Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is a thrilling activity, regarded as the second most popular activity in Rwanda, following gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Chimpanzee trekking entails travelers traversing through the tropical jungle in pursuit of habituated chimps, and upon locating them, spending one hour in their natural habitat. Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda occurs exclusively in Nyungwe Forest National Park, the largest and one of the oldest tropical rainforests in Africa, situated in the southwestern region of Rwanda. In addition to Nyungwe Forest National Park, chimpanzee trekking occurs in Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, and Budongo Forest in Uganda.
Chimpanzee trekking Experience in Nyungwe Forest
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park commences early in the morning with a training on the rules, regulations, and expectations at the park headquarters. Following the briefing, you will commence walking in the jungle, which will last approximately 2 to 5 hours, contingent upon the location where the chimpanzees rested the prior night. Upon locating the chimpanzees, you will be permitted to spend one hour in their habitat, providing an opportunity to observe their behaviors, including feeding, playing, hunting, fighting, resting, breastfeeding, grooming offspring, and capturing photographs and videos to share with others after the safari.
When is the best time to go for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park? 2025
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is feasible year-round; however, the best time is during the dry season, specifically from June to September and December to February. During these months, reduced rainfall results in dry and accessible hiking trails, facilitating easier chimpanzee trekking.
What is the cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park are priced at 150 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 75 USD per person for foreign residents, and 25 USD per person for East African citizens. The fee, however, does not include the entrance fee to Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is 100 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 60 USD per person for international residents, and 10 USD per person for East African citizens for a one-night stay in the park. For a two-night stay in the park, entrance fees are 150 USD per person for foreign non-residents, 90 USD per person for international residents, and 15 USD per person for East African residents.
Process for obtaining chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be reserved directly through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) by contacting the park headquarters in Kigali via email or telephone. Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be reserved through a reputable tour operator such as Achieve Global Safaris, where you will provide the desired date, month, and year for your visit to the chimps. Upon contacting us, we will verify permit availability; if permits are available on your desired dates, you will be required to submit a deposit for the permit. Upon completion of the payment, we will procure the permit on your behalf and provide you with a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.
Essential items to bring for chimpanzee hiking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
When embarking on a chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park, it is imperative to pack basic necessities such as a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, a waterproof rain jacket, insect repellent, gardening gloves, hiking shoes, long socks, a camera with extra batteries, drinking water, energy snacks, a stick for walking, masks for your face, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, and a backpack, among others.
where to stay during chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park offers many accommodation options for your chimpanzee trekking safari. The accommodations include budget, midrange, and luxury options such as Nyungwe Nziza Eco-lodge, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Kitabi Eco-Centre, One and Only Nyungwe House, Gisakura Guest House, Gisakura Visitor Centre, Uwinka Campsite, E.R.A Gisakura Visitor Guesthouse, and Rusizi Progress Hotel, among others.
Directions to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated in the southwestern region of Rwanda and is accessible by road. The journey from Kigali involves driving through Muhanga, Nyanza, and Huye town, culminating at the park headquarters, which takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. Nyungwe Forest National Park can be entered via air travel by booking a domestic flight with RwandAir from Kigali International Airport to Kamembe Airport, followed by a road transfer to the park headquarters.
Tourists can arrange charter helicopter excursions with Akagera Aviation from Kigali International airport to One & Only Nyungwe House when utilizing air transport.
Chimpanzee trekking is an exhilarating endeavor in Nyungwe Forest National Park that can be paired with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For additional information, please contact Gorilla Trekking in Africa or visit our official website for comprehensive safari itineraries.