Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is the second-best-done activity in Rwanda after mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, which impresses a number of visitors. Nyungwe Forest National Park harbors more than 500 chimpanzees, and tracking involves moving on foot in the deep forest while searching for habituated chimpanzee families in their natural environment. 

Nyungwe Forest National Park is famous for its rich biodiversity, which comprises over 1050 tree species, 120 butterflies, 200 orchids, 310 bird species, and more than 85 mammals, including the 13 primates such as chimpanzees, blue monkeys, crowned monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, olive baboons, L’hoest monkeys, Dents Mona monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabey, among others.

Chimpanzee trekking is a popular tourist activity in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and it begins with a briefing in the early morning about the rules and regulations to follow while tracking Chimpanzees.  After the briefing, tourists start tracking in the forest in the company of an armed park ranger and a well-trained park guide who knows different chimpanzee tracking trails. 

Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be booked directly through the Rwanda Development Board or through a licensed tour operator like Devine African Safaris by email at info@gorillasafariscompany.com.

Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be done throughout the year, although the best time to do chimpanzee tracking is in the dry seasons, also known as the peak season, in the months of June, July, August, and September, and December, January, February, and March. During the dry season, less rainfall is received compared to wet season.