Chimp and gorilla trekking in Rwanda : Your Ultimate guide.
Rwanda is a stunning safari destination; the ‘’Land of a thousand Hills’’ is a haven for the primate lovers. It offers an incredible safari opportunity to come face to face with two of our closest relatives that is the majestic mountain gorillas and then the lively chimpanzees. This guide provides a simple and overview of what to expect on a gorilla and chimp trekking safari in this beautiful country.
Gorilla trekking; an unforgettable encounter.
Gorilla trekking safari is a truly exceptional wildlife safari experience, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the best safari destination for it. This park is part of the grater Virunga Conservation Areas, and is a home to the significant population of the critically endangered mountain gorillas.
To go on this safari expiernce, you must first obtain a gorilla trekking permit. Currently a permit in Rwanda costs 1500 USD per person. This fee is essential for funding conservation that protect these magnificent animals. It is a highly recommended to book your permit several months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the dry season (June to September and December to February). You can book a permit through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or a trusted local operator like Nyumbu Beyond Journeys.
On the day of your trek, you will report to the park headquarters in Kinigi early in the morning for a briefing. And then you will be assigned to a group of up to 8 people and a specific gorilla family to track. The trek’s difficulty can vary greatly, depending on the assigned family’s location and their movements. Some treks are relatively easy, while others can be physically demanding, involving hours of hiking through the dense, steep and often muddy terrain. A good level of fitness and sturdy hiking boots are required.
Once you find the gorillas you are allowed to spend on unforgettable hour with them. This is a moment of exceptional feeling; you will observe them in their natural habitat, watching as they groom, play, feed and others. As you take and consider the park regulations to maintain a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas to prevent the spread of human diseases. You will be advised to speak in low voices, avoid sudden movements, and not use flash cameras. The experience of being so close to these gentle giants is a humbling and then a moving one.
Chimpanzee trekking: A primate party.
While gorillas are the star safari attraction, chimpanzee trekking is captivating and then equally rewarding safari experience in its own right. The best place for this safari activity in Rwanda is Nyungwe Forest National Park, this is a vast and then ancient montane rainforest in the southwestern part of the country.
Chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe costs 150 USD per person for the foreign non-residents and this fee also contributes to conservation. Permits should be booked in advance to secure your spot. The trek starts early in the morning, with a briefing at one of the park’s reception centers. Chimpanzees are more mobile and energetic than gorillas, often moving at high speed through the trees. This makes the trek a more active and sometimes challenging.
As you trek through the forest with a knowledgeable guide, you will listen for the loud pant hoots and screams of the chimpanzees, which often reveal their location. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on where he chimps are. Once you find a group you get to spend an hour observing their fascinating behavior. Chimpanzees are highly intelligent and social creatures and you will interact, play and feed and others. You will also like spotting other primate species like colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys and others as Nyungwe is a home to various primates.
In addition to chimp trekking, Nyungwe National park is famous for its canopy walk. This suspended bridge, 74 meters above the forest floor that offers a unique bird’s eye view of the forest and a chance to see different wildlife from a new perspective.
What to pack and other important tip.
For both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari, proper gear is crucial, you will need sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to protect against scratches and incest bites. A rain jacket is important as the weather in the rainforest can be unpredictable. Other essentials items include a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a small backpack for water and sacks and a good camera with extra batteries.
Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and the respectful management of these trekking safari activities make is a wonderful safari destination for anyone hoping to witness the great apes in their natural habitat. It’s a journey that connects you with nature in a unique way and leaves you with safari memories that last a lifetime with Nyumbu Beyond Journeys.