Guide To Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking In Rwanda

The mega primate experience on Rwanda safari is the combo of gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking however some guidelines need to be followed.

For gorilla trekking in Rwanda, tourists have to secure a permit issued by Rwanda Development Authority. Chimpanzee trekking too necessitates booking a chimpanzee permit for the morning or afternoon session.

Volcanoes National Park a primeval rain forest is the only destination open for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Nyungwe National Park a prehistorical rain forest in southwestern Rwanda is the only home to chimpanzees in the country.

Because of the general nature of Rwanda landscape with several highlands, both Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park are not excluded so expect to hike during gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.

It is very prudent to spend the night before gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking within or close to the parks in order to catch up with early morning briefing. Even though for gorilla trekking in Rwanda one can do 1 day gorilla trekking in Rwanda, it is quite taxing and panicky. Book accommodation to use during Rwanda gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking in advance too.

Cross check the ages of those willing to do gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda because each has age limits that is 15 years and over for gorilla trekking and 12 years and over for chimpanzee trek.

Requirements For Booking Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari In Rwanda

• Book necessary Rwanda safari permits. It is safer to reserve the permits in advance because their supply is limited.
• Choose favorable Rwanda safari time when to do gorilla and chimpanzee trek as both gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking are open all year.
• Good health before and during gorilla and chimpanzee safari in Rwanda is very vital as one with a communicable infection like flu, cough may not be allowed access to these highly susceptible primates.
• Maintain some level of fitness to enjoy gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda because of the nature of the terrain of Nyungwe and Volcanoes forest which is rugged. Sedan chair or basket carrier services are available with those physically incapable.
• Pack the right gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking gears like safari boots, warmers, garden gloves and more.
• The best time for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking is the dry season that is June to September and December to January when the forests are expected to contain less humidity.  

How Much Is The Cost Of Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking In Rwanda

The cost of both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda varies according to category that is luxury, mid-range and basic. At the moment, the cost of Rwanda gorilla permit is $1500 and $150 for chimpanzee trekking.

Other safari logistical costs like accommodation, transport, ranger guide fees are included in the final cost of gorilla and chimpanzee safari.

Individually, you need to include the cost of extra expenses likely to incur while on gorilla and chimpanzee safari in Rwanda like souvenir shopping, tipping, additional optional safari activities.

What To Expect During Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking In Rwanda

• While on gorilla or chimpanzee trek expect to meet these primates in their natural setting.
• The trails in Volcanoes and Nyungwe forests are misty almost all day because of the thick forest canopy that allows less sunlight to sip through to the ground. Both Nyungwe and Volcanoes forest are water catchment areas with rivers and streams that flood.
• Briefing is compulsory before gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and missing is liable to getting disqualified from participating.
• Time of locating either the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees is not defined as these are free living forest inhabitants in the jungle. finding them may take sometime however have some level of patience to finally see these primates.
• Expect to see other forest inhabitants you come across like black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons and more. A multitude of birds are surviving in both Volcanoes forest and Nyungwe forest.
• Rain may fall abruptly during gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda.

How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking In Rwanda

• Both gorilla trekking ad chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda are safe as each is conducted by well trained and experienced ranger guides from Rwanda Development Board with back up from other Rwanda security agencies.
• Untimely patrol ranger guide from Rwanda Development Board wakes up earlier to go through the forest and establish the status quo of the forest before tourists are guided into it. Some of the possible insecurity clues noticed by the early risers are communicated to the security officials of the parks to watch out for.
• Each gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda has guidelines expected to be followed by tourists as these have overtime been approved by researchers on ground.
• In case you notice some odd behavior amongst the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees do not panic but follow new guidelines communicated by the ranger guide. Panicking during gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking may throw the entire forest into a stampede.
• Wear the right gorilla and chimpanzee trekking gears to protect your body from the rough surfaces in the jungle. do wear garden gloves, safari boots, long sleeved shirt and others.

Why Do Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking In Rwanda

Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda are in the wilderness and experience that is getting rarer as most of their habitants have been encroached on.

World over, mountain gorillas are living in only three countries of which Rwanda is part of these yet the number of permits opened to the public is restricted to minimize effects of mass tourism.

Both gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking destinations are biosphere reserves with a double opportunity to identifying other inhabitants. Beyond the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees, tourists are able to spot several birds, butterflies, other monkeys, different naturally thriving plants and more.

Beyond seeing mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, Rwanda is endowed with other natural safari sites and activities you can include on your itinerary like Game safaris in Akagera National Park, canopy walk in Nyungwe forest, golden monkey trekking, the rich Rwandese culture and more. To contribute to gorilla and chimpanzee conservation, a portion of the money contributed to gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking is used to support this work