Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda; Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda is primarily carried out in Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest and largest rainforest reserves in Africa covering an area of approximately 1,015 square kilometers.

The park is located in the southwestern regions of the country, bordering Burundi to the south, Lake Kivu, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. It is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning mountainous terrains with altitudes ranging from 1,600 to 2,950 meters above sea level.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is characterized by a tropical rain climate with considerable rainfall all year round. Its rain seasons range from March to May and September to December.

Nyungwe forest is famously known for its primate population, hosting about 13 impressive primate species, and among these include the chimpanzees. At the forest, you also sight Rwenzori colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, mona monkeys, silver monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, the Dent’s monkey, black-faced vervet monkeys, baboons, grey-cheeked Mangabeys, black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys. This ensures the best monkey trekking Rwanda experience.

Besides the great primate populations, Nyungwe forest is also a habitat to 75 mammal species, a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is also a prime Rwanda birding destination to birders, holding over 300 bird species namely flycatchers, red-collared mountain babblers and Ruwenzori turacos, Chapin’s flycatcher, purple-breasted sunbirds, Rockefellers’ sunbird among others.

Why Rwanda for Chimpanzee Trekking?

Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and eco-tourism makes it a standout location for chimpanzee trekking. The country’s dedication to wildlife preservation, sustainable tourism, and responsible management of its natural resources has resulted in well-maintained habitats and well-organized treks. In addition to its renowned mountain gorillas, Rwanda’s chimpanzee population is thriving, drawing nature lovers from around the globe.

Chimpanzees are our closest genetic relatives, sharing over 98% of our DNA. Watching them interact, communicate, and display a variety of social behaviors in their natural habitat offers a window into our evolutionary past. Rwanda’s forests provide an ideal environment for these fascinating creatures, offering ample food, shelter, and a conducive atmosphere for their protection and study.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is only offered in two destinations that is Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati Mukula National Park. Nyungwe Forest National Park is believed to hold about 500 chimpanzees and Gishwati Mukula National Park holds less compared to Nyungwe.

Nyungwe forest has two habituated gorilla chimps which are open for Chimpanzee Trekking adventurous activities. Chimps are distributed across this forest with some of them found in  Cyamudongo Forest.

Best Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda usually starts early in the morning when the chimps are active in their habitats, searching for food and going about their daily activities. This offers the best and most immersive experience compared to when trekking in the evening. Just like any other Adventurous activity in the park, chimp trekking starts with a small briefing at the park headquarters from a professional park guide.

Trekkers are briefed about the health and safety guidelines, your way of conduct while in the chimp habitats, about what to expect, do’s and don’ts at the habitats, among others. Trackers are then divided into small groups and each is assigned to a particular chimp group.

Accompanied by an experienced, knowledgeable guide and a park ranger, they follow trails into the forests for a few hours depending on how quickly you have located the assigned chimp group.

One or two hours are spent observing the chimps, following them here and there, taking as much photography as you wish, and with the guide offering you deep insights into their lives.

Note that chimps in Nyungwe forest are sometimes hard to track since the forest is very big and they tend to move deep in the forest searching for food. Cyamudongo forest is relatively smaller hence chimps can be tracked with in few foot steps around the forest.

Key Sights and Behaviors to Observe

Chimpanzees are highly social animals with complex behaviors and structures. Observing their interactions provides a fascinating look into their social organization, which includes established hierarchies, family groups, and communication patterns. Some key behaviors to watch for during the trek include:

• Tool Use: Chimpanzees are known to use tools, such as sticks to extract termites from mounds. Watching them employ such techniques is a remarkable experience.
• Communication: Chimps communicate through vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions. Their loud “pant-hoots” resonate through the forest, signaling excitement, warnings, or territorial presence.
• Grooming: Grooming is a vital part of chimp social life and serves to strengthen bonds within the group. Watching chimps groom each other is a heartwarming display of social connection and care.

Differences between Chimpanzee Trekking and Gorilla trekking

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is similar to gorilla trekking with a few differences For example;

chimpanzee trekking is a physically less demanding activity as chimps are found on low lands in open tropical forests hence requiring a tracker to move a reasonable small distance to encounter them, unlike the gorillas which are found very deep into the dense forests on steep mountain slopes.

However, it requires a reasonable fitness to follow up on these primates as they are fast both in the tree branches and on the ground.

