5 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee & Colobus Monkey Safari

Nyungwe Forest in southwestern Rwanda is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to thirteen primate species. This 5-day itinerary centers on a chimpanzee trek but also includes a dedicated outing to see one of Nyungwe’s large Angolan colobus troops. Nyungwe’s chimpanzee permits are issued through Rwanda’s own booking system rather than Uganda’s, and the park can be visited year-round, though the two dry seasons generally offer the clearest trails.

5 Days Nyungwe Chimpanzee & Colobus Monkey Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest

A long, scenic drive south from Kigali takes you through Rwanda’s tea plantations and hillsides to Nyungwe Forest National Park, with an overnight stay near the forest edge. The route north from Entebbe passes through Luwero and Masindi districts, both historically significant farming areas, before reaching the turnoff for Murchison Falls.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe

An early start and guided trek through the forest bring you to Nyungwe’s chimpanzee community, tracked by experienced rangers through some of the park’s steepest and most pristine terrain. Nyungwe’s terrain is steeper and more rugged than Uganda’s chimp-trekking forests, so treks here can take longer, though the surrounding montane rainforest is correspondingly more pristine.

Day 3: Colobus Monkey Tracking

Today’s focus shifts to one of Nyungwe’s troops of Angolan colobus monkeys, some numbering over 300 individuals moving together through the canopy, a genuinely different kind of primate spectacle.

Day 4: Canopy Walkway & Nature Trails

A walk across Nyungwe’s canopy walkway offers a rare view down into the forest from above, followed by a guided nature trail in search of birdlife and smaller primates.

Day 5: Return to Kigali & Departure

A scenic drive returns you to Kigali in time for your departure flight. The drive out of Nyungwe descends gradually through tea country back toward Kigali, giving a last look at the terraced hillsides that frame much of southern Rwanda.

What’s Included

• Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Chimpanzee trekking or habituation permit(s) as specified in the itinerary
• Accommodation as specified, on a bed & breakfast basis unless otherwise stated
• All ground transport and park transfers
• Bottled drinking water while on safari
• All applicable government taxes

What’s Excluded

• International flights
• Uganda visa fees
• Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
• Personal travel and medical insurance
• Meals not specified as included in the itinerary
• Items of a personal nature (laundry, souvenirs, phone or internet charges)
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary