Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda – Nyungwe Forest National Park Chimp Tours, Cost, Permit Prices, How to book and more travel Guide
Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda is one of the leading tour activity booked by primate lovers who come specifically to see the apes in Nyungwe forest national park. Currently Rwanda is home to over 250 chimpanzees and these are found in the tropical rainforests of Nyungwe. Rwanda Parks arranges both long chimp trekking tours and short chimpanzee tracking excursions to Rwanda for example 3 days Nyungwe forest chimp safari and 1 day Rwanda chimpanzee tracking tour.
Just like gorilla trekking, before one is allowed to see the chimps in Nyungwe forest he/she is required to obtain a chimpanzee permit and this is issued by the Rwanda Tourism Board (RTB). You can contact them on their website and reserve a chimpanzee permit. You can also obtain one through a tour agent or company. With Rwanda Parks, we can help you book one in advance before your Rwanda primate safari.
Chimpanzee tracking can be done all year round in the montane forests of Nyungwe while it requires a relatively level of fitness and never guaranteed that you will see them, skillful guides in tracking will always lead you until you stare in the eyes of a chimpanzee. Different from gorilla tracking, the activity involves running and sightings are a bit more infrequent and hasty but be a worthwhile experience.
Chimpanzee tracking started in 2005 when Nyungwe forest was officially declared a national park and the fact that the majority of the chimpanzee population in Rwanda is confined to Nyungwe forests. As one might expect trekking to see our closest apes is an amazing experience, walking in the national park with tailor-individual made guided walks that might last for over 7 hours. Chimpanzee tracking is the most popular activity and other primates that live in the forest.
The forest is a home to 400 species of chimpanzees those that have been habituated for tracking a beautiful guided walk hiking through the forest will lead to the fascinating creatures and get a chance to watch, learn their feeding habits as they play high in the canopy at a close range. Early in the morning when chimps are looking for food high in the trees, visitors have to take pictures within one hour of interaction given the thickness of the forests, you will need a good camera remember flash light is prohibited.
The chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park are partially habituated hence they don’t get very close to human visitors, you watch them jump from tree to tree at a small distance. Other chimpanzees in Rwanda can be found in Cyamudongo forests located just a few kilometers south Nyungwe forest. The Nyungwe group is quite larger with over 60 chimps, Cyamudongo on the other hand is a comparably a small patch of forest that was once part of Nyungwe. It has a group of about 30 chimps with very swift chimps that jump from tree to tree while they drum the buttress roots of old mahoganies is unforgettable experience.
A Typical day with the chimpanzees
Three reception centers that welcome tourists for Nyungwe forest in Kitabi, Uwinka and Gisakura where visitors meet guides. Visitors are advised to acquire their chimpanzee tracking permits through the Rwanda development bank and arrange their transportation a head of time since vehicles are not provided in the park. Chimpanzee tracking permit cost US $ 90 and the minimum age of tracking is 16 years.
Tracking for chimps in Nyungwe may take several hours walking through the lush montane forests; tourists should pack accordingly but not limited to good solid walking shoes, rain jackets, cameras, drinking water and packed snacks
Best time to go chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda
The best time to go for chimpanzee tracking is during the dry season i.e June to September and December to February. This is because roads to Rwanda National Parks during the dry season are easy to use and access. Also chimpanzees are easy to see during the dry season in Nyungwe unlike during rainy season when they hide for warmth. However, its always a success to book a chimp tracking tour in Rwanda.
How much does a Rwanda Chimpanzee tracking tour costs
The cost of Rwanda chimpanzee tour depends on the number of days one intends to spend in Rwanda, the lodge type(mid-range, budget or luxury) and the number of people going for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe forest. The cost reduces with an increase in the number of people on the safari and this is because they share some costs like transport, accommodation, meals and more.
How to book a chimpanzee tracking tour in Rwanda
Do you want to book a Rwanda chimpanzee tracking tour, all you need to do is contact a tour and travel agency in Rwanda and inquire about the availability and you will get advice and guide about the trip. We have compiled a list of tour operators in Rwanda from which you can select the best to travel . You can as well book your chimp tracking tour with Rwanda Parks.