Chimpanzees are easy to track as they don’t wander off to distant places, up on the mountains like gorillas in search of food and new habitats requiring trackers to trek for a couple of hours before encountering them. A simple gorilla trek can last between 3-5 hours while a simple chimp trek can last for generally a  few hours, about 2 hours.

Chimpanzee trekking is an active and dynamic experience as it involves following up on chimpanzees as they swing from one tree branch to another, unlike gorilla trekking which is more of observing, quietly, and very calm while in their presence.

Therefore chimpanzee photo shoots will require an active and professional photographer for the best shots as these creatures are very dynamic requiring an individual to follow up on them. This can make photography quite challenging because they hardly settle down like gorillas.

Guidelines for Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

chimpanzee trekking rules and regulations in Rwanda are set by the Rwanda Development Board to ensure the safety of visitors to the chimp habitats and the well-being of these amazing primate species in their natural habitats.

1. Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is restricted to individuals of 15 years and above for crucial reasons which include safety, health, physical fitness and behavioral considerations.
2. A chimpanzee trekking Rwanda permit is required to allow you access to the activity. Chimpanzee trekking permits are only issued by the Rwanda Development Board, therefore you can acquire it directly from their office in Kigali or through your licensed tour operator.
3. Visitors are expected to adhere to the health guidelines as it minimizes the chances of human disease transmission to chimpanzees.
4. Littering the park is prohibited as it can come with effects on these primate species.
5. Flash photography is prohibited to avoid startling or distressing the chimpanzees.
6. Small group sizes are enforced to reduce human impact on chimpanzee habitats.
7. Feeding the chimps human food or touching them is not allowed as humans are prone to different diseases which can affect the chimps.
8. Health rules include maintaining a safe distance from the chimps, avoiding visiting chimp habitats when ill most especially when suffering a communicable disease such as flu, and following health guidelines from your guide. Visitors with contagious illnesses are advised not to trek, as chimps are susceptible to human diseases.

Chimpanzee Trekking Permits 

To trek with chimpanzees in Rwanda, visitors must obtain a permit. These permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and are typically purchased in advance.

According to recent data, the cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit in Rwanda is around foreign East African residents USD 75 and Rwandan citizens USD 25, USD 90 USD for international tourists, which is relatively affordable compared to gorilla trekking permits.

What is the best time for Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park

Chimps are best seen in the morning when they are active and still present in their habitats. They tend to scatter out to different parts of the forest in search of food and adventure later in the day.

Chimpanzees of Rwanda are open for tracking all year round but we recommend dry seasons ranging from June, July, and late August. During these seasons, forests are vibrant, species very active, trails very passable and trees are filled with fruits limiting the movement of the chimps and offering you the best views and photos of chimps as they jump from one tree to another, you watch them interact as they are feeding, having a good time. Dry seasons are also great days of enjoying nature and walks around the park offer stunning vibrant views of nature.

Essential Packing List for Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda

Some of the essential items to park to ensure a successful chimp trek in Rwanda include the following:

• Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing is recommended. They should have long sleeves and long trousers to minimize the chances of being bitten by wild insects such as mosquitoes.
• A good pair of strong-covered shoes or simple hiking boots to make you feel very comfortable and overcome some challenging terrains like slippery grounds with much ease during your treks.
• Pack insect repellents as parks are habitats to different wild insects such as tsetse flies and mosquitoes which are very harmful to human species.
• A pair of garden gloves for the safety of your hands as forests are featured with different tree species inclusive of those with thorns which you can touch unknowingly hence causing damage to your fingers. Gloves will also protect your hands from getting contaminated with germs after touching different surfaces in the chimp habitats.
• A good digital camera and its gadgets inclusive of lenses for the best shots to capture soul-captivating moments and to keep memories of your chimp Rwanda safari.
• Food and water as the trek can take a couple of hours and you might feel the need of eating something to level up.
• A sun hut, wet wipes, sunscreen oils, and sunglasses to help you during very hot days. To make your trek very comfortable and enjoyable.

You will also need to keep some cash on you as you may want to pay for porters to help you carry your trekking gear throughout the adventurous trek.

We recommend a waterproof trekking gear bag, waterproof shoes, and a simple rain jacket just in case it rains while in the course of your journey, your items such as cameras are very safe.

What other Adventurous Activities can be done at Nyungwe National Park?

