Nyungwe National Park Rules and Regulations – Nyungwe National Park is an enjoyable and safe place for any kind of safari, especially chimpanzee trekking, as long as you adhere to the park’s rules and regulations. Some of these include:
- Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in the park for your own safety, as well as for the protection of wildlife, especially species sensitive to noise, such as birds.
- Chimpanzee trekking permits a group of only eight people, and participants must wash their hands before setting off into the chimps’ world.
- Uprooting plants or plucking leaves is strictly forbidden within Nyungwe National Park.
- Ensure that all rubbish is disposed of in a trash can. Animals may eat anything they find, which could lead to illness or death, so please be mindful.
- You must present all the required documents at the park entrance for verification. Some fees are also cleared at this point.
- Visitors wearing reflective sunglasses must remove them when approaching chimpanzees, as they are very sensitive to light reflections.
- Pay attention and listen to the tour guide, and only venture into areas designated by the guide.
- Feeding animals is prohibited, as it could make them dependent on humans and lead to starvation if they no longer hunt for food themselves.
- Flash photography is not allowed in the chimpanzee areas, as the noise disturbs their daily routine.
- Pets, such as dogs, cats, and birds, are not allowed within the park premises, as they may either be attacked by wild animals or get lost in the jungle.
- Only individuals aged 15 and above are allowed to track chimpanzees. However, those under 15 but who appear older may be permitted by authorities in Rwanda.
- While searching for chimpanzees, trekkers must stay in their groups to avoid problems such as being attacked by wild animals. If you encounter a chimpanzee, do not run or point at them, as this may provoke an attack.
- If you feel the need to sneeze or cough while in the chimpanzee area, turn your head away and cover your mouth. This helps reduce the risk of spreading diseases.
Do not mimic chimpanzee vocalizations. You do not know what you might be saying, and you could inadvertently invite trouble during your Rwanda safaris.
Visit Nyungwe Forest with these recommended Chimpanzee Trekking Companies or send us an inquiry below to book directly through this website.
