Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda : One of the most well-liked safari activities in Rwanda is chimpanzee trekking in the Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is located in Cyamudongo. In the southern region of Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is a high-altitude highland rainforest that was protected in 2005. Nyungwe was designated a national park by the Rwandan government in that year, and today it is the largest mountain forest that has been protected in Africa. Its size is estimated to be between 1600 and 2000 square kilometres. There are a variety of natural and animal species in this forest that are not present in any other national parks.
Chimpanzees can be found in great numbers in Nyungwe National Park. There are about 500 chimpanzees in the forest. In the Nyungwe National Park, two troops have been conditioned for chimpanzee trekking safari excursions. One troop may be found in the Nyungwe main forest, and the other can be found in Cyamudongo, a small area of the forest in the park’s eastern region.
There are major three entrance centres are Kitabi, Uwinka (the main centre), and Gisakura, where all travelers can meet the park ranger guides, where the magnificent trails of chimpanzees trekking safari begins. Every traveler participating in this excursion is required to arrive at their designated locations by 4:30 am so that we may all drive to the trek’s starting site by 5:00 am. Chimpanzee trackers travel in front of you to locate the chimps’ precise location in the forest.
Tourists only spend an hour with the chimpanzees, but they also have another chance to observe them up close when they get closer to the natural world in Nyungwe National Park. Additionally, you learn more about the chimpanzees’ daily activities. You will still see the traits that make them our closest cousins while also noticing their wonderful human-like qualities. According to research, chimps have almost 99% of the original human DNA.
The habituated chimpanzee population in Nyungwe’s main centre is large, with roughly 60 members, yet the rough terrain makes it difficult to see these chimps. Given its smaller size, the group in Cyamudongo has a lower number of chimpanzees roughly 30 and provides the most successful sightings.
Most non-residents must pay USD 90 for a chimpanzee trekking permit, but foreigners living in Rwanda and other countries in East Africa are just need to pay USD $60.
Some of the most important tips for one that is interested in going for the chimpanzee trekking safari activity includes:
You must be of age 16 years and above.
You should also bring hiking shoes or probably boots, pants, long sleeved shirts and also rain jackets.
You must also carry at least two liters of drinking water and some snacks.
Rwanda and Nyungwe Forest National Park provide some of the best accommodation options, including luxury, mid-range, and the budget options. Gisakura Guest House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Inzozi Beach Hotel, and many more are just a few of the lodging options.
Chimpanzee trekking safari is possible in several countries in East Africa than Rwanda. These include Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park, Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, and Uganda’s Kalinzu Forest and Budongo Forest. Don’t hesitate to investigate the aforementioned locations if you want to participate in various chimpanzee trekking adventures.
