Rwanda Chimpanzee trekking tours to Nyungwe Forest are the second most desired Rwanda primate trekking adventures. Rwanda is a small but diverse tour destination with the region’s major primate species. These include mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, and colobus monkeys among others. Primate trekking tours differ from open savanna wildlife adventures since they are done in a forest set up. Such tours are done on foot bringing you up close and personal with wildlife.
Rwanda chimpanzee trekking tours in Nyungwe Forest are exceptional. Nyungwe forest is one of the continent’s oldest and best-preserved forests. It is located in southwestern Rwanda and is home to chimpanzees, l’hoest Monkeys, Colobus monkeys and several other wildlife species. On Rwanda chimpanzee trekking tours to Nyungwe you therefore stand a chance to see these wildlife species and more.
Below is a brief guideline for Rwanda Chimpanzee trekking. We hope it can assist in the planning process of your Rwanda Primate safari and Journeys of Discovery.
About Rwanda Chimpanzees
Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest has one of the remaining populations of Eastern chimpanzees. There are several of these in the park with three habituated communities open to tourism. In the chimpanzee habituation experience, chimpanzees are accustomed to human beings’ presence. With this, you can safely trek through the forests to meet them.
Chimpanzees live in communities of up to 20 individuals and more. They are mobile compared to Mountain gorillas and you are likely required to keep up with them. Chimpanzees are man’s closest primates with over 98% DNA similar to humans. On Rwanda Chimpanzee trekking tours you therefore trek to meet our relatives with many aspects similar to us.
The Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Experience
This starts early morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Rwanda has two chimpanzee trekking areas that include the Uwinka main park headquarters and the Cyamudongo sector. You are expected at the two trekking points for that briefing where you are given the trekking guidelines and regulations.
After the briefing, you are then led to the forest on the most anticipated forest trekking adventure. This experience is chill offering a great connection with Mother Nature. A forest like Nyungwe is an interesting one as you listen to the sounds of birds and insects plus primate calls.
The trekking experience can take up to 4 hours depending on the movement of chimpanzees. It is still a remarkable trek on an off-beaten path and an ultimate Discovery Journeys destination. On meeting the chimpanzees, you are given time to observe, listen, and learn more about them. After this remarkable encounter, you are guided back to park headquarters and later to your lodge or next Rwanda destination.
The Packing list
When going for any adventure you are recommended to pack right and wear the most appropriate outfit. Since chimpanzee trekking is done on foot, you need strong and the best hiking shoes. These enable you to easily maneuver through the muddy trails and protect you from being pierced. Gun boots can work well as they are designed for the jungle. Gaiters are useful as they protect you from safari ants and other small insects that can bite you on the trek.
Hand gloves and long-sleeved shirts and trousers are also highly recommended. Many protruding plants can irritate your skin in case of body contact. Such protective clothes provide the basic safety you need.
Rainfall in the Nyungwe forest is highly unpredictable. It is recommended to have a rain gear with one for your camera for protections against the rains. Extra batteries are essential as you may run out of power with the diverse species there is to capture even on a simple chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Best Time to Visit
Rwanda chimpanzee trekking tours are possible any time of year. For the best experiences and photography, we recommend a visit during the dry season from June to September. During the dry season months, there are minimal rainfall disturbances and you can easily trek through the forest.
There is also an advantage of natural light on a normal sun day. This light is what all nature photographers desire on a photography safari. Chimpanzee photography is not easy because of the high mobility of the chimps. They sometimes hide in tree canopies or move further from trails that are easily accessed on foot. You can only hope for the best natural light and utilize every opportunity to capture these rare primates.
Other Rwanda Primate Trekking Adventures
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is an obvious one. The park is located in Northwestern Rwanda and has the highest gorilla population in the Virunga Massif. All Rwanda primate trekking adventures feature mountain gorilla trekking and sometimes chimpanzees. On a 5-day, 7-day, and 10-day Rwanda tour options you explore these two primate species and more.
The Golden Monkey trek is also interesting and done in Volcanoes National Park. It is not as popular as chimpanzee and mountain gorilla trekking but remarkable and interesting. We always recommend spicing up your primate treks with this relaxed primate trekking tour.
If you want to mix a primate trek and savanna wildlife then you can add a list to Akagera. It is the only savanna national park in Rwanda and home to the big five mammals and birds. Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve also offers great savanna wildlife experiences. These more than big cats and the big five feature the great wildebeest migration. The great migration happens between Masai Mara and Serengeti ecosystem. Depending on the season, you can opt to visit Serengeti or Masai Mara. Such combined East African safari adventures are our ultimate Journeys of Discovery.
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