This short yet unforgettable 2-Day Nyungwe National Park Tour: Canopy Walk & Primate Encounter captures the spirit of Rwanda’s wild beauty and primate-rich highlands. Designed for travelers with limited time but unlimited curiosity, this tour invites you to walk among the treetops, explore one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, and encounter the forest’s most charismatic residents — the chimpanzees. From the tranquil hills of southern Rwanda to the misty canopies of Nyungwe, this journey offers a seamless blend of excitement, serenity, and authentic African wonder.
Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe – Canopy Walk & Nature Trails
- Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Return to Kigali
2-Day Nyungwe National Park Tour: Canopy Walk & Primate Encounter
Detailed Itinerary
Kigali to Nyungwe – Canopy Walk & Nature Trails
The day begins early in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city, where your professional guide from Volcanoes Gorilla Tours picks you up for the drive southwest toward Nyungwe National Park. The scenic journey, approximately 5–6 hours, takes you through the country’s rolling green hills, passing quaint villages, banana groves, and emerald tea plantations. The changing landscapes are a living postcard of Rwanda — every turn revealing a new facet of its natural beauty.
Along the route, a stopover is made at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where you step back into Rwanda’s royal history, learning about the kingdom’s traditional governance and seeing the famed long-horned Inyambo cattle. You may also choose to visit the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, which houses one of the finest ethnographic collections in East Africa, providing insight into Rwanda’s ancient culture and artistry.
Upon arrival in Nyungwe, you check in at your chosen lodge — whether it’s the luxury One&Only Nyungwe House, the cozy Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, or the rustic Gisakura Guest House, each offering unique comfort surrounded by pristine nature.
After a refreshing lunch, you’ll head to the Uwinka Visitor Center, the heart of the park, for a guided Canopy Walk experience — Nyungwe’s most iconic adventure. Suspended 60 meters above the forest floor, the 160-meter walkway offers breathtaking views of the endless green canopy, misty valleys, and distant ridges. Birds flit below you, colobus monkeys leap from tree to tree, and the sound of the wind through the leaves feels like nature’s own melody. It’s an awe-inspiring experience that captures the essence of Nyungwe’s grandeur.
Following the canopy adventure, enjoy a guided forest walk along the Igishigishigi Trail — named after a local fern — famous for its orchids, butterflies, and panoramic viewpoints. The atmosphere here is pure magic; shafts of sunlight break through the foliage, highlighting the lush undergrowth and the intricate web of forest life.
Return to your lodge in the evening for a well-earned dinner, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest. As mist rolls over the hills and the stars begin to peek through, you can unwind with a warm drink and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Overnight: One&Only Nyungwe House / Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Gisakura Guest House
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Chimpanzee Trekking & Return to Kigali
Your second day begins before dawn with an early breakfast, as you prepare for one of Africa’s most thrilling wildlife experiences — chimpanzee trekking. The adventure starts at Uwinka or Cyamudongo Forest, depending on where the chimpanzee groups were last seen. After a briefing from the park rangers, you enter the forest accompanied by experienced trackers who follow fresh nests, calls, and tracks.
The forest at this hour feels alive with anticipation. The crisp mountain air carries the earthy scent of moss and rain, and birds begin their morning chorus. As the first rays of light pierce the mist, the distant calls of chimpanzees echo across the canopy — high-pitched, excited, and unmistakably human-like.
When you finally encounter them, it is a moment of profound connection. Watching these intelligent primates feed, play, groom, and interact is like glimpsing a mirror of humanity’s earliest roots. You may see mothers carrying infants, juveniles swinging through vines, or dominant males calling from treetops. The experience, lasting about an hour, is intimate, raw, and deeply moving — one that stays etched in memory long after you leave.
After the trek, you return to your lodge for a hearty late breakfast or early lunch, followed by check-out. On your way back to Kigali, you can make a final stop at the Gisakura Tea Plantation to see the lush tea fields that border the forest. Here, you’ll witness local workers plucking tea leaves with rhythmic grace and learn about Rwanda’s tea production process — a serene way to conclude your journey.
Arrive in Kigali by evening, marking the end of your two-day exploration of Nyungwe’s wonders.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
The best time to go on a safari is during the dry seasons, when wildlife gathers around water sources and sightings are more frequent and rewarding.
Comfortable stays in the heart of nature, ranging from luxury lodges and tented camps to eco-friendly retreats that blend seamlessly with the wild.
