3 Days Nyungwe Safari
DESTINATION
Uganda: Nyungwe National Park
DURATION
3 Days | 2 Nights
COST
From $1,400 Per Person
DESCRIPTION
Tucked into Rwanda’s mountainous southwest, Nyungwe Forest National Park protects one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and one of its richest concentrations of primates. This 3-day itinerary from Kigali gives you a full day for chimpanzee tracking and the famous forest canopy walk, plus time on either end to enjoy the scenic drive through Rwanda’s tea-covered hills and a second forest activity before heading back.
Trip Overview
| Duration | 3 Days / 2 Nights |
| Starting Point | Kigali |
| Destination | Nyungwe Forest National Park, Southwestern Rwanda |
| Activities | Chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk, colobus monkey trek or guided nature walk |
| Best Time to Visit | June – September (dry season), year-round activity |
| Accommodation | Budget, mid-range, or luxury (your choice) |
| Group Size | Maximum 8 people per chimpanzee tracking group |
TRAVEL PLAN
Day 1: Kigali – Nyungwe Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, your driver-guide collects you from your Kigali hotel for the scenic drive southwest to Nyungwe, around 5 to 6 hours covering roughly 225 kilometres through Rwanda’s terraced hillsides and tea plantations. Along the way, your guide can build in stops at cultural or historical sites to break up the journey, depending on your interests and timing.
You’ll arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, with time to settle in before an optional short nature walk near the forest edge. Dinner and overnight at your chosen lodge — options range from the rustic, budget-friendly Gisakura Guest House to the mid-range Nyungwe Top View Hotel, or One&Only Nyungwe House for a luxury stay deep in the forest.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Forest Canopy Walk
Wake well before dawn for an early breakfast, as the chimpanzee tracking briefing at Uwinka or Gisakura begins around 7:30am. Chimpanzees move fast through Nyungwe’s dense canopy, so trackers head out at first light following experienced guides along the Cyamudongo or Uwinka trails, in groups capped at eight people. The hike itself can run anywhere from thirty minutes to several hours, rewarded with sightings of one of Africa’s closest living relatives to humans — grooming, feeding, and moving through the treetops — alongside a chance of spotting some of Nyungwe’s other 12 primate species along the way.
After returning to the lodge for lunch and a short rest, spend the afternoon on Nyungwe’s signature canopy walk, a suspended walkway roughly 50 metres above the forest floor and around 200 metres long, offering sweeping views over the forest canopy and a different vantage point for spotting birds and primates feeding above. Dinner and overnight again at your lodge.
Day 3: Colobus Monkey Trek or Nature Walk – Return to Kigali
Spend your final morning on a second forest activity: tracking Nyungwe’s large troops of Rwenzori colobus monkeys, some numbering in the hundreds, or a guided nature walk along one of the park’s shorter trails to a viewpoint or waterfall — a good option for travelers who prefer hiking at a gentler pace or want to focus on birding. Afterwards, return to your lodge for breakfast and check out.
The drive back to Kigali retraces the route through the tea estates, with time built in for a stop at a local tea factory if you’d like to see the production process up close. You’ll arrive back in Kigali in the early evening, in time for your onward flight or city plans, with drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.
COST INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
What’s Included
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Forest canopy walk
- Colobus monkey trek or guided nature walk on Day 3
- 2 nights’ accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury — based on your preference)
- Meals as specified (full board while in the park)
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
What’s Not Included
- International flights and Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Personal expenses and items of a personal nature
- Optional activities such as ziplining or multi-day hikes along the Congo-Nile Trail
What to Pack
Nyungwe sits at high altitude and stays cool and damp year-round, so pack long sleeves, a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, and a hat. Binoculars are useful for spotting primates and birds high in the canopy, and a walking stick can help on steeper or slippery trail sections.
When to Go
Nyungwe can be visited throughout the year, but the dry season from June to September offers the most comfortable hiking and chimpanzee tracking conditions, with lower rainfall and firmer trails. The wetter months bring excellent birdwatching and lush, dramatic scenery, though waterproof gear becomes essential. For more on the park’s trails, wildlife, and seasonal planning, see our full Nyungwe Forest National Park destination guide.
Extend Your Trip
Nyungwe combines naturally with Rwanda’s other parks. Many travelers pair this itinerary with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or a Big Five safari in Akagera National Park for a complete cross-section of Rwanda’s landscapes, from rainforest to volcano to savannah. If you’re short on time, our 2 Days Nyungwe Chimps Tracking Trip covers the highlights in a shorter format. Browse our full Rwanda primate safaris or destinations page to build a longer itinerary around this trip.
Useful Official Resources
- Visit Nyungwe – official Rwanda Development Board tourism portal for current activity schedules, trail information, and lodge bookings
- Visit Rwanda – Nyungwe National Park, the Rwanda Development Board’s national tourism site, for entry requirements and broader trip planning
Ready to Book?
This itinerary can be tailored to your travel dates, group size, and choice of accommodation, from budget guesthouses to luxury forest lodges. Contact our travel experts to customize your 3-day Nyungwe safari, or browse our full range of safaris to combine it with gorilla trekking or other Rwanda destinations.