Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee trekking is one of the most rewarding and intimate primate experiences in Africa. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park is a prime hotspot for primates in Rwanda. It is one of the most popular tourism activities in Rwanda. Nyungwe is situated in the southwestern part of Rwanda. It is one of Africa’s ancient rainforests, offering high chances of spotting chimpanzees in their natural shelters.

Whereas gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the most vibrant primate adventure, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe brings different thrills. Many travelers often credit both wildlife activities for offering unique experiences.

About Nyungwe National Park

There are over 13 primate species in Nyungwe Forest, priding itself on being the highest host of chimpanzees in Rwanda. At an altitude of about 1,600 to 3,000 meters, with bamboo areas and dense rainforests, Nyungwe National Park hosts abundant wildlife. These include primates, birdlife, and flora.

Without question, chimpanzees in Nyungwe are the key feature. However, visitors can also spot olive baboons, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and blue mangabeys. 

There are two main starting points for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park. One is right at the heart of the park, also known as Uwinka, and the other is Cyamudongo. The whole chimpanzee trekking experience is an ultimate one.

Chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe

Just like the gorillas, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe also starts very early in the morning, with a briefing around 6:00 am. Waking up early is part of the program, as chimps are fast and tend to go into deeper forests in search of food. 

After a briefing normally conducted by the tour guides on the rules of thumb, visitors can now follow the tracking trails to the forest with expert guides and rangers. This depends on the location of chimpanzees and where they are feeding that day. The tracking session may take about 1-3 hours, or even several hours.

When visitors finally locate the jumpy chimpanzees, they are allowed to spend one full hour with them. The experience feels more thrilling compared to gorilla trekking. Unlike the gentle gorillas, chimpanzees move faster in the canopy than gorillas and can be spotted jumping from one branch to another. Spotting the chimpanzees is highly likely at Nyungwe, although they often tend to stay high up in the canopy.

The Nyungwe forest itself is exceptional, with constant sights and sounds of chimps. There are also smaller primates and birds, along with frequent mist. Many visitors often credit how a combination of the challenging hike and the Nyungwe wild, chimps full of energy vibe, makes the whole Rwanda primate experience a remarkable and adventurous one.

When to do chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe?

The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is during the long dry season. Weather conditions are absolutely more favorable than in any other month.

The season runs from June to September, offering visible, passable trails, making the hike more comfortable. Along with spectacular views of the chimpanzees, given the short vegetation.

The short dry season occurs from December to February. This period is when Nyungwe National Park welcomes fewer crowds of trekkers.

There is no trickier weather season than the rainy months, especially from March to May and October to November. The period is not favorable for most tourism activities, even though the forest is lush and green. The trails remain muddy, slippery, and bad for hiking.

The cost of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.

Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe National Park cost USD 150 each for non-residents. This is much more affordable than gorilla trekking at USD 1,500.

Booking in advance through a reputable tour operator is advisable, especially during the peak dry season. 

Packing list.

To enjoy and get the most out of the chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe National Park, comfortable waterproof hiking boots with a strong grip are recommended for easy hiking during trekking or passing through muddy trails. Long-sleeved shirts, trousers, rain jackets, and long stockings are part of the gear list. Travelers are also advised to carry plenty of drinking water given that the activity requires a reasonable level of fitness.

Expert rangers will help visitors get the best clear views possible while maintaining a respectful distance from the chimpanzees.

If there’s any reason why one should carry out chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, then it’s because of its wonderful contrast compared to gorilla trekking. Unlike the gorillas that are calm, gentle, and shy by nature, chimpanzees are different; both primates are fast and full of energy. The two experiences just fit in with each other properly: one is quiet and has a high-end aura, the other is noisy and full of life.