Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda, an East African country, has become increasingly popular among adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. One of the country’s main attractions is chimpanzee trekking, which offers tourists the opportunity to observe these primates in their natural habitat. During chimpanzee trekking, visitors can explore forests and engage with local guides who provide valuable insights into the primates’ behavior and their environment. This unique experience has made chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda a must-visit activity for any wildlife enthusiast.

Chimpanzee trekking has added diversity to Rwanda’s tourism, which has traditionally been centered around gorilla trekking. The cost of a permit for chimpanzee trekking is 90 USD for foreign visitors and 60 USD for Rwandan nationals, and it is only available in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park.

The trekking starts at one of three reception centers: Uwinka, Kitabi, or Gisakura. Visitors should arrive at the reception between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., after which they will be driven to the starting point of the trek into the forest. Unlike gorilla trekking, where gorillas are often found peacefully feeding or socializing, chimpanzees are constantly on the move, making the trek more fast-paced. To participate in chimpanzee trekking, individuals must be at least 15 years old and in good physical health. Chimps build nests every night, and a team of trackers precedes the trekkers, communicating with the guides to ensure efficient and comfortable routes.

When the chimpanzees are located, trekkers have an hour to observe and enjoy watching the chimps’ behaviors. Chimpanzees share 98.7% of their DNA with humans, making them fascinating to observe, especially when they display “human-like behavior.” The chimps communicate through loud hoots and by hitting tree barks or buttress roots. This is an exhilarating experience that you won’t want to miss.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to a habituated chimpanzee colony with about 60 chimps, but the dense forest and challenging terrain can limit sightings. A smaller group of about 30 chimps is found in Cyamudongo woodland, where sightings are generally easier. The trekking in Nyungwe Forest begins at Cyamudongo, located a 4.5-hour drive from Kigali.

About Nyungwe Forest National Park:

Nyungwe Forest is Africa’s oldest montane forest and is home to more than 13 primate species. It shelters around 500 chimpanzees, along with other species like L’Hoest’s monkeys and black-faced vervet monkeys, which can be heard during the trek. While the chimpanzees in Nyungwe are not all habituated, their curiosity and excitement when encountering humans make the experience quite special. The dense forest and lack of well-established trails can make the trek more adventurous.

Due to limited permits for chimpanzee trekking (only 8 permits are available per day), it’s advisable to book permits in advance, particularly during peak seasons (June to September and Christmas-New Year).

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest can be combined with other activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and trekking to observe other primate species like the black-and-white colobus monkeys. Visitors should be prepared with hiking shoes or boots, a long-sleeved shirt, a rain jacket, at least 2 liters of drinking water, and some snacks.

Other Chimpanzee Trekking Destinations:

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda: Uganda is another prime location for chimpanzee trekking, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Observing these remarkable creatures in their natural environment presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The chimpanzees in Uganda display extraordinary intelligence and agility as they move through the trees and forest floor.

Where to go chimpanzee trekking in Uganda:

Kibale National Park: Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best places in Uganda for chimpanzee trekking, with five habituated chimp families easily accessible from the Kanyanchu trailhead. The park is home to around 1,500 chimpanzees in 13 groups, and trekking expeditions take place twice daily. These treks last 3-4 hours, with up to an hour spent with the chimps. Kibale is also known for its diversity of primates, including black-and-white colobus, red-tailed, and blue monkeys, making it a prime destination for a chimp trekking safari.

Kyambura Gorge: Located in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Gorge offers another excellent chimpanzee trekking experience. The gorge, with its spectacular scenery, provides a remarkable backdrop for the trek. While sightings of chimps are less frequent than in Kibale, the stunning landscape and the experience of trekking through the ravine make it an appealing option. The trek includes wading through streams and rivers in search of the chimp family, where visitors can observe the chimps feeding, playing, and socializing.

Budongo Forest: Budongo Forest, situated near Murchison Falls National Park, offers a different chimp trekking experience. Though not as popular as Kibale, Budongo provides a more immersive and private trekking experience due to fewer tourists. Trekking in Budongo may involve hands-on tracking, including checking for chimpanzee nests and looking for signs of their activities. This adventure offers a unique and participatory experience for those seeking a more personal encounter with chimpanzees.

Kalinzu Forest: Kalinzu Forest is the second best location for chimp trekking in Uganda, after Kibale Forest. Home to around 300 chimps, about 70 of which are habituated for tourism, Kalinzu offers an exciting trekking experience. Visitors can choose from morning or afternoon treks and will spend up to an hour observing the chimps once located.

Chimpanzee Trekking in DR Congo: In DR Congo, chimpanzee trekking takes place in the beautiful Virunga National Park. The park’s chimps were recently habituated, and while tourism is still developing in this area, it offers a unique and remote trekking experience. Trekking is conducted in small groups, and participants must be 15 years old or older. The trek takes place early in the morning, as chimpanzees move quickly and cover more ground than gorillas.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Tanzania: In Tanzania, chimpanzee trekking is available at two protected areas: Mahale National Park and Gombe Stream National Park. Mahale, located in the remote western part of Tanzania, is home to a large population of chimps, along with other primates and wildlife. Gombe Stream National Park, located on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, is famous for being the site where primatologist Jane Goodall conducted her groundbreaking research on chimpanzee behavior.

Both locations offer incredible opportunities for chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania, providing visitors with a chance to observe these remarkable primates in their natural environment.