Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda
Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda; Chimpanzee trekking is the second best done activity in Rwanda after gorilla trekking in Volcanoes national park that attracts big numbers of tourists. Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is done in Nyungwe forest national park and it involves visitors moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated chimpanzees and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Nyungwe forest national park is a home of about 13 primate species including over 500 chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, vervet monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, silver monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, Rwenzori colobus, Mona monkeys among others. The national park is also one of the best birding destinations in Rwanda where bird lovers will be able to view variety of bird species.
Chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe forest national park
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking. After the briefing, you will start trekking in the forest with an experienced park guide in search of the habituated chimpanzees. Trekking of chimpanzees takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to view other primate species, different birds, plant and tree species among others and once the chimpanzees are found you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their behaviors, habits, watch them feed, breastfeed, play, rest, hunt, fight, groom young ones, mate, take photos and record videos.
Cost of chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe forest national park
A chimpanzee trekking permit is a legal card that is issued to visitors above the age of 15 years allowing them to visit chimpanzees and spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. A chimpanzee trekking permit in Rwanda costs 90 USD per person for foreign non residents and 60 USD per person for foreign residents.
Price of a chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe forest national park starting on 1st January 2023 will be 250 USD per person for foreign non residents, 135 USD per person for foreign residents and 35 USD per person for East African citizens.
How to book a chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe forest national park
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe forest national park can either be booked directly through Rwanda Development Board (RDB) where you will contact the head offices in Kigali via email or telephone calls. A chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe forest national park can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris where you will contact us with the date, month and year when you wish to visit the chimpanzees. After contacting us we will check for permit availability on your preferred dates and if there are permits available, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once we receive the money, we will acquire the permits on your behalf.
Booking chimpanzee trekking permits through Achieve Global Safaris is the best option to use in that we will save you the hustle and we will not only purchase permits on your behalf but also plan your entire safari which includes transportation to the park, accommodation where you will stay during your safari, other activities to engage in after chimpanzee trekking and other destinations to visit during the safari.
Best time for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest national park
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest national park can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season which is also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February because during this period there is less rainfall in the national park therefore chimpanzee trekking trails will be dry and passable which makes trekking easy compared to the rainy season when trails are muddy and slippery which makes trekking difficult.
Where to stay during your chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda
There are a number of accommodation facilities in and around Nyungwe forest national park where you can stay during your chimpanzee trekking safari. The accommodations range from budget, midrange and luxury including One and Only Nyungwe house, Gisakura Guest House, Nyungwe Nziza Eco-lodge, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Kitabi Eco-Centre, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Gisakura Family Hostel, Keza Lodge, Uwinka Campsite, Emeraude Kivu Resort among others.
How to get to Nyungwe forest national park
Nyungwe forest national park is located in southwestern part of Rwanda and can be accessed by road transport means whereby visitors will drive from Kigali through Muhanga, Nyanza, Huye town to the park headquarters which takes about 5 to 6 hours’ drive.
Nyungwe forest national park can also be accessed by air transport means where visitors will book charter helicopter flights with Akagera aviation from Kigali international airport to one and only Nyungwe house and domestic flights with Rwanda air from Kigali international airport to Kamembe airport in Rusizi and then connect to the park headquarters by road which takes about one hour drive.
What to pack for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda
When going for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda, there are a number of essential items that you should pack or carry including long sleeved shirt and trouser to keep you warm and protect you from biting insects, hiking shoes to keep your feet dry, waterproof water jacket to protect you from rainfall, insect repellent to protect you from insects, warm sweater, drinking water and energy snacks, camera and extra batteries, walking stick, back pack among others.
Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is an exciting activity that can be combined with other activities like canopy walk, mountain gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park, mountain climbing, bird watching, Batwa trail experience among other. For more information about chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris.
