For many travelers to Rwanda, gorilla trekking is the primary draw. However, Rwanda offers much more than just gorilla trekking on a Rwanda Safari. Among the top activities that attract numerous visitors is chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This activity has become  increasingly popular, with many tourists visiting the park daily. Chimpanzee trekking is considered the second most popular activity in Rwanda after gorilla trekking. Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda, is home to a significant number of chimpanzees, some of which have been habituated for trekking.

Chimpanzee trekking involves trekkers venturing into the forest to find these habituated chimpanzee families, which are accustomed to human presence and less likely to hide upon encountering people. Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and largest montane rainforests. In addition to chimpanzee trekking, visitors to the park can also spot other wildlife species, including various bird species, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, and other primates like grey-cheeked mangabey, black-and-white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, silver monkeys, and golden monkeys. The park is also home to mammals such as duikers, golden cats, African civets, side-striped jackals, and diverse vegetation.

Differences Between Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking

There are notable differences between chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking. Unlike mountain gorillas, which are typically found sitting and quietly eating in forest clearings, chimpanzees are highly active, moving quickly and noisily through the trees. During gorilla trekking, trekkers are usually allowed to observe and photograph the gorillas for one hour. In contrast, chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda does not have a strict time limit, although keeping up with the fast-moving chimps can be challenging.

The Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is a popular activity for many visitors. The trekking starts from three reception centers: Uwinka, Kitabi, and Gisakura. Visitors must wake up early and drive to the park headquarters to prepare for the trek. It’s recommended to carry packed lunch and sufficient drinking water, which are usually provided by your lodge, to maintain energy during the trek.

Upon arrival at the park headquarters, visitors are briefed by park rangers on the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking. The rangers then guide visitors to the starting point of the trek. Rangers often go ahead of the trekking group to locate the chimpanzees and communicate their location to the guides. When the trekkers finally meet the chimpanzees, they are allowed to spend one hour observing them closely. This allows tourists to study the chimps’ behavior and see their human-like features and interactions. The loud hoots, booming tree barks, and interactions among the chimps create an unforgettable experience.

Chimpanzee trekking can last from one to several hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees that day. As wild animals, chimpanzees move frequently in search of food, making the trek variable in length. However, the trek is worth the effort as trekkers often encounter other wildlife species in the forest.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda offers a captivating chimpanzee trekking experience. The park harbors a community of around 60 habituated chimpanzees. However, due to the challenging terrain, sightings can be limited. In contrast, the nearby Cyamudongo Forest, part of the Nyungwe Forest segment, hosts a smaller community of about 30 chimps, providing an ideal location for trekking. The park is accessible via a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Kigali.

Chimpanzee Trekking Permits

To participate in chimpanzee trekking, travelers must have a valid permit, which serves as a gate pass into the forest. It is essential to purchase permits in advance to ensure availability, as they can sell out quickly. The cost of a chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe Forest National Park is $90 for foreigners and $60 for foreign residents. Rwanda issues 64 permits daily, with each chimpanzee family group limited to 8 visitors per day. The permit allows one hour with the habituated chimpanzees, including park entrance fees and the services of a ranger guide who accompanies visitors throughout the trek.

Choosing Chimpanzee Trekking

Opting for chimpanzee trekking over mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a more budget-friendly choice without sacrificing the quality of the primate experience. While mountain gorillas are a significant attraction, the cost associated with gorilla trekking is higher. Interestingly, habituated mountain gorillas have been known to visit nearby lodges occasionally, although this is rare.

Overall, Rwanda offers a diverse range of wildlife experiences, with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest being a highlight for many visitors. The unique opportunity to observe these primates in their natural habitat, coupled with the scenic beauty of Rwanda’s landscapes, makes for an unforgettable adventure.