The 3-day Nyungwe primate tour offers a remarkable experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in the southwestern part of Rwanda. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, particularly its population of primates, which includes chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and l’Hoest’s monkeys.
During this tour, you will have the opportunity to embark on guided hikes in search of these fascinating primates and other wildlife.
Here’s a typical itinerary for the 3-day Nyungwe primate tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Morning: Depart from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, and drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The drive usually takes about 5-6 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
Afternoon: Arrive at the park and proceed to check into your accommodation. Lunch is typically provided at the lodge.
Late afternoon: Enjoy a guided nature walk or a canopy walk (optional activity) to explore the forest and its rich biodiversity.
Evening: Return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk
Early morning: Begin your day with breakfast at the lodge.
Morning: Depart for chimpanzee tracking, which starts early in the morning to increase the chances of finding the chimps. Along the way, your guide will provide information about the park’s flora and fauna.
Mid-morning: Once the chimpanzees are located, you will spend up to an hour observing and photographing them in their natural habitat.
Lunch: Return to the lodge for lunch.
Afternoon: After lunch, participate in a canopy walk. The canopy walkway offers a unique perspective of the forest from above, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Evening: Return to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation.
Day 3: Colobus Monkey Tracking and Departure
Early morning: Enjoy breakfast at the lodge.
Morning: Depart for colobus monkey tracking. The trek usually takes about 2-3 hours, and your guide will help you locate the black-and-white colobus monkeys, which are endemic to the region.
Late morning: Return to the lodge for check-out and lunch.
Afternoon: Depart from the park and head back to Kigali.
Evening: Arrive in Kigali in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on the time of departure from Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Please note that this itinerary may vary depending on your specific tour operator, accommodation, and preferences. Always check the details of your itinerary with your tour operator before your trip.