers a unique perspective on the rainforest, walking 70 meters above the forest floor on the only canopy walkway in East Africa.
The Nyungwe canopy walk destination is located in southwestern Rwanda, approximately 4 to 5 hours drive from Kigali. The park covers over 1,000 square kilometers and is one of the most important conservation areas in Africa. A Nyungwe canopy walk safari allows you to track chimpanzees, walk above the treetops, and explore one of the most biodiverse forests on the continent.
For those interested in combining activities, the wild chimpanzee tracking safari is another excellent option. However, this 4 day safari focuses on Nyungwe to give you ample time to experience both chimpanzee tracking and the canopy walk.
This 4 day Nyungwe safari is specifically designed for primate lovers and adventure seekers. The tour starts and ends in Kigali, with a drive to Nyungwe National Park on the first day. You will spend two full days exploring the park, including chimpanzee tracking and the canopy walk. A Nyungwe canopy walk safari includes park entry fees, accommodation, meals, chimpanzee tracking permit, canopy walk fee, and professional guiding.
Nyungwe National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, with an estimated age of over 1 million years. The park is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, Angolan colobus monkeys, L Hoest monkeys, and silver monkeys. A Nyungwe canopy walk safari offers incredible opportunities to see these primates in their natural habitat.
A Nyungwe canopy walk safari also offers excellent bird watching opportunities. The park has over 300 bird species, including 26 Albertine Rift endemics found nowhere else on Earth. The canopy walkway provides a unique vantage point for seeing birds that live in the upper canopy.
A Nyungwe canopy walk safari offers a unique combination of activities not found elsewhere in East Africa. The canopy walkway is the only one of its kind in the region, offering a thrilling experience as you walk 70 meters above the forest floor. The chimpanzee tracking is also excellent, with several habituated communities available for visitors.
This tour is ideal for adventure seekers who want to experience the rainforest from a different perspective. The canopy walkway is safe and suitable for all ages, though those with a fear of heights may find it challenging. Your guide will provide safety instructions and accompany you throughout the walk.
The experienced chimpanzee tracking guide will help you locate the chimpanzees and share information about their behavior. Nyungwe chimpanzees are less habituated than those in Kibale, making the tracking experience more adventurous.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our representative and briefed on your safari. You will then drive to Nyungwe National Park, a journey of approximately 4 to 5 hours. The drive passes through beautiful Rwandan countryside, with rolling hills and terraced farms that have earned Rwanda the nickname Land of a Thousand Hills.
You will arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, with time to relax and enjoy the forest views. Your guide will brief you on the next day activities. Overnight at a lodge near Nyungwe National Park.
After an early breakfast at 5:30 AM, you will drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. You will then enter the forest with your guide and trackers to find the chimpanzees. The trek can take 2 to 5 hours depending on where the chimpanzees slept and how far they moved overnight.
Chimpanzees are highly active and vocal. You will likely hear their loud pant hoot calls echoing through the forest long before you see them. Once located, you will spend one hour observing them. You will see them feeding, grooming, playing, and interacting with each other.
After the trek, you will return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you can relax or take a nature walk on one of the forest trails. Overnight at your lodge near Nyungwe.
After breakfast, you will drive to the Uwinka Visitor Center for your canopy walk experience. The canopy walkway is suspended 70 meters above the forest floor and stretches 160 meters across a deep valley. The walk takes approximately 2 hours, including the hike to the walkway.
The views from the canopy walkway are spectacular. You will see the forest canopy stretching out below you, with birds and monkeys moving through the trees. The walkway is safe and stable, with mesh sides and handrails. Your guide will point out interesting features and help you spot wildlife.
In the afternoon, you will track Angolan colobus monkeys. These striking black and white monkeys are often seen in large groups, leaping through the trees. The colobus monkey tracking is less strenuous than chimpanzee tracking and offers excellent photography opportunities. Overnight at your lodge near Nyungwe.
After breakfast, you will hike the waterfall trail, one of the most beautiful trails in Nyungwe. The trail takes you through lush forest to the Kamiranzovu Waterfall, which cascades down a rocky cliff into a pool below. The hike takes approximately 2 to 3 hours and offers excellent bird watching opportunities.
After the hike, you will drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or shop for souvenirs at the local markets. You will then be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
This marks the end of your Nyungwe canopy walk safari. You will leave with incredible memories of Rwanda beautiful rainforest and its remarkable primates.
The best time for a Nyungwe canopy walk safari is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During these months, the trails are less muddy, and the chimpanzees are easier to track. The canopy walkway is also more enjoyable when it is not raining.
The wet seasons from March to May and October to November bring heavier rains that make trails slippery. However, the forest is incredibly lush and green during these months, and you will encounter fewer tourists. The chimpanzees are still active, and the bird watching is excellent.
The canopy walkway is open year round, but it may be closed during heavy rain for safety reasons.
The success rate for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe is about 70 to 80 percent. The chimpanzees here are less habituated than those in Kibale, making the tracking more adventurous. Spending two days tracking increases your chances significantly.
Yes, the canopy walkway is very safe. The walkway is regularly inspected and maintained by the Rwanda Development Board. The mesh sides and handrails provide security, and the bridge is stable. Your guide will ensure you follow all safety rules.
The canopy walkway may be challenging for people with a severe fear of heights. However, many people with a moderate fear of heights find that they can complete the walk with the support of their guide. You can always turn back if you feel uncomfortable.
Yes, most nationalities require a visa for Rwanda. Visas can be obtained online before travel or on arrival at Kigali International Airport. The East African Tourist Visa (100 dollars) allows entry to Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
A Nyungwe canopy walk safari offers a unique perspective on the rainforest that you simply cannot get anywhere else in East Africa. The thrill of walking 70 meters above the forest floor, the stunning views of the canopy, and the opportunity to track chimpanzees make it an unforgettable experience. Book your Nyungwe canopy walk safari today and see the rainforest from a completely different angle.
