Can I trek Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park twice? Nyungwe National Park sits in the southwestern corner of Rwanda and ranks among the country’s most exciting wildlife destinations. The park shelters 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and golden monkeys. Beyond primates, the park also hosts over 300 bird species, 150 butterfly species, 32 amphibian species, 38 reptiles, and more than 1,050 plant species. Simply put, Nyungwe offers one of Africa’s richest wildlife experiences.
Can You Trek Chimpanzees Twice?
Many visitors wonder whether they can trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe twice. The short answer depends on timing. You cannot do two treks on the same day because each permit is only valid for one hour, and the full trekking experience takes several hours. That leaves no room for a second outing on the same day. However, if you book permits for two separate days, you can absolutely trek chimpanzees twice. Simply plan your schedule accordingly and secure permits for each day you want to go out.
How Chimpanzee Trekking Works
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe starts from three centers: Kitabi, Gisakura, and Uwinka. Every morning, all participants must arrive at the headquarters early so that rangers can divide them into groups. Each group then follows a specific chimpanzee community into the forest.
Unlike gorilla trekking, chimp trekking is less predictable. Chimpanzees move constantly through the forest, which makes them harder to find. On some days, trackers locate them quickly. On other days, the chimps seem to disappear entirely. Because of this unpredictability, some visitors leave disappointed. If you want a more reliable experience, consider visiting Kibale National Park in Uganda instead, where trackers find chimpanzees 98% of the time.
The Cost of Chimpanzee Trekking Permits
Before you enter the forest, you must purchase a chimpanzee trekking permit. This permit grants you access to the forest and allows you to observe the chimps in their natural environment. The Rwanda Development Board sets permit prices based on visitor category. Foreign non-residents pay $250 per trek, foreign residents pay $75, and East African citizens pay $25. These prices apply per person, per trek.
You can buy permits directly from the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted local tour operator. Working with a tour operator like Anthill Safaris makes the process easier. They handle permit purchases and also organize the rest of your trip, including transport, accommodation, and other activities.
Other Things to Do in Nyungwe
Chimpanzee trekking is just one of many reasons to visit Nyungwe. The park offers a wide range of activities that keep visitors busy throughout their stay.
Canopy Walk
Nyungwe features the longest canopy walkway in East Africa. Introduced in 2010, the bridge stretches about 160 meters and hangs 70 meters above the forest floor. Rangers run two sessions daily — one from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and another from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Walking above the treetops gives you a completely different view of the forest and its wildlife.
Primate Trekking
Aside from chimps, the forest shelters a remarkable number of monkey species. During a primate trek, you can spot Angola colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and several others. Nyungwe stands as the best place in Rwanda for primate watching overall.
Bird Watching
The park records over 310 bird species, including many Albertine Rift endemics and migratory birds. During the wet season, from October to November and March to May, the forest fills with rare species such as the Great Blue Turaco, Regal Sunbird, Rwenzori Nightjar, and Chapin’s Flycatcher. Professional guides help identify birds by their calls, so bring binoculars and a field guide for the best experience.
Cycling the Congo Nile Trail
The Congo Nile Trail passes through the park and offers a thrilling cycling adventure. You can rent a bike at the trailhead and ride through villages and forested sections. The trail also takes you past several wildlife habitats. Carry enough water, snacks, and camping gear because sections of the trail require overnight stays.
Where to Stay
Nyungwe offers accommodation options across three categories. During peak season, rooms fill up fast, so book early.
For budget travelers, the Gisakura Family Hostel provides clean, affordable rooms near the main road. It suits groups and solo travelers who don’t mind shared facilities. For mid-range comfort, Café Restro Bar Keza in Gisakura offers 10 affordable en-suite rooms with hot running water. For a luxury experience, One & Only Nyungwe House stands out as the finest option in the area. It features 32 well-appointed rooms and sits close to the main trekking zones. Kitabi Eco-Center also offers comfortable rooms, great food, and scenic views of Mount Kitabi.
When to Visit
Can I trek Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park twice? Chimpanzee trekking runs throughout the year. During the dry season, from June to September and December to early February, trails are easier to navigate, and weather rarely disrupts your plans. During the wet season, the forest receives more rainfall, but trekking still works well. In fact, chimpanzees tend to stay in smaller areas during the rainy months because food is easier to find nearby. That actually makes them easier to locate.
Rules and What to Pack
Can I trek Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park twice? Always follow park rules to protect the chimps and yourself. Stay calm around them, keep a safe distance, avoid flash photography, and never feed them. If you feel unwell, stay behind — chimps are vulnerable to human illnesses.
Pack sturdy boots, long-sleeved clothing in neutral colors, rain gear, insect repellent, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, extra batteries, a torch, and a small first aid kit. Dressing properly makes the trek far more comfortable and enjoyable.
Nyungwe National Park rewards every visitor who comes prepared. Plan, follow the rules, and you will leave with memories that last a lifetime.
