Chimpanzee trekking is one of Rwanda’s most wildlife experiences, offering tourists a chance to encounter chimpanzees in their habitat. Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda is the best place to track chimpanzees. The forest inhabits about 500 chimps together with other primates encounters including L’Hoest’s monkey, blue monkey, red-tailed monkey, Mona monkeys, the Dent’s monkey, silver monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, black-faced Vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked Mangabey, Rwenzori Colobus, black and white Colobus monkeys, and natural exploitation.
The forest is part of the park from which it derived its name Nyungwe National Park. This largest montane forest is a significant conservation area attracting various scientists and researchers interested in primates. Nyungwe forest is vibrant with biodiversity with over 1,000 trees, 80 animals with the most number of primates, 310 bird species, including the Albertine endemic species; and The park now extends to Cyamudongo forest, which is one of the best chimpanzee tracking areas in the park.
Despite the diversification, Rwanda’s key attraction remains mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is the most attractive activity in Rwanda. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person, which is high compared to Uganda’s $800 and DR Congo’s $400. However, this hasn’t stopped tourists from seeing the primates.
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National park
Chimpanzee tracking is one of the top wildlife activities in Rwanda. The experience offers tourists a chance to observe these primates in their natural habitats. Chimpanzees are the closest creatures to humans. Unlike mountain gorillas, chimps are more active and nimble. They are mobile, stubborn, and noisy, whereas mountain gorillas are peaceful and gentle. They prefer spending their time on trees eating and jumping from one place to another, which requires much energy to chase after them.
Where to track chimpanzees
Chimpanzees in Rwanda can be seen in 3 areas: Nyungwe forest, Cyamudongo forest, and Gishwati Mukura National Park. However, chimps in Gishwati Mukura are not habituated and tourists are not allowed to track them. Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park takes place in two locations;
Nyungwe Forest (Uwinka Area)
This area lies in the heart of Nyungwe Park, where the park headquarters are situated. Many hiking trails start from here after the visitors are briefed about the forest. It serves as one of the best bird-spotting areas, with a variety of bird species.
Chimpanzee tracking in the Uwinka area offers a rewarding experience but is, again, challenging. This is because the terrain is more dense and steep. Another challenge is that chimpanzees in the area are scattered in remote areas because of the large area. This makes spotting and sighting them difficult. There are various groups in the Uwinka area, but sightings can be less predictable, so there is no guarantee of spotting chimps here.
Cyamudongo Forest
Cyamudongo forest is somewhat isolated from the Nyungwe forest. It covers only 4 sq.km and is located on the outskirts of the park. However, it offers a wonderful experience of chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park. Although the forest is separated from the forest, it harbors various primates, birds, and different plant species.
Due to its size, the forest is the best place to track chimpanzees. Its population is about 30 individuals, which leads chimps to loiter around specific locations. Trackers can easily see them in the forest compared to Nyungwe forest, where you need to hike long trails to look for them.
Tracking chimpanzees requires being fit enough to follow them for long periods. The primates make quick movements on the ground and top of trees before settling down. the minimum age bracket for chimpanzee tracking is 15 years,since the young ones may find it hectic and challenging.
At 5:00 am, chimpanzee trekking starts with a briefing. The briefing is held in Uwinka or Gisakura. To eat breakfast and get ready to begin the activity, you must get up as early as 4:30 am. The forest is vast, so waking up early to reach the chimps before they leave for the day is the only way to locate them. Before trackers enter the forest to look for chimps, senior rangers are first assigned to locate their whereabouts and their population.
The chimpanzee tracking experience can last about 2-5 hours. when you encounter the chimpanzees, you are allowed to spend one hour observing, taking pictures, and recording videos. chimpanzees behave like a man, you will witness them grooming, breastfeeding, and playing. however, they tend to distance themselves from people due to curious behavior.
Chimpanzees in the Nyungwe forest tend to move far distances and tracking them becomes challenging. This times reduces the chances of seeing them. There is no guarantee that you will see chimps in Nyungwe forest because they prefer to move deep in the forest. Tracking chimpanzees in Kibale National Park might be an option for Rwanda and extend your primate safari to Uganda to experience the biodiversity.
Essential Tips for Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee trekking in the Nyungwe National Park is an exciting experience but physically challenging. it is carried out throughout the year, and to ensure a smooth and thrilling adventure, you need to be well-prepared
The best time to track chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest is during the rainy season. During this time, chimpanzees are limited to vast areas because there is a variety of food therefore, movements are less. however, dry seasons are better for travelers interested in nature walks, , canopy walks, wildlife tours, and other activities in the park.
Chimpanzee tracking in the Nyungwe forest starts very early at about 5:00 am-6:00 am, therefore, prepare to wake up early. visitors staying near the tracking areas will find it easier for departure.
The terrain is steep and slippery during the wet season, so prepare for the challenging hike.
The tracking experience requires high or moderate physical fitness, do exercise frequently to keep fit.
Unlike mountain gorillas, chimpanzees move quickly and makes sighting difficult. some chimps are found in the tree tops so watching them clear becomes harder. Therefore you need to be patient, at the end of the trek, the experience will be worth it.
Children under the age of 15 years are not allowed to track chimpanzees.
Chimpanzee Tracking Permits in Rwanda
Travelers have to book chimpanzee permits to be able to track chimps in their natural habitats. bookings are made through Rwanda Development Board and licensed tour operators. the permit includes a professional guide and a ranger who escorts you into the jungle to look for chimps. so, you have to present your permit at the briefing point before departing for the activity.
Below are the chimpanzee tracking costs
i)Foreign non-residents: $ 150 and $100 for park entrance
ii)Foreign residents: $75 and $60 for park entrance
iii)East African residents: $25 and $10 for park entrance
iv)Rwanda citizens: 5000 Rwf
v)East African Community students: $5
Packing List for Chimpanzee Tracking
Binoculars for great spotting chimpanzees in the tree canopies
Camera to capture moments with chimpanzees but remember the move quickly so prepare to move quickly to capture every step of their activities.
Sturdy boots for hiking muddy and slippery trails
Rain Jacket to protect from the rain, remember you are tracking in a tropical forest and rain can drop an time of the day.
Long-clothing-sleeved shirts and trousers, which protect you from insect bites, thorns, and scratches.
Sunglasses and Hats, to protect you against sunshine
carry your health and safety basics like insect repellant, sunscreen lotion, and medication in case of any medical conditions.
Pack Enough water, and snacks because tracking can take hours
Walking stick, this is provided at the park during briefing so don’t worry if you don’t have one
Accommodation in Nyungwe Forest
Travelers to Nyungwe National Park have several accommodation facilities from which to choose. These facilities come in the form of budget, mid-range, luxury, and super-luxury hotels. The Luxury hotels offer very high-quality services that are comparable to any in East Africa. Some of the hotels include Gisakura Guest House, Inzozi Beach Hotel, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Nyungwe Top Hill Hotel, and the super-luxurious Nyungwe House.