Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda will lead you southwards of Rwanda to Nyungwe Forest National Park where you access the playful primates in their natural habitat, Nyungwe Forest National Park. For chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, you will get the chance to participate in the activity in either Uwinka or Cyamudongo, where you will access the habituated chimpanzee permits. Depending on the movement of the chimpanzees, since they are mobile species, the activity takes between 2 and 6 hours. However, the activity starts as early as 4:30 am at any of the briefing stations, Uwinka, Gisakura, or kitabi and then the activity will start at 5:00 am

Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda

What to expect on your chimpanzee trekking experience in Rwanda

Physical demands;

The activity is quite strenuous and very physically demanding because it involves hiking through the tropical rainforests for hours, following the movements of the habituated chimpanzees in the park. Post trekking preparations, like taking long walks, are advised to get your body used to long distances before embarking on the 6-hour hiking experience with the chimps

Guided walks

Chimpanzee trekking is a guided tour where you will follow the lead of a guide who will ensure you have a rewarding and safe safari experience. The guide will give you all the relevant information about the chimpanzees, so feel free to ask as many questions as you can about the species.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda
Ranger guide and Tour group walk through the lush jungle during a chimpanzee spotting trek, Cyamudongo Forest, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Western Province, Rwanda

Observation;

Once the species are spotted, you will get to spend an hour with them observing a number of their features as they go about their daily activities in the wild. Important to note is the fact that a ranger will accompany you to ensure that you are safe from any wild animal attacks.

How to obtain a chimpanzee trekking permit

Chimpanzee trekking permits in Rwanda are obtained from the Rwanda development board through a trusted tour operator for 150usd for foreign non-residents and 100usd for foreigners. The permit has a minimum age requirement of 15 years.

Best time for chimpanzee trekking

Although chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda can be carried out all year round, the rainy season would be the perfect time since food is readily available, limiting the movement of chimps, giving you more chances to spot the species as compared to the dry season in Rwanda, where food is scarce, hence making the chimps move long distances in search of food. It is important to note, though, that during the dry season, the trails are clear, making hiking quite easy.

The rainy season in Rwanda is from mid-February to May, and Mid February to mid december, and the dry season is from mid-September to Mid September.

Packing list for chimpanzee trekking

  • A camera to capture pictures of the species
  • Binoculars because you will watch several bird species
  • Carry sunscreen when you participate in the activity during the dry season
  • Insect repellent to avoid bugs
  • Perfect hiking boots for easy hiking through the tropical rainforests
  • Rain jacket and hat for when it rains in the park.

Some of the different chimpanzee trekking safaris you can embark on during your Rwanda safari include;

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