Monkeying around Rwanda

Today, you will be met by your Africa Flash McTours guide, either at your hotel or on arrival at Kigali International Airport.  After ensuring that you are comfortably settled in your hotel, they will take you on a tour of the bustling capital city of Rwanda.  

Among the sites that will be visited will be the Rwandan Genocide Memorial, where you will learn more about this tragic chapter in the country’s history and how the nation returned to peaceful coexistence.

Rwanda is a small, landlocked country, sandwiched between neighbours; Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west.

It is truly one of the most fascinating places in Africa, standing as an excellent example of economic growth, reconciliation and stability on the African continent.  Boasting modern infrastructure, an excellent network of roads and a growing tourism sector, it seamlessly blends authentic Africa with the modern era.

There are three main ethnic groups in Rwanda, namely the Hutus, Tutsis and Batwa.  The main languages spoken are Kinyarwanda, English and French.  Visitors to Rwanda are assured of an unforgettable cultural and wildlife experience, warmly welcomed by its inspiring people.

After a delicious breakfast, embark on a scenic journey from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest. We anticipate the scenic journey should take in the region of 4 hours to complete.

Nyungwe National Park is situated in southwest Rwanda.  The park covers an area of 1,015km² (392mi²) at altitudes ranging between 1,629 and 2,870m (5,344-9,416ft).  The rainforest is a major biodiversity hotspot, with 1,068 plant species, 275-320 bird species, and 85 mammal species.  The forest is thought to be one of the oldest on the African continent, even staying green through the last Ice Age, a major contributor to its biodiversity.

Nyungwe is most famous for its primates, of which there are 13 species.  Along with the chimpanzees, there is also a troop of about 400 habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus monkeys.  

Your accommodation for the next two nights is located conveniently close to the national park’s headquarters office, from which your activities in the forest will depart.

Enjoy a delicious dinner, soak up the pulsating atmosphere of the nearby rainforest, and then retire for the night in anticipation of an action-packed day ahead.

After an early wakeup call, fuel yourself for a full day in the forest, with breakfast before we set off for Nyungwe to meet your chimpanzee trek guides at the park office.  After a briefing, you’ll be led deep into the rainforest in search of free-roaming chimpanzees.  The park is home to several habituated troops, and it may take some time to find them in the dense vegetation.  Please note that appropriate clothing and footwear, as well as reasonable fitness, are essential.

The Nyungwe Forest has an estimated population of around 500 chimpanzees.  An endangered species, chimp numbers plummeted due to poaching, habitat loss and conflict with humans.  As such, to minimise impact, your time with the troop is limited to one precious hour.  

Humans share around 98.8% of their DNA with chimps, making them our closest living relatives.  As you observe them going about their day-to-day lives, you’re bound to notice a host of similarities in their socialising and general behaviour.  See if you can spot them using tools, evidence of their remarkable intelligence.

In addition to the chimps, keep a lookout for olive baboons, L’Hoest’s monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, Ruwenzori colobus, blue monkey and owl-faced monkey.

Today, you will return to Nyungwe Forest, this time to take a breathtaking walk in the rainforest canopy.  In the care of well-trained guides, you will set off on a guided walk through the forest.  The highlight of the excursion is undoubtedly the 160 metre long and 70 metre high suspension bridge which traverses over the top of the forest canopy.  The experience lets you see the forest from a chimp’s perspective.  Few people get to appreciate the incredible array of life that exists in the forest canopy, including colourful birdlife, buzzing insects and uniquely adapted plant species.

With each step, the bridge sways beneath, adding a thrilling element to the experience.  Savour the peaceful rush of air through the leaves, while listening to the calls of various bird and mammal species.

Throughout the walk, your guide will point out various bird species seen along the route, identify some of the plants that are still used in traditional Rwandan medicine, and share stories about the people who call the forest home to this day.

After a memorable time exploring the forest, you will return to your lodge, where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Today, it is time to say farewell to Nyungwe Forest and its incredible inhabitants as we set off back to Kigali.  As you journey through the lush landscape, take a moment to reflect on all you have seen and done, most particularly the importance of preserving it for future generations to enjoy.

Once in Kigali, we will say our goodbyes, either at your hotel or the airport, depending on your travel arrangements.  

As you go, ponder the words of Francesca Marciana, “When you leave Africa, as the plane lifts, you feel that more than leaving a continent, you’re leaving a state of mind. Whatever awaits you at the other end of your journey will be of a different order of existence.”  We do hope that, should you decide one day to return, you’ll allow us at Africa Flash McTours to be your hosts once more.