Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda can be a rewarding experience, and travelers can do it in Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in the southwestern part of the country. Nyungwe Forest is a vast and biodiverse rainforest that is home to several primate species, including chimpanzees. Here's how you can go about trekking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Obtaining a chimpanzee permit

• Just like mountain gorilla trekking, you will need to get a chimpanzee trekking permit. Chimpanzee permits can also be obtained through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or a local tour operator.

• Make sure to book your chimpanzee permit in advance, as they may have limited availability.

Plan your chimpanzee visit.

• Decide when you want to visit Nyungwe Forest and how long you plan to stay in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

• Nyungwe Forest offers more than just chimpanzee trekking; it's also known for its famous canopy walks.

 

Birdwatching, and other primate tracking experiences.

Guided chimpanzee trekking

• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is typically done with the assistance of experienced guides and park rangers

• On the day of your trek, you will join a group of other trekkers and set out into the forest with your assigned park ranger guide.

Chimpanzee trekking experience

• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest can be physically demanding, as the terrain is hilly and the forest can be dense.

 

Be prepared for a moderate-to-challenging hike.

• The guides and park rangers will help locate a chimpanzee group, and once found, you'll have the opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat for an hour.

• When you come across a chimpanzee group, you'll have a limited amount of time to observe and enjoy their behavior.

• Remember to follow the guidelines provided by your guide, which may include maintaining a safe distance, staying quiet, and not feeding or approaching the chimpanzees.

 

Return to the starting point:

• After your chimpanzee encounter, you'll return to the starting point or the park headquarters.

• You may have the opportunity to learn more about the forest's biodiversity and conservation efforts from park rangers.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a chance to witness these remarkable primates in their natural habitat while contributing to conservation efforts. It's essential to be well-prepared for the trek, having the necessary chimpanzee trekking permits and arrangements in place. As with any wildlife encounter, it's crucial to respect the chimpanzees and their environment to ensure their long-term survival.