Colobus Monkey Tracking In Nyungwe Forest National Park
Colobus monkey tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a fantastic way to observe these monkeys in their natural habitats. Located in the southwestern region of Rwanda, the park is approximately a 6-hour drive from Kigali. It is renowned for having the highest concentration of primates in Rwanda, with over 13 species, including chimpanzees, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and mona monkeys, all calling Nyungwe Forest home. In addition to colobus monkey tracking, Nyungwe Forest offers various activities for nature enthusiasts, such as nature walks, a canopy walk, chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, and night walking safaris, which attract visitors from around the world.
Nyungwe National Park features two habituated chimpanzee groups for trekking: the Uwinka colobus monkey group, which has over 500 individuals, and the Gisakura colobus monkey group, with more than 60 habituated individuals. Depending on the group you choose to track, each offers a memorable experience. If you love monkeys, then tracking colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a must-do during your African safari.
Colobus Monkey Tracking Experience in Nyungwe National Park.
Tracking colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest typically starts around 9 AM, either at Uwinka or Gisakura, depending on the group you choose to follow. Before the trek begins, participants receive a briefing on the do’s and don’ts of tracking. This guided activity is led by an experienced park ranger who shares insightful information about the park’s inhabitants that you may encounter. If you opt for the Uwinka group, be prepared for a longer trek, as this group often travels considerable distances in search of food to sustain their large members. In their quest for food, they occasionally encounter chimpanzees, which are also found in the area. This can force the colobus monkeys to venture deeper into the forest to avoid confrontations, as chimpanzees can be aggressive in their pursuit of food. The time spent tracking this group can vary based on the movement of the chimpanzees within the forest.
Conversely, the Gisakura group offers a more straightforward tracking experience. This area has an abundance of food due to the smaller number of monkeys present, making it easier to track and allowing you to combine this activity with others in the park. Tracking monkeys provides visitors with the chance to see a variety of primates, including mona monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and mangabey monkeys, all of which call Nyungwe Forest home. This creates a memorable experience for tourists. Colobus monkeys are generally more active than chimpanzees, offering a greater opportunity to observe their behaviors, such as feeding, playing from tree to tree, caring for their young, and protecting themselves from intruders. This also allows for fantastic photography opportunities, making the experience even more exceptional.
Best Time to do Colobus Monkey Tracking.
Tracking colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest National Park is possible year-round, but the best time to do so is during the dry season, when rainfall is minimal. The trails are dry during this period, making it easier to access the forest. The dry season typically runs from December to February and from June to September. Tracking can also be done during the wet season, which includes the months of March to May, as well as October and November.
Where to stay while in Nyungwe Forest.
Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets, including budget, mid-range, and luxury choices. For a luxurious experience, you can choose between One&Only Nyungwe and Nyungwe Forest Lodge. If you’re looking for mid-range options, consider staying at Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge, Virunga Inn Resort, Rwiza Village, or Emeraude Kivu. For those on a budget, there are wilderness campsites, Gisakura Guest House, and Uwinka Visitor Centre available.
