CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN NYUNGWE – Chimpanzee trekking is the main activity carried out in Nyungwe Forest National Park. It is the most popular tourist activity in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, conducted in both Nyungwe Forest and Cyamudongo Forest, which is also part of the national park located in the eastern part of the park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to the highest chimpanzee population in Rwanda, making it a key destination for Rwanda safaris, with a smaller population found in Gishwati Mukura National Park, situated in the west of Rwanda, south of Volcanoes National Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is also home to 12 other interesting primate species that visitors to the park are likely to encounter while taking part in the chimpanzee trekking activity.
These include olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, Angola colobus monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, silver monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, mona monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys, among other species.
Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Nyungwe and Cyamudongo Forests in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Two chimpanzee troops were habituated for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. One troop (about 60 individuals) is found in Nyungwe Forest, and the second troop (about 30 individuals) is in Cyamudongo Forest.
A chimpanzee trekking permit grants access to anyone who wants to trek the chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
This permit costs $150 for foreign non-residents, $75 for foreign residents (in Rwanda and the East African Community), and $25 for Rwandan and East African citizens.
It is recommended to book/purchase your trekking permit in advance, as there are only 24 chimpanzee trekking permits available per day. A maximum of 8 visitors are permitted to trek a particular habituated troop of chimpanzees during the trek.
Visitors aged 16 years and older are the only ones eligible to take part in chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking is carried out very early in the morning, starting with a briefing at any of the three Nyungwe park offices, which include the main offices (headquarters) at Uwinka, Gisakura, and Kitabi.
The park rangers will give you guidelines to follow during the chimpanzee trekking experience. The chimpanzee trekking experience takes about 1-6 hours, more or less depending on the movements and location of the habituated group you are trekking.
Chimpanzees are very playful and active, so they are always swinging from one tree to another. Once you locate them in a stationed place, you will spend a whole hour with them.
Chimpanzee Trekking Tips
- Wear comfortable hiking boots or shoes.
- Carry a lightweight raincoat or waterproof poncho, a long-sleeved shirt/top, and a pair of long pants/trousers.
- Carry enough drinking water with you for the trek. Do not feed the primates.
- Carry a camera and extra batteries. Remember not to use the flash while taking pictures.
- Maintain a safe distance from the chimpanzees and any other animals/primates you come across in the forest.
- Respect the chimpanzees by not littering their home.
- If you are feeling under the weather, do not take part in the chimpanzee trekking activity.
Best Time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is available all year round, but the recommended and best time to take part in the activity is during the dry season (June to September) when the trails in the forest are drier and the vegetation is not too thick, allowing for easier spotting of the primates among the tree branches.
Combine the chimpanzee trekking experience with any of the other activities available in and around Nyungwe Forest National Park for a fully rewarding Rwanda safari experience. For a comfortable stay, consider booking at a chimpanzee lodge in Rwanda that offers convenient access to the forest.
Visit Nyungwe Forest with these recommended Chimpanzee Trekking Companies or send us an inquiry below to book directly through this website.
