Primate Tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Primate tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the popular activities that primate lovers enjoy on their safari. The park is renowned for hosting over 13 primate species, equivalent to 25% of the total population of primates in Africa, and is the best place to see primates in their natural habitats. Primate species in Nyungwe National Park include Owl-faced monkeys, blue monkeys, mona monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, chimpanzees, olive monkeys, bush babies, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, and Dent’s monkeys. There are only 2 primate species that are fully habituated and ready for tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Whether you are looking for a chimpanzee trekking safari or a colobus monkey tracking safari, Nyungwe Forest gives the best primate tracking experience in Rwanda and is a must-visit on your African safari.
Primate Tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most sought-after activities in Nyungwe, which attracts thousands of visitors to experience this magnificent activity. The park hosts over 500 chimpanzees, making it the second park with the highest number of chimps in Africa after Kibale National Park in Uganda. There are 2 habituated groups, the Uwinka group and the Cyamudongo group, that are fully accustomed to human presence. Chimpanzees are believed to be our closest relatives on earth, sharing 98% of human DNA.
Primate tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park: Trekking starts very early in the morning when chimps are still active and doing their morning routines. Visitors are divided into groups of 8 and assigned to a park guide who is more knowledgeable about the park’s inhabitants. While in the forest, participants find various primates like blue monkeys, mona monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys swinging from tree to tree, which spices up the experience.
Trekking takes between 2 to 6 hours, depending on their movements as they keep on moving from one place to another in search of food. They are often heard before they are seen, with their vocalisations resonating through the forest. Once they are found, visitors are given one hour to be with them, observing and learning more about their behaviours. You will see how they feed, playing from tree to tree, mothers cuddle the young ones just like humans, as well as take as many photos as you want.
Colobus Monkey Tracking.
Primate tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, specifically colobus monkeys, is an awesome activity for monkey lovers. The park has over 600 monkeys with two habituated groups, the Uwinka group and the Gisakura group. Colobus monkeys live in large groups of up to 500 individuals, and they are more active than chimpanzees. Since they live in large groups, tracking them is quite challenging as they keep moving from one place to another in search of food. Tracking takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on their movements. Once they are located, participants are given one hour to spend with them, learning and observing their behavior. You will see how they collect food, play on top of tree leaves, take care of the young ones, which is one of a lifetime experiences and a must-do activity for primate lovers.
