Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park (Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda)
Located in the southwestern part of Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is one of the country’s most significant and pristine rainforests that inhabit a diversity of flora and fauna that you should explore on your Rwanda Safari. Nyungwe National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a critical biodiversity hotspot in Rwanda, a primary destination for Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris/Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda – thanks to its thriving population of chimpanzees. Many Travelers from all over the world visit Rwanda for primate tracking safaris, especially for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park however, the Nyungwe Forest National Park also offers another thrilling primate adventure ‘‘Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda’’ that you shouldn’t miss while on primate tour.
The vast Nyungwe National Park stretches on a total land area of about 1,020 square kilometers, mainly made up of tropical rainforests that inhabit various species of birds, wildlife, insects, and trees that you’ll explore on your Rwanda Safari Holiday Tour/Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris in Nyungwe. Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park is an intimate wildlife experience that allows visitors to encounter one of humans’ closest relatives ‘‘Chimpanzees’’ in their natural habitat.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park/Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda is a truly unique and unforgettable experience that takes you deep into one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests to search for chimpanzees.
Where Chimpanzee Trekking is done in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park has two habituated Chimpanzee communities that are found within two parts of the park. The first habituated chimpanzee community is found in the Uwinka area and the other group is found at Cyamudongo, a fragmented forest within the area. The Uwinka region of Nyungwe, located near the park’s central headquarters, offers the most accessible chimpanzee trekking Safaris in Rwanda. The Uwinka is also known for its hiking trails offering beyond chimpanzee trekking tours.
The Cyamudongo Forest on the other hand is located to the northwest of the park. Although this fragmented forest is smaller compared to other areas of Nyungwe, it is home to a thriving population of chimpanzees that are relatively easy to spot due to the compact nature of the forest.
Regardless of where you’ll be trekking the chimpanzees from, you’ll enjoy a memorable trek, witnessing the various diversity of plants, birds, and animals along the way.
The Chimpanzee Trekking Experience in Nyungwe National Park: What Happened during Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda?
The Chimpanzee Trekking experience in Rwanda starts at the Visitors Center. The trek usually starts with a briefing. Once the trekking group is ready and the guide leads the way into the jungles to search for the Chimpanzees. The trek takes you through the thick forest, navigating through lush vegetation and slippery uneven terrains, which can make the hike or trek a bit challenging – however, the anticipation of encountering the chimpanzees in their natural habitat keeps the energy levels high during the trek. Chimpanzee trekking may also involve navigating through thick jungles, traversing over streams, and climbing up and down steep hills.
As you navigate through the forest while searching for the chimpanzees, there are great opportunities for spotting various resident animals and birdlife. You’ll enjoy the feeling of venturing deep into an untouched forest, Nyungwe Forest while taking in the breathtaking views of the stunning sceneries and beauties during your Chimpanzee trekking adventure in Rwanda.
After a long trek in the forest, you’ll finally locate the chimpanzees. As you get closer to the chimpanzee group, the sounds of the forest start to change and your ranger guide will inform you on how you’ll approach the primates. Chimpanzees are as known for their distinct vocalizations like the pant-hoots, grunts, and rustlings. You’ll slowly approach the primates to enjoy an up close encounter however, you’ll still observe the trekking rules and guidelines, especially maintaining a safe distance from the primates.
The first sighting is an emotional yet amazing moment that will make you even more excited. You’ll enjoy observing the community for about 1 full hour. The chimpanzee community usually consists of adult males and females, infants that will be seen as they feed, play or groom each other. The infants are usually found perched in trees since they are generally lights. You’ll enjoy their playful antics as they swing from branch to branch. Chimpanzees are human closest relatives and during the trek, you’ll witness a sense of familiarity as they try to mimic human behaviors.
Later after your allocated time for observing chimpanzees’ elapses, you’ll start your trek back to the visitors center. At the visitor’s center, you’ll then transfer either back to your lodge or continue with other adventures in Rwanda.
Other Activities in Nyungwe National Park
Besides chimpanzee trekking, Nyungwe National Park offers a variety of other top safari activities that allow visitors to experience its diverse ecosystems. The park is known for its extensive network of hiking trails, which range from short, easy walks to more challenging multi-day treks – that will allow you to explore Nyungwe’s diverse forest on a guided nature walking safari, witness nature up close. For bird lovers, Nyungwe is a prime birdwatching destination boating an impressive population of birdlife with over 300 bird species registered within the park boundaries including several endemics and forest dwellers.
Nyungwe is also famous for its unique canopy walking safaris – one of a kind in East Africa. There is a suspended walkway in the forests that allows you to have a different perspective of the thick rainforest. A canopy walking safari in Nyungwe offers panoramic views of the forest from above the treetops and plenty of opportunities to witness its inhibitors including birdlife and wildlife.
Best time to visit for Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda
Just like all other Rwanda Safaris tours like Mountain Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda and golden monkey tracking, Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is best during the dry seasons of the year – which is also the peak season for safaris in Rwanda. The Best time for Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park is between June and October, which is usually a dry season. The dry season offers more ideal weather conditions, and the forest is generally less thick thus making spotting these primates in the forest even much easier. During these months, Nyungwe Forest usually receives less downpours making the trails in the park more accessible compared to the wet season that is associated with wet and slippery trails.
Embark on a Chimpanzee Trekking adventure in Rwanda with us an explore Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park.