
Chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda
Chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda; Chimpanzee trekking is an adventurous and one of the most famous activities in Rwanda that attract big numbers of tourists. Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is done in Nyungwe forest national park which is one of the most visited protected areas located in south western part of Rwanda. Nyungwe forest national park is also a home of other primates like red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, vervet monkeys, silver monkeys, animals like duikers, serval cats, giant forest hogs and different bird species.
Chimpanzee trekking experience in Rwanda
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules, regulations and expectations at the park headquarters. After the briefing, you will start trekking in the forest which takes about 2 hours to 5 hours depending on where the chimpanzees are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to view other wildlife species and once the chimpanzees are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to watch them feed, breastfeed, play, take photos and record videos to show people back home.
Cost of chimpanzee trekking permit in Rwanda
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe forest national park cost 150 USD per person for foreign non residents, 75 USD per person for foreign residents and 25 USD per person for East African citizens.
Tourists going for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest national park will also be able to pay park entrance fee which cost 100 USD per person for foreign non residents, 60 USD per person for African citizens and foreign residents in Rwanda and 10 USD per person for Rwandan citizens when spending one day or night in the park. when spending 2 nights, foreign non residents will be charged 150 USD per person, African citizens and foreign residents in Rwanda will be charged 90 USD per person and Rwandan citizens will be charged 15 USD per person.
How to book chimpanzee trekking permits in Rwanda
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe forest national park can either be booked directly through Rwanda Development Board (RDB) where you will contact the park headquarters via email or telephone calls. Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe forest national park can also booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global safaris where you will contact us with the date, months and year when you wish to trek the chimpanzees. After contacting us, we will check for permit availability and if there are permits available on your preferred dates, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once we receive the money, we will acquire the permit on your behalf.
Best time to go for chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest national park can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February because during this period the national park receives less rainfall therefore chimpanzee trekking trails will be dry and passable which makes trekking easy compared to rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery.
What to pack for chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe forest national park
When going for chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe forest national park, there are a number of essential items that you should carry including hiking shoes, long sleeved shirt and trouser, garden gloves, insect repellent, waterproof rain jacket, camera and extra batteries, walking stick, back pack among others.
Where to stay in Nyungwe forest national park
Nyungwe forest national park has a number of accommodation facilities ranging from budget, midrange and luxury where you can stay during your chimpanzee trekking safari including Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Kitabi Eco-centre, One and Only Nyungwe House, Gisakura Guest House, Nyungwe Eco Village, Nyungwe Forest Lodge among others.
How to get to Nyungwe forest national park
Nyungwe forest national park is located in south western part of Rwanda and can be accessed by road transport means where you will drive from Kigali via muhanga, huye and then to the park headquarters which takes about 6 to 7 hours’ drive.
For more information about chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda, do not hesitate to contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website to book a chimpanzee trekking safari package.