Nyungwe Forest Explorer
Price
$650 per person
2 Days Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest and King's Palace Museum in Nyanza
Package Overview:
Embark on a compact yet captivating 2-day adventure that takes you deep into Nyungwe Forest National Park to track chimpanzees, our closest relatives, amidst a pristine montane rainforest teeming with biodiversity. On day two, journey back through Rwanda's rolling hills to explore the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza, a window into the country's royal past and traditions, complete with replica huts and the iconic Inyambo cows. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of wildlife and culture, this package offers an immersive experience with expert guidance and seamless logistics—all wrapped up in two unforgettable days.
Duration:
2 Days / 1 Night
Highlights:
- Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Explore the lush rainforest with chances to see other primates and birds
- Visit the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza for a cultural dive into Rwanda's monarchy
- Scenic drives through Rwanda's "Land of a Thousand Hills"
Itinerary: 2 Days Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest and King's Palace Museum
- 5:00 AM - Hotel Pickup in Kigali
- Your Rwanda Compass Safari guide picks you up from your hotel in Kigali in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle.
- Begin the 5-6 hour drive (approx. 225 km) to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwest Rwanda. A light breakfast snack is provided en route as you pass through scenic hills and tea plantations.
- 10:30 AM - Arrival at Nyungwe & Briefing
- Arrive at the Gisakura Visitor Center in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Join a mandatory briefing with park rangers at 11:00 AM. Learn about chimpanzee tracking rules, safety, and what to expect in the forest.
- 11:15 AM - Chimpanzee Tracking
- Set off into Nyungwe Forest with your ranger guide and optional porter.
- Trek for 1-3 hours through steep, muddy trails lined with bamboo and towering trees. Listen for the hoots and screeches of chimpanzees.
- Spend 1 hour observing the chimps as they play, feed, or swing through the canopy. Spot other primates and birds like the Rwenzori turaco.
- 2:45 PM - Lunch
- Enjoy a packed lunch provided by Rwanda Compass Safari at a scenic spot near Gisakura.
- 3:30 PM - Settle In & Relax
- Check into your accommodation near Nyungwe.
- Spend the late afternoon unwinding, enjoying the forest ambiance, or taking an optional short nature walk.
Overnight: Stay at your chosen lodge near Nyungwe Forest.
- 6:30 AM - Breakfast & Departure
- Enjoy an early breakfast at your lodge, then depart Nyungwe by 7:00 AM for the 3-hour drive (approx. 130 km) to Nyanza.
- 10:00 AM - King's Palace Museum in Nyanza
- Arrive at the King's Palace Museum, a beautifully preserved replica of a traditional royal residence from the 19th century.
- Spend 1 hour exploring the thatched huts, learning about Rwanda's monarchy, and admiring the sacred Inyambo cows.
- 11:15 AM - Departure for Kigali
- Begin the 2.5-hour drive (approx. 100 km) back to Kigali, with a stop en route for lunch at a local restaurant in Huye or a packed lunch if preferred.
2:30-3:00 PM - Arrival in Kigali: Arrive back at your hotel or drop-off point in Kigali, concluding your 2-day adventure.
Inclusions:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kigali
- Private 4x4 transport
- Expert guide and park ranger for chimpanzee tracking
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Entry fees to King's Palace Museum
- Packed breakfast (Day 1), lunch (both days), and dinner (Day 1)
- Accommodation for 1 night near Nyungwe
- Bottled water
Exclusions:
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, extra drinks)
- Porter hire for the trek (optional, approx. $10-$15, paid locally)
- Tips for guide/ranger (optional)
Recommendations:
- Wear sturdy hiking boots, long pants, and a rain jacket for the trek (Nyungwe is wet and muddy).
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching and a camera for both the forest and museum.
- Chimpanzee tracking typically starts at 5:30 AM for optimal sightings. For a more authentic experience, consider arriving in Nyungwe the day before and staying overnight.