Although chimpanzee trekking is the popular activity most enjoyed by visitors to this destination, the park has a lot of other adventurous activities to offer from nature walks to hiking, birding, and cultural visits, among others. Let us look at these activities in detail;

Canopy Walk

The canopy walk in Nyungwe is one of the most thought activities by visitors to this destination. It can be done before or after the chimp trek.  A traveler can choose to do it on the same day with a chimp as it takes about 2-3 hours and it is not a physically demanding activity. The canopy walk of Nyungwe includes a trek  on the 60m high suspended bridge

which was strategically positioned at the top of thick the forest offering visitors uninterrupted stunning aerial views of the large forest, birds, and primates that you would have missed while on the ground.

Primate spotting,

Nyungwe National Park is a habitat for 13 primate species therefore, apart from chimp tracking, a visitor might be interested in tracking other primates. The most thought-of primate tracked at the park after the chimp is the white Columbus monkey.

At the park, you will find a large group of them living just at the edge of the forest which makes their tracking very easy hence can easily be added to a Chimp tracking itinerary and done on the same day since they won’t require much energy and time to encounter them.

Bird Watching

Nyungwe National Park is home to over 300 bird species inclusive of the 26 species which are endemic to the Albertine Rift making it a prime birding destination in Rwanda. These are best seen during guided nature walks around the park with the help of a birding guide to help you easily spot them in their habitats. Some of the popular

birds sighted at the park include the Ruwenzori Nightjar, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Neumann’s Warbler, Sunbirds, Apalis argentea, Archer’s Robin-chat, Dusky Crimson Wing, Grauer’s Warbler, Handsome Francolin  Kungwe Apalis, Large blue Turaco, Ruwenzori Apalis and Ruwenzori Batis.

A combination of a chimp trekking adventure together with Rwanda birding safaris will offer you an immersive experience in the forests of Nyungwe National Forest Park.

Hiking trails of Nyungwe forest.

Nyungwe forest is featured with different trails offering nature lovers the best trekking experience. The most preferred include the  Bigugu trail, Igishigishigi trail, and the most trekkable trail to the waterfalls leading you to the Isumo waterfalls. Other trails around the park include the Bigugu Trial, Ngabwe Trail, Canopy Trail, Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail, Congo Nile Trail, Bigugu Trail, Karamba Birding Trail, Irebero Trail, Imbaraga Trail,

Umugote Trail, Muzimu Trail, Rukuzi Trail and Umuyove Trail. The most popular trails are and trails offer you up-close stunning views of different plants, birds, colorful butterflies, different insects, monkeys, and small mammals living in the forests Most of the trails are very long digging deep into the forests requiring a traveler to be well prepared before embarking on them.

Relaxing at the Waterfall

The most popular waterfall visited around the park is Isumo waterfall close to Nyungwe house. It is accessible via a trail called Isumo waterfall trail, a very long trail featuring steep and slippery terrains passing through dense regions of the forest. It is very cool and relaxing around the fall, features best views of the forest, a nice place to cool off after long treks in the park.

Visiting the Gisakura Tea Plantation

Best done in the evening after adventurous chimp treks. A nature walk to the farm will reward a nature enthusiast with stunning views of large stretches of  a tea plantation, covering different landscapes. At the tea farm, you will see how tea is grown, harvested, collected, cleaned and then processed. Out can also actively participate in tea picking and gathering while interacting with the farmers for an enjoyable evening.

Conservation Efforts and Responsible Tourism

Rwanda’s commitment to conservation is evident in its approach to chimpanzee trekking. Park authorities and conservation organizations work closely to protect chimpanzee habitats, ensure sustainable tourism practices, and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

The proceeds from trekking permits contribute to conservation efforts and local community development, further incentivizing the protection of these primates.

Chimpanzees are an endangered species, and their numbers continue to be threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and disease. Responsible tourism plays a critical role in their survival. Trekking groups are kept small to minimize human impact, and strict guidelines are enforced to ensure minimal disturbance to the animals.

The Impact of Chimpanzee Trekking on Local Communities

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda not only supports conservation but also has a significant impact on local communities. Through revenue-sharing initiatives, a portion of trekking permit fees goes directly to community projects, such as building schools, healthcare facilities, and water systems. This ensures that local communities see tangible benefits from tourism, fostering a sense of shared responsibility in protecting wildlife and habitats.

