Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park: After gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee trekking is Rwanda’s second most popular activity and draws large crowds of tourists. More than 500 chimpanzees can be found in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Trekking entails walking far into the forest to find habituated chimpanzee groups and spending an hour with them in their natural environment.
With 1050 tree species, 200 orchids, 120 butterfly species, 310 bird species, and roughly 85 mammals—including 13 primates—including chimpanzees, l’hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, crowned monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Dents mona monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys, among others—Nyungwe National Park is renowned for its abundant biodiversity.
One of the most popular activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park is chimpanzee trekking, which begins early in the morning with a briefing on the guidelines to be followed. Following the briefing, you will begin hiking into the forest accompanied by a knowledgeable park guide who is familiar with the various routes and an armed park ranger.
Because chimpanzees prefer to roam around in search of food, trekking with them in Nyungwe Forest National Park might take anything from thirty minutes to four hours, depending on their location. You will be able to see various bird species, vibrant butterflies, plants, and other primate species like red-tailed, l’hoest, and vervet monkeys while trekking.
You will be permitted to spend an hour with the chimpanzees in their natural habitat after they are located. This will allow you to examine their behaviors, lifestyle, take pictures, watch them play, feed, breastfeed, hunt, fight, rest, and capture the moments with a flash-free camera.
The Rwanda Development Board issues chimpanzee trekking permits, which are legal documents that authorize visitors to enter Nyungwe Forest National Park to see the habituated chimpanzee family. In Nyungwe Forest National Park, chimpanzee trekking permits cost USD 90 for non-resident foreigners, USD 60 for locals, and 5000 Rwandan francs each person. The chimpanzee trekking permit covered park entrance costs, a park guide, a ranger, and an hour spent with the chimps.
Through the Rwanda Development Board, chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be reserved directly by calling or emailing the offices. You can also reserve chimpanzee trekking permits through a tour operator such as All In Africa Safaris. To do so, you will need to contact us with your name, the date, and the month that you would like to visit the chimpanzees. Following your contact, we will verify whether permits are available. If they are, you will be required to pay a deposit, and we will buy the permit on your behalf.
Although it is possible to go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park at any time of year, the ideal time to do it is during the dry season, which is also referred to as the peak season, which runs from June to September and December to February.
Because there is less rainfall in the park during the dry season, there will be less foliage, making it easier to see chimpanzees and other wildlife. In contrast to the wet season, when the trekking tracks are muddy and slick, making chimpanzee hiking challenging, entry roads to the park and the trails will be passable during the dry season.
Hiking shoes will help you avoid painful injuries and keep your feet dry.
Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants to be warm and shield your body from thorns and scratches from branches.
Water consumption to stay hydrated
Wearing garden gloves can shield you from thorny plants and germs.
To shield your body from mosquito bites, use insect repellent such as
A camera to capture images and films, together with additional batteries.
a set of binoculars that will enable you to see chimpanzees and other distant wildlife, like birds.
Since Nyungwe National Park is a tropical rain forest and it can rain at any time of day, you should wear a waterproof rain jacket to protect yourself from the rain.
Carry your chimpanzee trekking supplies in a backpack, including a camera, binoculars, drinking water, and bug repellent.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is the ideal location for chimpanzee trekking adventures that are both fascinating and unforgettable.
At East Africa Gorilla Safaris, under All In Africa Safaris, we specialize in unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences and diverse wildlife safaris.
Our expertly guided tours provide intimate encounters with gorillas and rich African wildlife, ensuring an unparalleled adventure in the heart of East Africa.
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