Where to see chimpanzees in Rwanda

Quick facts about Chimpanzee

Rwanda is home to some 500 chimpanzees, all – like Tanzania’s – belonging to the eastern race (P. troglodytes schweinfurthii) . These form part of a larger population spread across the mountainous rainforests of the Albertine Rift, extending north into Uganda and west into the Democratic Republic of Congo. This region supports prolific forest biodiversity, including 12 other primate species and numerous endemic birds. The bulk of Rwanda’s chimpanzees are in Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south-west, where they live at the highest altitudes recorded for the species and chimpanzee trekking is well developed. Demand for land exerts considerable pressure on Rwanda’s threatened chimp population, but a habitat restoration programme aims to increase their range.

Rwanda: chimpanzee hotspots

Rwanda’s principal chimpanzee site is Nyungwe Forest National Park in the far south-west. This mountainous forest reserve holds more than 400 chimps, including two habituated groups that allow excellent, reliable chimpanzee trekking. Other wildlife includes a troop of nearly 600 black-and-white colobus monkeys; the world’s largest known community of arboreal primates. The park’s 130km of steep hiking trails includes a spectacular canopy walkway. Chimpanzee trekking is easiest in the June–September dry season, when fig trees are fruiting and trails become more navigable. Chimps can also be seen further north at Gishwati-Mukura National Park, a tiny reserve established in 2005 by the Forest of Hope project. Here, a community of ±30 chimps is semi-habituated; sightings are regular but not guaranteed. Other wildlife includes golden monkey and L’Hoest’s monkey.