How to combine Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda with a Serengeti Safari in Tanzania

Embark on an extraordinary journey combining the thrill of chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda with Serengeti safari in Tanzania. This adventure offers an unforgettable experience, where you’ll encounter both the fascinating primates of Nyungwe Forest National Park and the iconic Big 5 animals roaming the plains of Serengeti National Park.

Exploring Kigali, Rwanda: Day 1-2

When you arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, get ready for some exciting adventures! Spend your first couple of days exploring this vibrant city. One must-visit place is the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, where you can learn about Rwanda’s history. It’s an opportunity to understand the country’s past and how it has shaped its present. Take your time to wander around the city, soak in its atmosphere, and maybe even do some shopping for souvenirs. At night, rest up in your accommodation in Kigali, getting ready for the next leg of your journey.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest: Day 3-4

Leaving Kigali, you’ll head to Nyungwe Forest National Park. This park is famous for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife, especially chimpanzees and other primates. Over the next two days, you’ll trek through the forest, keeping your eyes peeled for these fascinating creatures. But it’s not just about chimpanzees; Nyungwe is home to many other animals and plants, making each step a discovery. Enjoy the beauty of nature surrounding you as you hike through this incredible forest. At night, rest in accommodations nearby, ready for another day of adventure.

Journey to Serengeti National Park: Day 5-6

Now, it’s time to hop over to Tanzania! Leaving Nyungwe Forest behind, you’ll travel to Serengeti National Park. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views as you cross the border. Once you arrive in Serengeti, get ready for your first safari experience! Over the next two days, you’ll explore the vast plains of Serengeti, home to the famous Big Five – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses. Keep your camera handy as you never know what amazing sights await you around the corner. At night, you’ll stay in safari lodges or tented camps within the park, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness.

Continuing the Serengeti Safari: Day 7-8

The adventure continues in Serengeti National Park! For the next couple of days, you’ll delve deeper into the park, exploring different regions to maximize your wildlife sightings. Whether it’s watching a pride of lions lounging in the sun or marveling at a tower of giraffes grazing peacefully, each moment promises to be unforgettable. For a truly unique experience, consider taking a hot air balloon safari to see the Serengeti from above (optional). As the sun sets on another day of exploration, rest up for more exciting adventures tomorrow.

Return to Kigali: Day 9

After an incredible time in Serengeti, it’s time to head back to Kigali, Rwanda. During the journey, take some time to reflect on the amazing experiences you’ve had during your safari. From the majestic wildlife to the stunning landscapes, it’s been a journey to remember. Once you arrive back in Kigali, settle into your accommodation for one last night in Rwanda.

Departure: Day 10

Your adventure combining chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda with a Serengeti safari is coming to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time in Kigali for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Take this opportunity to soak in the last moments of your trip before transferring to the airport for your departure. As you board your plane, take with you memories of incredible wildlife encounters and the beauty of East Africa’s natural wonders.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee trekking is all about visiting chimps in their natural home, the forest. These chimps are used to people and are called habituated. You can do this awesome activity in Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda. The fun starts in the morning, and you go in groups of up to eight people, just like when you go gorilla trekking. Many tourists come to Nyungwe Forest National Park each year to spend time with these amazing creatures, who are our closest living relatives. You can watch them play, eat, and move around. And the best part? You can do chimpanzee trekking right after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park without traveling far. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget in Africa’s oldest forest.

Chances of Seeing Chimpanzees

Chimpanzee trekking starts from three reception centers: Uwinka, Kitabi, and Gisakura. Tourists meet park rangers there. You need to be at the reception early in the morning. Then, you drive to the starting point of your trek into the forest. Chimpanzees make nests every night, so trackers go ahead to find them and communicate with the ranger guides. You can spend only one hour with the chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park. During this time, you get to see them up close, observing their lives. They share many features and behaviors with humans, having 98.7% of our DNA! Chimpanzees communicate with loud screams, hoots, and by hitting tree barks. It’s a fantastic experience with these amazing primates in Rwanda.

Chimpanzee Permit Price

To see the chimpanzees, you need a permit. In Nyungwe Forest, there are 64 trekking permits available each day. Each permit costs $250 per person per trek. This is much cheaper than a gorilla permit, which costs $1500. The permit fee includes park entrance and a ranger and guide to accompany your group. The Rwanda Development Board issues these permits. You must show your chimpanzee tracking permit at the park headquarters before starting your trek. Bookings must be made in advance as permits sell out quickly. You can contact the Rwanda Development Board directly or through us to check availability and book your permits for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Accommodation Cost in Nyungwe Forest National Park

There are different accommodation options around Nyungwe Forest National Park, catering to various budgets. One option is the luxurious One & Only Nyungwe House, which costs between $750 and $2000 per person per night. Another is Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, which costs around $300 per person per night. Then there’s Nyungwe Forest Lodge and Gisakura Guest House, which range from $200 per person per night. We recommend staying at least two nights in Nyungwe for a great experience.

Why Combine Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda with a Serengeti Safari with Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd

Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd is a local tour operator based in Uganda, with offices in Entebbe. We specialize in providing life-changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays across East Africa. We’re registered by UTB. We have a strong and long-standing relationship with the Rwanda Development Board, making it easy for you to book your chimpanzee permits and services. Our service fees are affordable and reasonable. Plus, we offer the opportunity to combine your chimpanzee trekking adventure in Rwanda with a Serengeti safari for an unforgettable experience.