Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris Rwanda
Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris Rwanda : Chimpanzee trekking Rwanda is conducted in Nyungwe forest National Park a montane rainforest one of the largest forests in Africa and a great conservation sight attracting researchers and scientists who are amazed in primate researchers. Well, the forest is part of the wider Nyungwe National Park which now includes the Cyamudongo forest. More so, Nyungwe forest is a water area in the country producing rains that run into rivers like the Nile in Uganda and others in Congo.
Nyungwe forest is a haven bird sanctuary with over 310 species of birds and birders will be able to spot variety of birds such as Chapin’s flycatcher, purple-breasted sunbirds, Rockefeller’s sunbird, red-collared mountain babblers, Ruwenzori turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Regal – Sunbird, Kivu-ground Thrush, Congo – bay Owlet, Red-collared mountain -Babbler, Short-tailed Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Grey -crested Kakamega many more.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest;
Chimpanzees are known as man’s closest cousins since we share 98% DNA to humans. More facts, chimps live up to 60 years in captivity. Rwanda destination -chimpanzees can be found in three main places that is; Nyungwe forest, Cyamudongo forest and Gishwati Mukura National Park. More so, Nyungwe National Park home rich in chimpanzee species with more than 400 individual and other primates in total of 13 species. Well, two chimpanzee communities have been habituated in Nyungwe National Park.
The biggest number live in Nyungwe forest while the rest are found in Cyamudongo forest. Other primates’ species to see in the park includes; blue monkeys, mona monkeys, silver monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, Dent’s monkey, black faced vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, Rwenzori colobus, grey-cheeked Mangabeys, L’Hoest monkeys, baboons, black faced vervet monkeys among others.
Difference between Chimpanzee trekking from Gorilla trekking;
Chimps are stubborn and noisy unlike mountain gorilla very gentle and peaceful.
Chimps are lighter and spend most of their time on top of the trees.
They eat quietly and interact with less drama in the group.
Chimpanzee tracking activity requires one to be fit in the body in order to follow the primates for long periods as they make quick movements both on the ground and on top of trees before settle down.
Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris Rwanda : Chimpanzee trekking;
This is a stunning activity that starts with briefing at 5:00am at either Uwinka, Gisakura or Kitabi. You need to wake up as early at 4:30 am for your delicious breakfast and prepare to start the experience. The group of skilled trackers go ahead of the team to find the location of the chimps before communicating to the ranger guide about their location. The rangers who lead you are very knowledgeable about the chimp communities and their movements.
The experience can take between 2 to 6 hours and once you allocate them an hour is given to you to watch them more closely. While with the chimps you will notice that they behave just like we humans, watch how they groom each other, mate, breastfeed, play and start fights as well as enjoying photography.
Note; Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe forest is bit challenging as chimps tend to move deep into the thick forest thus reducing the chances of seeing them. Although it might be easier to see them in Cyamudongo forest because it is smaller and easier to cover by foot. More the, the minimum age for Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is 15 years.
What to carry on Chimpanzee tours -Rwanda
While planning for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park remember to carry useful items like snacks, rain jacket, good hiking shoes, long sleeved shirt, good camera, binoculars, sun glasses and insect repellents
Cost of Chimpanzee trekking permit in Rwanda
Chimpanzee permits in Rwanda costs USD100 per person.
Apart from doing chimpanzee trekking, you do canopy walks, bird watching, nature walks and hikes, visiting one of the waterfalls, cultural and community visit, Climbing Mount Bigugu, Visiting the Gisakura Tea plantation among others.
Accommodations in Nyungwe National Park;
Travelers on Chimpanzee safari to Nyungwe National Park can sleep in quality rooms and the park boosts with several accommodation facilities range from luxury, Mid-range and Budget and super luxury. Some includes Nyungwe forest lodge, Gisakura guest house, Inzozi beach hotel, Nyungwe top hill hotel among others.
