Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a top attraction that draws many tourists eager to encounter these playful primates. Located in the southwestern region of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest is one of the oldest tropical rainforests in Africa. The park boasts rich biodiversity, home to over 13 primate species, including Mona monkeys, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and chimpanzees. With more than 600 chimpanzees, it is the second-highest concentration of chimps in Africa, following Kibale National Park in Uganda.
Chimpanzee trekking is an exciting activity where visitors hike into the tropical rainforest in search of these fascinating animals. Nyungwe Forest offers two groups of habituated chimpanzees, Cyamudongo and Uwinka, which are accustomed to human presence and open to being trekked. The trek can be physically demanding, so we encourage visitors to assess their fitness levels before participating. If you are planning a safari and considering activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park, chimpanzee trekking should definitely be on your list. It offers a genuine African safari experience.
Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking begins early in the morning with a briefing on the do’s and don’ts of the activity. After this, you will be assigned a game ranger who will lead the trek and provide information about the various wildlife species, plants, butterflies, and birds you may encounter along the way. Trekkers are grouped into teams of eight.
Chimpanzees are considered our closest relatives on Earth, sharing 98% of human DNA. The chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe National Park involves hiking steep slopes, so it is essential to be physically fit, as the movements of chimpanzees can be unpredictable. The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will spend one hour observing them as they play, feed, move, and interact, including how mothers cuddle their young ones. This time offers a unique opportunity to learn more about their behaviors in their natural habitat, much like humans. Although the hike can be challenging at times, the experience is truly rewarding.
Cost of Chimpanzee Trekking Permits.
A chimpanzee trekking permit is a legal document that authorizes participants to engage in chimpanzee trekking. The minimum age required is 15 years. The permit costs $150 for foreign non-residents, $75 for foreign residents, and $25 for East African citizens; these costs do not include park entrance fees. Chimpanzee trekking permits are subject to availability and require booking in advance.
How to Book a Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Nyungwe Forest.
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe National Park can be booked directly through the Rwanda Development Board, the government agency responsible for tourism. To make a booking, simply email them with your desired trekking date and the number of participants. They will check for availability and respond to your email.
Alternatively, you can book your trekking permits through a trusted and licensed tour company like Caracal Explorers. Just send us an email with your trekking date and the number of people in your group, and we will check for availability and get back to you. Once your preferred dates are confirmed to be available, you will be asked to make a deposit. After we receive your payment, we will purchase the permits on your behalf.
The Best Time to do Chimpanzee trekking.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is possible year-round, but the best time for this activity is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. This is considered the peak season since the hiking trails are dry, making them more accessible and easier to trek.
Trekking is also possible during the wet season, which lasts from March to May and October to November. However, this period typically sees heavy rainfall, resulting in wet and muddy trails that can make hiking difficult. On the upside, the wet season favours budget travellers, as accommodations and tour companies often offer discounts during this time.