Safari Inclusions
- Park entry fees
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Canopy Walk
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Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver/guide
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One night’s accommodation
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All meals as per the itinerary
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Bottled water during the trip
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Park ranger and guide fees
Safari Exclusions
- Tips for guides and porters
- Rwanda visa fees
- Personal expenses and optional activities
2-Day Nyungwe National Park Tour: Canopy Walk & Primate Encounter
Travel Tips
- 1. Prepare for Early Starts
- Activities such as chimpanzee trekking begin before dawn to increase the chances of encountering primates when they are most active. You will often leave your lodge as early as 5:00 a.m. Warm clothing and an early breakfast (or packed meal) are essential, as mornings in the highlands can be quite cool.
- 2. Dress for the Forest
- Nyungwe’s altitude and dense vegetation create a cool, humid climate year-round. Pack light but layered clothing, with long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect against insects and vegetation. A waterproof jacket is indispensable since rainfall can occur even during the dry season. Comfortable hiking boots with good traction are a must for navigating the sometimes muddy forest trails.
- 3. Respect the Primates and Park Rules
- Chimpanzees and other primates in Nyungwe are wild animals that must be respected. Always keep a minimum distance of about seven meters, avoid direct eye contact, and do not mimic their calls or movements. Flash photography is prohibited during primate encounters, and visitors are required to maintain quiet voices to preserve the serenity of the forest.
- 4. Stay Hydrated and Carry Snacks
- The forest hikes can be physically demanding, especially during chimpanzee tracking. Carry bottled drinking water and light, energy-boosting snacks such as granola bars or fruit. Avoid littering at all costs — every item you carry in must be carried out.
- 5. Travel with a Certified Guide
- Nyungwe is a protected environment with strict regulations. Entry without an authorized park guide is not permitted. Guides are trained not only in tracking primates but also in interpreting the ecology, flora, and birdlife of the forest. Their knowledge enhances your appreciation of the ecosystem and ensures safety throughout the tour.
- 6. Mind the Altitude
- At elevations reaching nearly 3,000 meters, Nyungwe’s air can feel thinner than at sea level. Walk at a steady pace, rest when needed, and drink plenty of water. Most travelers acclimatize easily, but if you feel dizzy or fatigued, alert your guide immediately.
- 7. Photography & Equipment
- For photographers, the dim light under the forest canopy can be challenging. Carry a camera with a good ISO range or a fast lens to capture the subtle hues and movements in low light. Protect your gear with waterproof covers, and keep electronics sealed in plastic bags when not in use — the rainforest humidity is persistent.
- 8. Health & Safety Essentials
- Before traveling, ensure your yellow fever vaccination certificate is valid, as it is required for entry into Rwanda. Though Nyungwe’s high altitude means fewer mosquitoes, anti-malarial medication is still recommended. Carry a small first aid kit, personal medication, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
- 9. Cultural Courtesy
- Rwandans are warm, welcoming, and deeply respectful people. A friendly greeting (Muraho!) goes a long way. When visiting local communities or tea plantations, always ask before taking photos. Purchasing locally made crafts or teas helps support community livelihoods and contributes directly to conservation.
- 10. Connectivity and Cash
- Nyungwe’s remote setting means that mobile coverage can be limited within the park. However, most lodges provide Wi-Fi for guests. ATMs are not available near the park, so carry sufficient Rwandan Francs (RWF) in cash for tips or small purchases. Credit cards are accepted at higher-end lodges but not everywhere.
- 11. Weather Awareness
- Even during dry months, brief showers can appear suddenly. Mornings tend to be misty, and afternoons are often warm and clear. Dressing in moisture-wicking fabrics and carrying a compact rain poncho will keep you comfortable no matter the weather.
- 12. Responsible Travel
- Nyungwe’s fragile ecosystem relies on sustainable tourism. Avoid picking plants, feeding animals, or straying off designated trails. Your footprints should be the only trace you leave behind. Supporting eco-lodges and local guides helps sustain conservation initiatives that protect this precious forest for generations to come.
- 13. Best Time to Visit
- For the best trekking conditions, plan your visit during the dry seasons (June–September and December–February) when trails are more accessible and chimpanzee movements are easier to follow. However, if you’re a birding enthusiast or photographer, the wet seasons (March–May and October–November) offer vibrant foliage, orchids in bloom, and heightened bird activity — perfect for capturing the forest’s dramatic beauty.
- 14. Combine with Other Destinations
- If time allows, consider combining Nyungwe with other iconic Rwandan destinations. A drive north takes you to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, while westward routes lead to the scenic shores of Lake Kivu for relaxation. Many travelers also extend their journey to Akagera National Park for classic savannah safaris, creating a complete “Land of a Thousand Hills” experience.
2-Day Nyungwe National Park Tour: Canopy Walk & Primate Encounter
YOUR SAFARI THROUGH THE LENS
- Visualize the experience.
