Embark on an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure in Rwanda. Explore the lush forests and have the chance to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. Rwanda safari holidays provide the perfect opportunity to witness the unique behavior and social dynamics of chimpanzees. Our guided tours offer an up-close encounter with these intelligent creatures while supporting conservation efforts in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park . Book your Rwanda safari vacation to discover the wonders of chimpanzee trekking and connect with the diversity of Rwanda’s wildlife.
Rwanda is a beautiful country. Its misty mountains, the Virunga volcano range, all the way to its lush rainforests of Nyungwe National Park. Visitors come to see the mountain gorillas most times but it is home to another incredible primate species too – the chimpanzee. There’s something special with meeting intelligent social creatures in their natural habitat by trekking through dense forests.
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe has over 1,000 chimpanzees residing there as well as 12 other primate species. The park itself covers an area of 1,020 square kilometers which makes it East and Central Africa’s largest protected high-altitude rainforest.
Trekking for chimps in Nyungwe is one hell of a ride that starts early in the morning where you set out with your guide to locate one of the park’s habituated chimp communities. This route can be challenging due to steep slopes and dense vegetation but nothing feels better than seeing them do their thing in their habitat.
Chimpanzee trekking here offers such a unique experience. A chance for visitors like us get close up interactions of their complex social behaviors and communication – “pant-hoot” vocalizations as well as using tools too crack nuts from termite mounds (Which I didn’t even know they did). It’s an intimate look into these fascinating primates’ world which is very much like our own.
Nyonge also offers other activities such as The Canopy Walkway; a 90-meter suspension bridge that offers a bird’s-eye view of the forest, and the Kamiranzovu Marsh Trail which leads to a stunning waterfall. You could find rare bird species there too!
When to go: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe is best during dry seasons, from June to September and from mid-December to February. You can access it all year round though if you’re unable to travel around these times.
Cyamudongo Chimpanzee Treks
Located in the southwest of Rwanda, close to Burundi, Cyamudongo Forest is a small but important habitat for chimpanzees and other primates. The forest spans 4 km2 (1.5 sq miles) and is home to around 30 chimps, as well as L’Hoest’s and colobus monkeys. Chimpanzee trekking in Cyamudongo provides a more intimate experience than in the larger national parks. The guided treks are led by experienced trackers who know the forest and chimp communities well. You will have an opportunity to learn about the forest’s conservation history and how local groups managed to restore it after being deforested. In addition to chimpanzee trekking, visitors can enjoy nature walks, birdwatching and cultural visits to nearby villages and communities. When to go: The best time for chimp trekking is during the dry seasons from June-September or mid-December-February; however, the park is accessible year-round.
Where to stay: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse.
Insider tip: Wear sturdy hiking boots & long pants for treks into the rainforest. Pack insect repellent & a rain jacket too.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Located in northwest Rwanda near Congo, Gishwati-Mukura National Park was newly established in 2018 with help from African Parks – a non-profit organization that manages several reserves across Africa. The park covers roughly 34 km² (13 sq miles) and protects two separate forests – Gishwati and Mukura – that were previously part of a larger 500km² (193 square mile) ecosystem. Trekking with chimpanzees here only became possible after Gishwati-Mukura was declared an official national park; it was formerly used for agriculture which has since been eradicated by Rwandan authorities. This is a rare and very wild place to see chimps and other primates, such as golden monkeys. One-hour chimpanzee visits are limited to four visitors at a time. The park also offers longer hikes with rangers, plus birdwatching tours and visits to nearby tea plantations & local communities. When to go: Gishwati-Mukura is accessible year-round, but chimp trekking is best during the dry seasons from June-September or mid-December-February. Where to stay: Budget accommodation in Gisenyi
Adding to chimpanzee trekking, Gishwati-Mukura has other activities for its guests to enjoy such as nature walks, birdwatching and visits to the tea plantation and nearby factories.
Best time to visit: The ideal time for visiting Gishwati-Mukura is in the dry season from June to September or mid-December to February. However, it’s open all year round so if you have bad timing you could still go. During rainy seasons (March-May & October-November) visitors will get a chance to see chimps build nests and watch as the landscape flourishes into beautiful green scenery.
