Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most sought-after primate adventures by most travelers on Rwanda safari. Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is best conducted in Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park. Nyungwe National Park is set in the Southern Province of Rwanda, about 5-6 hours’ drive from Kigali. It prides itself as a home to 13 distinct primate species including 500 chimpanzees, Angola colobus monkeys, Rwenzori colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, owl faced monkeys, red tailed monkeys to mention but a few.
Trekkers on Rwanda chimpanzee safari to Nyungwe Forest National Park can start their chimpanzee adventures in one of the 3 reception centers-Kitabi, Gisakura and Uwinka reception. However, majority of habituated chimpanzees are in Nyungwe Forest and they account for about 60 individuals and chimpanzee community in Cyamudongo Forest is comprised of 30 chimpanzees. Treks begin with an early morning briefing on the set chimpanzee trekking guidelines and this can take trekkers about 3 hours. Because chimpanzees make new nests each day, trackers are sent to the field to ascertain where these creatures are before visitors start their treks. The trackers coordinate with park rangers and this has eased the whole chimpanzee trekking process with trekkers spending less hours searching for them.
Cost of chimpanzee permits in Nyungwe National Park
Each chimpanzee trekking permit in Rwanda can be obtained at $100. You can secure chimpanzee permit in Rwanda through reservationist at Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or through our reservationist. Please secure your permit early enough to avoid last minute disappointments.
Other exciting safari activities to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park
In addition to chimpanzee tracking, Nyungwe Forest National Park also has other safari activities and they include nature walks, primate tracking, climbing Mount Bigugu, birding, canopy walks, cultural and community visit.
Gishwati Mukura National Park is another significant place to visit for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. This park is set in the districts of Rutsiro and Ngororero, western Rwanda. It is comprised of Gishwati and Mukura Forest Reserves and its establishment in 2015 makes it the fourth national park in Rwanda. About 20 chimpanzees are confined in Gishwati Mukura National Park plus other primates, especially L’Hoest monkeys, blue monkeys as well as over 232 bird species most of which can be spotted while on chimpanzee trekking tour.
Other activities to do in Gishwati Mukura National Park
Gishwati Mukura National Park is also ideal for birding, primate watching, guided nature walks and hikes, cultural experiences. You can combine these activities with chimpanzee trekking to make your experience complete.
What is chimpanzee trek like in Rwanda?
Chimpanzee trek in Rwanda starts with an early morning breakfast and then followed by briefing on the set guidelines or safety measures that you have to observe while on search for chimpanzees. The trek to see these apes takes trekkers about 2-4 hours and upon finding them, you have only an hour to make your dreams come true. Trekkers are accompanied by park ranger guide.
Safety measures for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda
- When searching for chimpanzees, your voices should be kept low but you are free to ask as many questions as possible.
- When coughing, please cover your mouth and nose when sneezing.
- No drinking, smoking or eating in the presence of chimpanzees.
- Keep a distance of 7 meters away from chimpanzees.
- Persons above 15 years are allowed to trek chimpanzees.
- No flashlight camera is accepted when taking pictures of chimpanzees.
Packing list for chimpanzee trekking
There are several essential items to pack for chimpanzee trekking tour. They include among others waterproof hiking boots, long sleeved shirts or t-shirt, sweater, poncho or rain jacket, sun glasses, chimpanzee trekking permit, waterproof daypack, valid passport, insect repellents, bottled water, camera with no flash light to mention but a few.
Where to stay in Nyungwe Forest National Park
The available safari lodges for visitors to spend a night while on Rwanda chimpanzee safari include Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge-is the best mid-range hospitality facility with 12 units; Gisakura Guesthouse is 2kms just outside Nyungwe and lies close to Gisakura tea estates. Nyungwe Forest Lodge is a luxury facility which offers the best accommodation for tourists on Rwanda safari. It is comprised of 22 luxury rooms. One & Only Nyungwe House.
Alternatively, you can camp in Mount Bigugu peak camp, Congo Nile Divide trail campsites. In Gishwati Mukura National Park, the lodges to spend a night include Gishwati Lodge.
Best time to go for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda
Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda can be conducted at anytime of the year. Most significantly, the dry season is considered as the best period to visit Rwanda for chimpanzee trekking adventures. It is experienced in the months of June, July, August, September and December, January, February. The advantage with the dry season when it comes to chimpanzee trekking is that low amount of rainfall is received and the ground is kept relatively drier thus making it the best for trekkers to take part in this life changing adventure. But this doesn’t mean that no one comes for chimpanzee trekking during the wet or rainy season.
The wet season is equally essential and it begins from March, April, May and October, November. During the rainy season, there is plenty of forage for chimpanzees to depend on and they keep in nearby places unlike during the dry season. However, the ground tends to be muddy and slippery thus making it a bit challenging for you while on search for chimpanzees.
Getting to Gishwati Mukura and Nyungwe Forest National Park
Gishwati Mukura National Park is accessible by road with Gishwati Forest reserve straddling about 85kms away from Kigali, 55kms from Musanze and Mukura 35kms from Karongi. Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in the Southern Province of Rwanda about 6 hours’ drive away from Kigali or fly from Kigali using RwandAir which operates between Kigali and Kamembe where you will spend about an hour to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
In summary, chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda should be your bucket list of adventure experience and can be incorporated with gorilla trekking.