Primates in Nyungwe at a glance
The park counts 13 primate species, among them the eastern chimpanzee, L'Hoest's monkey and Hamlyn's (owl-faced) monkey. That makes Nyungwe the place in Rwanda for forest primates that live in big groups or high in the trees. Mountain gorillas are a different trip: they live in Volcanoes National Park, and you can read about gorilla trekking in Rwanda on our sister guide.
A species living in the park does not mean you will meet it on your day. The activities that are set up for visitors are chimpanzee trekking, colobus tracking and guided forest walks, and sightings always depend on the animals. Plan for a chance, not a promise.
Which primate, which activity
What you can realistically plan around.
| Primate | Where to look | How | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern chimpanzee | Cyamudongo, Mayebe and Gisovu communities | Chimpanzee trekking with a guide | Minimum age 15, at most 8 people per community per day |
| Angolan colobus | Groups tracked from Uwinka and from Gisakura | Colobus tracking with a guide | Large groups, see the colobus page |
| L'Hoest's monkey | Gisakura area | Forest walks and tracking | A possibility, not a promise |
| Blue (diademed) monkey | Gisakura area | Forest walks and tracking | A possibility, not a promise |
| Golden monkey | Occurs in the forest | – | No tracking product to plan around |
For most visitors, one chimpanzee trek plus one colobus tracking is a solid primate plan. It covers the headline species and the biggest groups, and it fits into two days near the forest.
Our pick: a colobus trek
A two-day trip built around colobus trekking in Nyungwe.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Nyungwe primate tours and tracking trips
Guided trips to Nyungwe with chimpanzee trekking, colobus tracking and canopy walks, with live prices and availability. Check whether park fees are included before you book.
L'Hoest's monkey and the blue monkeys
The Gisakura area gives you a chance to see L'Hoest's monkey and the blue monkey, also called diademed monkey. A quiet walk with your guide gives you a chance, and it stays a chance.
Gisakura is also the base for the western waterfalls and for Cyamudongo, and the park camp there has 6 wooden platforms. Our stay guide explains the options near the forest. Treat these monkeys as a bonus on a walk, not as the reason to book.
The golden monkey question
Why it is on the species list but not in your plan.
Where it occurs
The golden monkey (Cercopithecus mitis kandti) occurs in Nyungwe's World Heritage forest. A sighting cannot be promised.
What is offered
The activities you can book in the park are chimpanzee trekking, habituation, other primate tracking, birding walks, night walks and the canopy walk. A golden monkey tracking is not among them.
What to do
Build your days around the chimpanzees and the colobus. If a golden monkey turns up on a walk, it is a lucky extra.
Primate tracking fees 2026
Tariff 2025–2026, per person. A guide is included. Park entry is paid in addition: $100 for one night for international adults.
| Activity | International and African visitors | Residents of Rwanda and EAC | Rwandan and EAC citizens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primate tracking other than chimpanzees | $40 | $20 | RWF 5,000 |
| Chimpanzee trekking | $150 | $75 | RWF 25,000 |
| Chimpanzee habituation | $200 | $100 | RWF 30,000 |
Groups for these activities are 2 to 8 guests, and a single guest pays for 2. Habituation takes at most 4 guests and lasts a whole day, which makes it a different experience from the standard chimpanzee trek. Check the current amount before you book. When you book a tour, the listing says whether park fees are included. All fees are on our park fees page.
Chimpanzees also live in Uganda, and if you plan both countries, see the guide to chimpanzee trekking in Kibale.
Rules around the animals
They protect the primates and keep your walk calm.
Stay with the guide
Walking alone and leaving the paths is not allowed. Fines of $150 apply, and feeding animals, dropping litter and damaging plants are banned too.
Limited numbers
At most 8 people visit each chimpanzee community per day, which is why you book ahead. The 3 communities are Cyamudongo, Mayebe and Gisovu. Cyamudongo trekking starts from Gisakura in the west, and the park guesthouse at Gisovu is in the north.
Be 15 or older for chimps
The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking and habituation is 15 years. Other primate tracking has its own rules, so ask when you book if you travel with children.
Primates in Nyungwe: frequently asked questions
How many primate species live in Nyungwe?
Nyungwe has 13 primate species. They include the eastern chimpanzee, the Angolan colobus, L'Hoest's monkey and Hamlyn's monkey. You will not see all of them on one trip.
Can I see gorillas in Nyungwe?
No. Mountain gorillas live in Volcanoes National Park in the north-west of Rwanda. Nyungwe offers chimpanzees, colobus and other forest primates instead.
Is there a minimum age for chimpanzee trekking?
Yes. Both chimpanzee activities, trekking and habituation, are open from 15 years.
Will I see chimpanzees for sure?
No. The animals move through the forest on their own schedule, and no sighting can be promised. A guide leads you to the community of the day and tells you how to behave around the animals.
Do I need to book primate tracking in advance?
Yes, especially for chimpanzees, since at most 8 people visit each community per day. Book through the park, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or a tour operator.