Where to stay: Gishwati Forest Lodge, Tuzamurane Cooperative Lodge, Kivu Belt Hotel
Insider tip: Hire a local guide on your trip because this park is newly established and built up infrastructure is limited. The guide will also help navigate cultural and logistical barriers.
Alternatives to Chimpanzee Trekking
While chimpanzee trekking is a highlight of any visit to Rwanda, there are plenty of other primate species and wildlife experiences to get excited about. Here are some alternatives:
Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
Golden Monkey Trekking: Located in Volcanoes National Park, these golden monkeys are unique and less known primates that allow visitors the chance to check them out up close and personal. They’re playful and curious by nature so if you’re looking for a quick trip that will still leave you with great memories, this will be your best bet.
Canopy Walkway
Found in Nyungwe National Park, this 90-meter suspension bridge offers a beautiful view of the forest. When standing on it you’ll be at bird-level height which allows guests to spot primates from above. If you want to see wildlife while absorbing the beauty of the rainforest then this walkway is perfect for you.
Colubus Monkey Treks in Rwanda
Colobus Monkey Trekking: What makes these black-and-white monkeys so special is their unique color pattern. It’s truly one-of-a-kind and nothing like anything ever seen before in nature. These guys have an experienced team ready to show you around as they watch over their behavior and ecology.
Birding in Rwanda
Birdwatching: This might sound tedious but don’t let that fool you–Rwanda is home to over 700 species of birds which means there’s plenty of diversity when it comes down to avian fauna. There will always be something new to look at so why not give it a try? Guided tours exist if all you’re interested in is casually passing through.
Conservation and Community Benefits
Chimpanzee trekking might just seem like a cool experience but really it goes much deeper than that. It has been key in supporting conservation efforts throughout the years along with being beneficial towards local communities many times too:
Park Fees: A portion of the fees paid by visitors goes directly towards conservation efforts and the protection of habitats. By participating in official activities you’re supporting these incredible animals in ways that will last them quite a while.
Community Tourism: Many lodges and tour operators work closely with the locals as they employ them, support education and healthcare initiatives, and promote sustainable development. If you choose to stay at one of these places then you’ll be doing your part in helping the livelihoods and well-being of local people prosper.
Research and Monitoring: There’s plenty of fascinating creatures out there that have yet to be studied or understood by science. Chimpanzee trekking offers researchers valuable opportunities to study them in their natural habitat. By participating in these types of activities and following any guidelines given by authorities, you’re directly contributing to the conservation efforts for years to come.
Preparing for Your Chimpanzee Trek
Make sure you’re prepared because this isn’t gonna be easy. Hiking through dense forests is tough enough but now imagine it being over uneven terrain too? Here are some tips to help get you ready:
Fitness: Staying active is good but make sure you’re actually physically fit enough for this experience–you’ll be walking for several hours over rough terrain so don’t underestimate it!
Clothes: Wear comfy, breathable clothes that cover your arms and legs. It’ll protect you from insects, thorns, and other vegetation. Hiking boots with good ankle support are must-haves. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Equipment: A small backpack with water is also essential. Bring snacks or anything else you think you may need on the trek. A walking stick or trekking pole can be handy for those steep or slippery parts of the trail.
Guides and Porters: It’s mandatory to hire a park guide for your chimp trek. They’re trained to track chimps down and ensure your safety among them. If you want, porters can carry your stuff for you so all you have to do is walk — it’s a great way to support local employment as well!
Responsible Tourism Practices
Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda gives tourists the chance to observe these primates in their natural habitats while gaining an appreciation for life’s diversity and complexity — including our place in nature.
But watching chimps should always be done in a responsible manner. Here are some guidelines:
Keep Your Distance: Chimpanzees and other primates are wild animals that aren’t used to humans being around them all the time, which means they’re unpredictable. You should keep at least 7 meters (23 feet) away from them at all times; don’t touch or feed them either.
Mind Your Surroundings: Loud noises, sudden movements… none of that will end well when it comes to observing chimps in their peaceful world of trees and insects.
Keep Nature Beautiful: Help us preserve the forests’ beauty by picking up after yourself! No trash should be left behind on the trails — not even the little things like wrappers! Vegetation shouldn’t be damaged either since it plays a huge role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Support Local Communities: Choose lodges, tour operators, and activities that contribute to local economies and sustainable development. Avoid giving money or gifts directly to children or individuals, it’s better for the community if you donate it elsewhere.
