Nyungwe national park is one of the four national parks in Rwanda; a tiny landlocked country situated in the East of the continent of Africa, neighbored by Tanzania to the East, Uganda in the north, Burundi to the south, the democratic republic of Congo and Lake Kivu to the west. Trips to the park; Located in the Albertine rift in the south eastern part of Lake Kivu, and southwestern part of Rwanda.
Nyungwe national park is bordered by Lake Kivu, Nyamsheke district to the west, Karongi district to the northwest, Nyamagabe district to the east, Rusizi district to the southwest and Nyaruguru district to the south east. Kinyarwanda, French, and English are the main languages to speak while interacting with the natives who will be very excited and eager to offer any sort of support for a successful safari experience. Chimpanzee trekking is an engaging activity where everyone gets to participate.
The park is safe, with expert ranger guides accompanying you from the start to end of the trek and explaining the chimp story; inclusive some of the facts that will be new. In this activity, you follow a trail leading to the chimpanzee territory to watch them play, feed, the mothers nurse the young ones, and the provocative adults.
Is the Trek any Easy?
Chimpanzee trekking is done out of love and curiosity of a reunion with one of the most sought-after primates in the world in their natural habitat. Which means with passion, everyone is determined to have their dream come to pass that makes the activity easier and fun. On the trek, you get to discover some new plants and their names, other primates such as the vervet monkeys, black and white Columbus monkeys co-existing with the chimpanzees, insects, birds, and forest mammals if any, flowers and much more as the ranger guide explains.
But considering the landscape; Nyungwe national park is generally hilly yet everyone has to walk for about 1-4 hours through the bush, hilly and sloppy areas in search for the chimpanzees. The trek is easy when the chimpanzees are settled and eating. However when they are in the move, you will get to sweat while following them.
Nyungwe national park is at about 1600m-2950m above sea level, thus the need for trekkers to be physically fit. This is home to over 330 Chimpanzees, and two habituated families. One family is at cyamudongo (bigger group) and the other at Uwinka forest. The trekking activity at cyamudongo trail starts at Gisakura reception center with a pretrekking briefing at 5am where visitors are oriented on the trekking dos and don’ts, what to expect while with the chimpanzees, and document verification. The chimpanzee sessions are two; Am from 4 am, and the Pm session done in the evening hours of the day. Whatever time you choose, experts are present to offer a successful chimpanzee trekking experience.
Cost of chimpanzee trekking permits and eligibity
It is a requirement by Rwanda development board for every one engaging in chimpanzee trekking to have a trekking permit. This can be got either before or when you reach the park. As of today, chimpanzee trekking permits cost 250$ for foreign non-residents, 25$for east African citizens, and 75$ for foreign residents. Additionally, you will have to pay 100$ for park entrance to access the park. All revenues gained are used to pay the park rangers, government taxes, one hour with the chimpanzees, support the communities living at the park borders and also do conservation activities. There are about 64 chimpanzee permits available each day for persons aged 15 years and above.
Best time to visit Nyungwe National park
Visit Nyungwe national park for chimpanzee trekking in its dry moths. These run from June to September and December to March. When wet, there is a difficulty of mud, abrupt rains that can interfere with the activity, and the rhythm of the trek. During the peak season, it is advisable to book for a chimpanzee permit at least 6 months In advance to avoid last minute miss-outs. You need to book accommodation inside the park or at the neighborhood so as not to catchup with time. The lodges range from budget to luxury campsites and hotels.
What to carry for Chimpanzee trekking In Nyungwe National Park
Depending on what the duration of the safari, all you need to pack are the essential items for the trip such as the trekking documents, warm clothes to handle the coldness, professional camera for photos, binoculars, gloves to protect your hands, long stockings, water proof hiking boots, insect repellent, trekking permits, long sleeved shirts, trouser and more.
In conclusion, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe national park is unforgettable and one of the most sought after adventures in the republic of Rwanda. You can add your chimp trekking with a Gorilla trekking safari to Volcanos National Park, Wildlife tours, and more.