- Where
- Nyungwe Forest National Park (Cyamudongo and the main forest)
- Duration
- Early-morning start; 2–6 hours
- Cost
- Permit set by RDB; included in our Nyungwe tours
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Minimum age
- 15 years
- Best time
- Dry seasons for easier trails; wet season when fruiting trees keep chimps nearby
Chimps in Nyungwe
Nyungwe is one of the oldest montane rainforests in Africa and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. Habituated chimpanzee communities live in the main forest and in Cyamudongo, an isolated forest fragment near Lake Kivu.
How a chimp trek works
Expect a very early start (around 5:00 am) so you can be in the forest as the chimps wake. Chimps travel quickly through the canopy, so treks involve more scrambling than gorilla treks, and sightings are more variable. When you find them, the hour can be thrilling: drumming on buttress roots, calls echoing through the valley and youngsters swinging overhead.
Make the most of Nyungwe
Stay at least two nights so you can add the canopy walk, a waterfall trail and a stroll through the Gisakura tea estate.
Frequently asked questions
Will I definitely see chimpanzees?
Sightings are very likely but not guaranteed, because wild chimps range widely. Our guides work with park trackers to maximise your chances.
