Combining Chimpanzee Tracking In Rwanda With Serengeti National Park

Chimpanzee Tracking And Serengeti National Park – Combining chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda with a visit to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania offers an incredible opportunity to experience some of East Africa’s most iconic wildlife encounters. This combination allows you to explore the lush forests of Rwanda and observe the vibrant animal kingdom in Tanzania’s famed savannas.

Here’s an overview of this unique safari combination, with details on chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda, exploring Serengeti National Park, and the logistics of combining these experiences.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda

Nyungwe Forest National Park:

Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of Africa’s oldest and most pristine rainforests. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and as a habitat for various primate species, including chimpanzees.

Tracking Experience:

• Guided Trekking: Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest involves guided treks through the dense forest, offering an immersive experience in the lush greenery.
• Chimpanzee Habituation: The park is home to several groups of habituated chimpanzees, making it easier to observe their behavior up close.
• Flora and Fauna: In addition to chimpanzees, the forest is home to other primate species such as colobus monkeys, as well as a diverse array of bird species and unique plants.

Accommodation:

Nyungwe Forest offers a variety of accommodation options, including lodges and hotels, ranging from budget to luxury. Many of these establishments provide stunning views of the surrounding forest.

Tips for Chimpanzee Tracking:

• Permits: Chimpanzee tracking requires permits, which should be booked in advance through tour operators or the park’s official website.
• Fitness: The trek can be challenging, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
• Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants, as well as sturdy hiking boots, for protection against vegetation and insects.

Exploring Serengeti National Park

Introduction:

Serengeti National Park is one of the most renowned safari destinations in the world, known for its vast open plains, incredible wildlife, and the Great Migration.

Wildlife Encounters:

• The Big Five: Serengeti is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos, offering plenty of opportunities to spot these iconic animals.
• The Great Migration: Witnessing the annual migration of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores is a breathtaking spectacle.
• Other Wildlife: The park also features cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and countless bird species.

Safari Experience:

• Game Drives: Enjoy guided game drives through the park, offering close encounters with wildlife and spectacular views of the landscape.
• Hot Air Balloon Rides: Experience the park from a unique perspective with a hot air balloon ride, providing panoramic views of the Serengeti.
• Cultural Experiences: Interact with the Maasai people, learning about their culture and traditions during your safari.

Accommodation:

Serengeti offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges and tented camps to mid-range and budget-friendly choices. Many accommodations are located within or near the park, providing easy access to game drives.

A Sample Of A 10 Days Tour To Serengeti And Chimpanzee Tracking In Rwanda

A 10-day tour combining chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda with a visit to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania offers an exciting and diverse adventure through some of East Africa’s most iconic natural landscapes.

Here’s a day-by-day itinerary to guide you through the highlights of this memorable experience:

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

• Arrive in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda.
• Transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest.
• Explore the city with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and other landmarks.
• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and return to your hotel.

Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park

• Depart early from Kigali for Nyungwe Forest National Park, a journey of approximately 5-6 hours by road.
• Arrive in Nyungwe and check in at your lodge.
• Take a guided nature walk in the park or relax at the lodge.
• Enjoy dinner and prepare for your next day’s chimpanzee tracking adventure.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

• Begin your day with an early breakfast.
• Head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking.
• Set off on a guided trek to track and observe the chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
• After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
• In the afternoon, choose from additional activities such as a canopy walk, waterfall hike, or birdwatching.
• Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 4: Nyungwe Forest to Kigali

• Enjoy breakfast at your lodge and check out.
• Depart for Kigali, stopping for sightseeing along the way.
• Arrive in Kigali and spend the afternoon exploring local markets or relaxing.
• Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 5: Travel from Kigali, Rwanda to Arusha, Tanzania

• Catch a flight from Kigali International Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania.
• Transfer to Arusha, where you’ll check in at your hotel.
• Rest and explore Arusha town if time permits.
• Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 6: Arusha to Serengeti National Park

• Depart from Arusha and travel to Serengeti National Park, either by road or domestic flight.
• Arrive in Serengeti and check in at your accommodation.
• Enjoy an afternoon game drive to explore the park’s wildlife.
• Dinner and overnight at your lodge or tented camp.

Day 7: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

• Start your day with an early morning game drive.
• Return to your accommodation for breakfast.
• Spend the day exploring the park, witnessing the Great Migration (if in season) and other wildlife sightings.
• Optional hot air balloon ride for a unique perspective of the park.
• Enjoy lunch in the park and continue your game drives.
• Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Full Day in Serengeti National Park

• Another day in the Serengeti offers more opportunities for game drives and wildlife viewing.
• Visit different areas of the park for a chance to see various habitats and animals.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.
• Continue exploring the park with your guide.
• Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Serengeti to Arusha

• After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti.
• Depart Serengeti and travel back to Arusha by road or domestic flight.
• Arrive in Arusha and check in at your hotel.
• Spend the afternoon at leisure or exploring Arusha town.
• Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 10: Departure from Arusha

• After breakfast, check out of your hotel.
• Depending on your departure time, you may have the opportunity for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.

Some of Our Popular Safaris