How to get to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe is commonly accessed via road. This is the most affordable and adventurous way exposing you to different stunning scenery along the countryside during the course of your ride. You can be able to make as so many stops as you wish at those soul-captivating spots for snaps and fun.

Accessing the park from Kigali is about a 5-6 hour drive, a long distance that requires a traveler to be well-prepared and equipped before embarking on it.

The park can also be accessed via Air using a chattered aircraft that are always readily available at Akagera Aviation, Kigali to  Kamembe airport which is approximately 32km from the park.

Accommodations at Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets, all set against the lush backdrop of one of Africa’s most ancient rainforests. Visitors can choose from luxury lodges, mid-range hotels, and budget-friendly options, each providing comfort and proximity to the park’s activities.

For a luxurious experience, One&Only Nyungwe House stands out. Nestled within a working tea plantation, this exclusive lodge offers high-end amenities, breathtaking forest views, and guided excursions, making it perfect for travelers seeking comfort and adventure.

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel offers a more mid-range option with spacious rooms, a cozy atmosphere, and panoramic views of the forest. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comfortable stay with easy access to trekking and park activities.

For those on a budget, local guesthouses in nearby villages, such as Gisakura Guest House, provide basic yet comfortable accommodations and a warm, authentic Rwandan experience.

These lodgings allow visitors to enjoy the park’s wonders affordably. With options for every type of traveler, Nyungwe Forest National Park ensures a memorable stay close to Rwanda’s captivating wildlife and natural beauty.

Final Thought;

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is an extraordinary experience that combines adventure, wildlife conservation, and cultural immersion. With breathtaking landscapes, remarkable biodiversity, and a well-organized tourism structure, Rwanda provides a model for responsible wildlife tourism.

Whether you’re drawn to the science of primate behavior or simply looking for an unforgettable wildlife encounter, chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and contribute to the conservation of one of the world’s most fascinating species.

For an ethically responsible and deeply enriching experience, consider visiting Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest for your next adventure. Whether you’re an avid traveler, a wildlife enthusiast, or a conservation advocate, witnessing chimpanzees in their natural habitat promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions about chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda with their answers:

1. Where can I go chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda?
Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is done in Nyungwe Forest National Park, specifically in the Cyamudongo Forest and other parts of Nyungwe’s rainforest.

2. How much does chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda cost?
A chimpanzee trekking permit in Rwanda costs $90 per person for international tourists and RWF 10,000 for East African residents.

3. What is the best time for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda?
The best time is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February when trails are less slippery and chimpanzees are easier to track.

4. How long does a chimpanzee trekking experience last?
Chimpanzee trekking typically lasts 2-4 hours, depending on how far the chimps are from the starting point.

5. What should I wear for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda?
Wear comfortable hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a hat, and carry a rain jacket. The forest can be dense and humid.

6. How physically demanding is chimpanzee trekking?
Chimpanzee trekking can be moderately to highly demanding, as it involves walking on steep, muddy, or uneven trails in the rainforest.

7. What is the minimum age for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda?
The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is 15 years, to ensure safety and a mature understanding of the experience.

8. What time does chimpanzee trekking start?
Trekking starts early in the morning, usually around 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM, to catch the chimps as they are most active at dawn.

9. How close can I get to the chimpanzees during trekking?
Visitors are required to maintain a distance of at least 7 meters (23 feet) from the chimpanzees to ensure safety and reduce the risk of disease transmission.

10. Can I combine chimpanzee trekking with other activities in Nyungwe?
Yes, you can combine chimpanzee trekking with activities like the Canopy Walk, birdwatching, hiking, and waterfall visits in Nyungwe Forest.

11. Is it guaranteed to see chimpanzees during trekking?
While sightings are not guaranteed due to the wild nature of chimpanzees, the chances are high (around 70-90%) because of experienced guides and trackers.

12. What should I bring for chimpanzee trekking?
Bring water, snacks, insect repellent, a camera, binoculars, and sunscreen. A good walking stick (often provided) can also be helpful.

13. Are guides provided for chimpanzee trekking?
Yes, trekking is guided by professional park rangers and trackers who ensure safety and help locate the chimpanzees.

14. Can I trek chimpanzees in the rainy season?
Yes, trekking is available year-round, but the trails may be slippery and more challenging during the rainy seasons of March to May and October to November.

15. Are there accommodations near Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking?
Yes, accommodations like Nyungwe House, Gisakura Guest House, and One&Only Nyungwe Lodge are available near the park.