Trekking Permits for Rwanda Chimpanzees 2026–2027
Permits for Rwanda chimpanzees are official documents issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the government agency responsible for tourism and conservation. These permits allow visitors aged 15 and above to visit habituated chimpanzee families in Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the most biologically rich rainforests in East Africa. Holding a permit gives travelers the rare chance to spend one unforgettable hour observing chimpanzees in their natural environment.
Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda ranks just after gorilla trekking in popularity and offers a different but equally fascinating primate experience. The activity takes place in Nyungwe and Cyamudongo forests, where visitors follow experienced guides and rangers through dense vegetation to locate the lively troops that swing and chatter among the treetops.
Cost of Permits for Rwanda Chimpanzees
As of the 2026–2027 season, a chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe Forest National Park costs USD 150 per person for international non-residents, USD 75 for foreign residents, and USD 25 for East African citizens. The permit includes the services of a professional guide but does not cover park entrance fees.
Entrance fees vary depending on how many nights a visitor spends inside the park. For international non-residents, the park entry costs USD 100 for one night, USD 150 for two nights, and USD 200 for three nights. Foreign residents pay USD 60, USD 90, and USD 120 for one, two, and three nights respectively, while East African citizens pay USD 10, USD 15, and USD 20 for the same durations.
How to Book Permits for Rwanda Chimpanzees
Permits for Rwanda chimpanzees can be reserved directly through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or through a licensed tour operator like Engabi Tours and Travel. To secure your spot, reach out with your intended travel dates so availability can be checked. Once permits are confirmed, you’ll be required to make a deposit to guarantee your booking. After payment, a scanned copy of your permit receipt will be emailed to you as proof of confirmation.
Booking through a trusted tour operator also allows you to organize your full safari itinerary, including transportation, accommodation, and other activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park or nearby destinations such as Volcanoes National Park and Lake Kivu.
The Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Nyungwe
Chimpanzee trekking begins early in the morning, usually around 5:00 a.m., with a briefing at the park headquarters about safety and trekking etiquette. You’ll then enter the forest with an experienced guide and rangers who track the chimpanzees by their calls and signs.
The trek typically lasts between two to five hours, depending on the chimpanzees’ location, as they tend to move widely in search of food. Once found, visitors can spend up to one hour watching them interact, feed, play, and groom each other. It’s an intimate wildlife experience that offers remarkable insight into the behavior of one of our closest relatives.
Best Time to Obtain Permits for Chimpanzees in Rwanda
The best time to go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During these months, trails are drier and easier to navigate, making the trek more comfortable.
However, trekking is available throughout the year. The rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November, can make paths slippery, but they also bring lush greenery and fewer crowds, making it easier to secure permits.
Plan Your Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure in Rwanda
Nyungwe Forest National Park offers one of Africa’s most immersive primate experiences, and obtaining your permit early ensures you don’t miss out. Whether you book directly through RDB or a reputable tour operator, permits for Rwanda chimpanzees provide access to a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these intelligent and playful primates.
Here is an 8 days long luxury primate safari in Rwanda with both gorilla and chimp trekking to inspire your next adventure.
For assistance with bookings or customized itineraries, contact us to plan your chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park for the 2026–2027 season.
