Book 2-day Nyungwe chimpanzee tracking tour for lifetime opportunity to unearth Nyungwe forest and its wonders. The 2 days Nyungwe hike include chimpanzee trekking and a hike through the Igishigishigi trail as you explore the canopy walkway.
Established in 2004, Nyungwe –Rwanda’s biodiverse protected area spans up to 970sq.km. The park ecosystem is characterized by swamps, Afro-montane forest, bamboo forest and grasslands. Within this park, there exist over 75 mammal species, 20 reptile species, 310 bird species, and several tree species.
The Numerous primates inhabited within Nyungwe include more than 500 chimpanzees, Angola colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, golden monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, silver monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys, and bush babies.
Over 310 species of birds are all sheltered within Nyungwe’s diverse habitat. The park holds birds such as blue-headed sunbird, archer’s robin chat, African hill babblers. Kivu ground thrush, Neumann’s warblers, Dusky crimson wing, Albertine owlet, Kungwe apalis, bar-tailed trogon, purple-breasted sunbird, dwarf honey guide, yellow-eyed black flycatchers, red-throated alethe, red-collared babblers, Mountain masked apalis, Rockefeller’s sunbird, stripe breasted tit and more.
Enriching hiking trails in Nyungwe include among other the Buhoro trail, Rukuzi trail, Bigugu trail, Ngabwe trail, Congo Nile divide trail, Igishigishigi trail, Uwinka, Imbaraga, Muzimu and Irebero.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali-Nyungwe, embark on canopy walk via Igishigishigi hiking trail
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking & return to Kigali by road
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali-Nyungwe, embark on canopy walk via Igishigishigi hiking trail
Early in the morning, catch up with your driver guide after breakfast. A short briefing about this rewarding trip will be done by the driver guide and later, be ready to embark on your Nyungwe road trip. Today’s journey includes traveling to the far Southern Province of Rwanda in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle and en-route, you will branch off to the Nyanza King’s palace and Ethnographic museum (more sites will be visited provided you depart Kigali early enough).
From Butare, you will proceed up to Nyungwe where you will check in at the pre-booked accommodation. In the afternoon, set off on a guided hike starting from Igishigishigi trail connecting through the canopy walkway. The excursion through Nyungwe canopy walkway will take about 2 hours and you will have plenty to see, especially primates and birds.
After good time on a canopy walkway, get back to settle for a leisurely dinner and night stay at the lodge.
Accommodation
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
- Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
- Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking & return to Kigali by road
Ensure you wake up early enough from your comfortable bed, settle for breakfast and you will report to Uwinka reception for briefing. It is on this when you will have insight into the guidelines to be followed while on a search for Nyungwe chimpanzees and other primates.
The park guide will be allocated to you and you exit Uwinka reception for a 2-4 hours chimpanzee trek. You will have great time interacting with chimpanzees; observe every detail on how these apes behave and their distinct body gestures. The park guide will be present to make any interpretations of the body gestures displayed by these apes.
On your chimp search, you also have a chance to see other primates including colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, plants and different birds. After the trek, you will be accompanied back to the briefing area, then proceed to check out from your lodge and next, you will exit Nyungwe for Kigali.
End of safari
Inclusions
- Chimp permits
- Hiking experience
- Guide or driver services in Rwanda
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport
- Bottled water
Exclusions
- Tipping
- Laundry
- Shopping expenses
- Telephone bills
- Airfares
- Beverages, etc