Chimpanzee habituation in Nyungwe Forest National Park is an unforgettable unique experience offered in the Gisovu Chimpanzee Group, where guests can join trackers to learn about habituating wild chimpanzees to human presence without disrupting their natural behaviors. Visitors here spend more hours with the chimpanzees unlike for the case of chimpanzee tracking where visitors spend one hour with the chimpanzees.
Throughout the day, guest participants witness the chimpanzees in their natural habitat, engaging in activities such as foraging, grooming, playing, and communicating through distinct vocalizations. Expert guides offer insights into chimpanzee behavior, their complex social structures, and the conservation efforts dedicated to protecting them. Because these chimps are still undergoing the habituation process, they may react with curiosity or caution, making each encounter unpredictable and thrilling.
Nyungwe Forest is located in southwestern Rwanda, bordering Burundi, and is contiguous with Kibira National Park to the south, as well as Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. The Nyungwe rainforest is likely the best-preserved montane rainforest in Central Africa.
Nyungwe National Park boasts a biodiversity of over 1050 plant species, including 250 endemic Albertine rift species and 200 orchids, along with at least 120 butterfly species, 85 mammal species, 38 reptiles, and many more.
Other activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda takes place in Nyungwe Forest National Park, where visitors can observe habituated chimps in their natural habitat. Groups of up to eight people embark on morning treks, guided by park rangers. The experience allows tourists to see chimps interact, feed, and play, highlighting their close genetic relationship to humans, with 98.7% shared DNA. Visitors are allowed to spend one hour with the chimps.
Birding
Nyungwe National Park is home to 322 bird species, including the rare Red-collared Babbler, found only in Rwanda. Other notable species include Rwenzori Turaco and Grauer’s Warbler.
Canopy Walk
The canopy walk is a highlight of Nyungwe, offering a thrilling view 50 meters above the forest floor. The walk includes a scenic trail from Uwinka Reception Centre. Nyungwe Forest spans 1,015 square kilometers, making it the largest remaining area of Tropical Afro Montane rainforest in East Africa.