Where to go for a Chimpanzee Trekking safaris in Rwanda?
Are you thinking about going to Rwanda to go chimpanzee trekking and want to know where chimpanzee trekking is done from? In this article, we will guide you to the right destinations where you can embark on this thrilling activity in Rwanda. Nyungwe Forest National Park is the only park in Rwanda where you can trek with habituated chimpanzees, and it is home to approximately 500 resident chimpanzees. The park is the home to Two chimpanzee communities have been habituated in Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking. Most of them live in Nyungwe Forest, which has about 60 individuals, while the rest are found in Cyamudongo Forest, which has about 30. Chimpanzees, known as the closest cousins to human beings, are very interesting to look at.
Chimpanzee trekking is an adventure where you can see chimpanzees in their natural habitat, especially those who are already used to people. This activity starts in the morning at the park headquarters at 7:00am with a briefing about the rules and regulations as well as expectations. Thereafter, you’ll be grouped in a group of 8 people, just as it is with gorilla trekking. While on Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, you will be guided by the expert trackers to trek through the jungles to search for these fascinating creatures, learning about these fascinating primates and the enchanting forest they call home. You will also have the chance to encounter other forest wildlife such as birds, reptiles, insects, mammals, and primates, as well as flowering plants. Once located, you will have the chance to observe their social behavior, feeding habitats and interactions in the wild, providing an unforgettable experience.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the southwestern part of Rwanda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. It encompasses around 1,019 square kilometers of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs and is one of the largest montane rainforests in central and east Africa. The park was established in 2004, although the forest itself has been protected since the early 1930s, safeguarding its unique biodiversity. Nyungwe National Park has a biodiversity of more than 1050 plant species, 250 endemic Albertine rifts and 200 orchids; at least 120 butterfly species; 85 mammal species; 38 reptiles; and many more
Cost of Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda.
When planning a trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park, it’s important to consider the cost of the Chimpanzee trekking permit. Each day, there are 64 trekking permits available per day in Nyungwe forest, the Chimpanzee trekking permit cost USD150 per person per trek on top you have to pay $100 park entrance fees for 1 night and $150 for 2 nights, which is way cheaper than the gorilla permit that costs USD 1500. The chimpanzee permit fee includes park entrance and a ranger and guide assigned to move with you and your group. These permits are managed by the Rwanda Development Board, the organization responsible for all tourism in Rwanda.
Other activities to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park after Chimpanzee Trekking safaris in Rwanda
Canopy walk
The canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the top things to do when visiting this amazing park, which is rich in diverse wildlife. It costs $40 per person to take part, and you start with a one-hour hike from the Uwinka Reception Centre to reach the walkway. Along the way, you’ll come across many butterflies, colorful orchids, and birds, including some that are unique to this area. There are also thirteen different species of monkeys in Nyungwe, so you might even spot one during your visit. The paths are well-maintained but can get slippery after rain, as the forest has steep, tree-covered hills.
Covering an area of 1,015 square kilometers, Nyungwe Forest is the largest remaining tropical montane rainforest in East Africa. The canopy walk itself is an exciting three-hour adventure on a 200-meter-long path that sits 50 meters above the treetops. From up there, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the forest that will make you feel like you’re soaring high above it all.
Birdwatching
Nyungwe National Park is a lush tropical mountain rainforest that has a diverse range of birdlife, with 322 different bird species recorded. So far, 29 of these species have been spotted in the park. Rwanda birding tours in the park are mostly conducted at Bigugu Mountain forest and during the canopy walks. During your birdwatching tours, you will have the chance to spot bird species such as the Albertine owlet, Blue-headed sunbird, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Grauer’s Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Handsome spurfowl, Neumann’s Warbler, Purple Breasted Sunbirds, Regal sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Nightjar, Rwenzori Turaco and the Red collared babbler, among others.
Colobus monkey tracking
Nyungwe Forest is home to 13 types of primates, with monkeys being the most prominent. Colobus monkey tracking can be done any time in Nyungwe forest in southern Rwanda. The park is filled with these monkeys, and it’s not unusual to spot a group of around 400 during your trek. To have the best experience, it’s ideal to track them in the morning when they’re up and about, feeding and grooming, before they settle down for the day. During colobus monkey tracking, you’ll also have the chance to spot other monkey species, like the Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys, Blue Monkeys, L’hoest Monkeys, Owl-Faced Monkeys, and Mona Monkeys, among others.
The best time to visit Nyungwe for a chimpanzee trek : Chimpanzee Trekking safaris in Rwanda
The best time to go Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is during the dry season, which occurs from June to September and December to February. During these months, the weather is usually pleasant, making it easier to spot chimpanzees without interruptions. In contrast, the rainy season runs from October to November and then from mid-March to early June, bringing heavy rainfall that can make trekking challenging.
Since Nyungwe is a tropical rainforest, be prepared for sudden rains at anytime of the year. To stay comfortable and protected, you are encouraged to pack the following items, such as waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket or waterproof poncho, and a waterproof daypack to protect your items and others.
How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
To get to Nyungwe National Park, you have a couple of options: you can travel by road or by air. If you decide to drive from Kigali City, it will take you roughly 6 to 7 hours to arrive. If you’re coming from Volcanoes National Park, the drive will take about 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a helicopter flight, which will get you to Nyungwe in just 45 minutes.
