How To Plan Rwanda Safari To Do Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking Tour

To plan the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking tour in Rwanda, you need to book the necessary permits as the number one requirement. In Rwanda, gorilla trekking happens in misty highlands of Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.

The remarkable mountain gorillas or chimpanzees in Rwanda are residents of prehistoric forests and share home with other primates, birds, different plants too. The topography of Rwanda is generously mountainous   which makes exploring the forests quite challenging but scenic and fun.  

While planning the Rwanda consider the accommodation to use while on safari as this is a very important item as you make memories of your African safari holiday. You can choose the category of accommodation that fits within your safari budget but in some seasons, you may receive an upgrade.

Secure the right transport means to get to Nyungwe National park and Volcanoes National Park in advance to avoid last minute surprises when options run out. Road transport is the main means to get around different part of Rwanda on curving roads. Air transport by charter is another means to get to Volcanoes National Park or Nyungwe National Park.

Following a guiding gorilla or chimpanzee packing list you get to carry what is necessary for your Rwanda safari. Do not forget to pack extra cash to use for on ground purchases because credit cards are not a mean of payment used in Africa.

Try out some exercises to make your body fit for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking because the terrain of volcanoes forest and Nyungwe forests is ragged. Sometimes the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees keep on the slopes or deep in the valley so you need to locate them.

Guideline to Booking A Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Rwanda

• Identify the people to travel with for gorilla or chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda
• Select dates when to do gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. Leave allowance for alternative dates in case the dates you choose first are sold out. In case you have a fixed date when you wish to either gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda, plan and book the Rwanda safari in advance.
• Check for availability of Rwanda gorilla or chimpanzee trekking permits but take action to reserve them as soon as possible because first come first served basis is used to reserve the permits. Note that no gorilla or chimpanzee permits in Rwanda is reserved without payment yet there status chances without warning.
• Avail necessary personal details to be added to your Rwanda Gorilla permit and chimpanzee permits to use for verification on safari day.

Best time To Plan and Book Rwanda Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Rwanda safaris are open all year no matter the season however the dry season is most preferred for a Rwanda visit. Most safari activities in Rwanda are outdoors so a less humid environment is ideal. The dry season is June to October and December to January.

The mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in the wilderness spend most of the time closer to the ground because of the unabundant supply of celery, fruits and other supplies. There is competition for eats up in the trees from other residents primates and birds.

The humidity of Volcanoes and Nyungwe forest is less because more sunrays filter through layers of leaves to the ground to minimize on the logged water. For better photography and filming during Rwanda safari, the dry season provide that desire atmosphere.

Note that mote tourists are expected to visit Rwanda for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari and so demand for the permits is over the top.

The wet season is open too for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda that is March to May and November. Finding the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees is a sure deal despite it being the wet season. Chances of an unprepared for solo chimpanzee and gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda are more open in wet season, chances of finding infants, pregnant mothers are more possible.

What Accommodation To Use For Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari In Rwanda

The accommodations to use during gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking safaris are categorized into Upmarket, mid-range and basic.

In Volcanoes National Park, some available accommodations to use include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Kinigi Guest House, Hotel Muhavura, Mountain Gorilla Vies lodge and others.

In Nyungwe National Park some available accommodations include Nyungwe forest Loge, Nyungwe Campsite and others.

Ensure to select accommodations within your budget and note the inclusions and exclusions of the safari cost.

 Summary Of Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari In Rwanda

Day 1 Drive to Nyungwe National Park

Day 2 Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park

Day 3 Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Day 4 Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Day 5 Departure

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

The cost of Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits are categorized into Luxury, mid-range and basic. The cost of the gorilla and chimpanzee permits is across all categories because it is a compulsory expenditure.

Currently Rwanda gorilla permit costs

$1500 for international nonresidents

$500 for international Residents

$200 for east Africans

In addition, there are other safari amenities which you can include in the Rwanda safari quotations but these vary with type. Some additional Rwanda safari logistics include accommodation, transport, meals, driver guide hire and more.

The difference in category of Rwanda safaris is mainly determined by accommodation and transport used to get to the destination. During gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking allocating you which troop to trek is randomly done without considering the category of safari package you travel.

On average the cost of accommodations to use on Rwanda safari is about $1700 and more inclusive of gorilla permit.

Is Gorilla Trekking and chimpanzee trekking Rwanda safari worth the cost

Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari is worth the cost because you get to meet some of Africa’s endangered primates in there natural home. The life of these primates is controlled by natural forces with no human interference. The number of Rwanda gorilla permits open to the public is limited with only 8 permits open for booking per day. This is less based on the overwhelming demand for them.

The cost of the Rwanda gorilla permit may be seen as hefty but it is one of the ways to support the conservation work. Mountain gorillas are some of the highly endangered primates and according to the last census about 1000 of them are living in the entire world. According to research, mountain gorillas can only survive in there natural setting which is Virunga area.

Volcanoes National Park is home to other animals including rare forest elephants, giant forest hogs, a number of other primate species, numerous birds and more. During the search for the mountain gorillas, you may get to see these inhabitants and enjoy amazing features in the forest.

The chimpanzees in Nyungwe national Park are still semi-habituated so still posses totally natural traits so when with them it is like walking into the past human evolution with every moment with them. Chimpanzees have about 98% human DNA so it is possible to see characters similar to those of humans.

What Happens During Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari In Rwanda

 On gorilla or chimpanzee trekking day, tourists must report to the ranger station for briefing. During briefing, details about rules of either primate adventures are communicated, how to behave before, when with the gorillas or chimpanzees and when departing from these primates.

After allocating each tourists a gorilla family or chimpanzee troop to trek, the ranger guide leads the way. The trails you use are dense most of the time because these are rainforests that receive so much rain that sips through a thick layers of leaves and even less sun ray filtrated the dense canopy to the ground.

Time of finding the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees is hard to estimate however you are advised to maintain some level of coolness so that you do not lose the quest to see these primates. To curb this boredom tourists are encouraged to shift focus to other forest inhabitants like primates, several birds, amazing plants and more.

When you find the gorilla family or chimpanzees, they may pretend not to recognize your presence but do not be fooled by their pretense to deviate from the rules of gorilla or chimpanzee trekking safaris. Wait to take photos until signaled by a ranger guide to avoid seeming to be suspicious.

Only one hours is allowed with the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees so utilize it to the best of your advantage. We encourage you to use both your camera and maintain eye contact in order to enjoy every moment as it unfolds.

 Note

Hire a porter before starting the gorilla and chimpanzee trek to assist with carrying your belongings as this weight may drag your speed. The porter may also give you a hand to cross some of the difficult points in the forest or a push to hike some steep spots

How Sure Can I Be To See The Mountain Gorillas Or Chimpanzees During Rwanda Safari

There are 99% chances of finding the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees in Rwanda despite the fact that they are free to explore the endless forest.

Ranger guides use tactics like following the trails leading where these primates were last seen the previous day. Gorillas or chimpanzees do not normally move far from these spots because they spend time in a particular feeding location until food becomes insufficient.

Both gorillas and chimpanzees are first habituated a process that helps them stay with humans for atleast one hour. By nature, both chimpanzees and gorillas are very suspicious of intruders but with the habituation process, they get accustomed to human presence.

During the search for the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, tourists are requested to actively participate by looking out for some clues they leave behind like fresh foot prints, freshly chewed celery, listen carefully to their murmurs and more. These clues may lead you to see the gorillas or chimpanzees.

Early morning, a team of trackers follows the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees to find their nesting spot and possible feeding location for the day. Some of these clues are used by rangers guides with tourists to locate the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees but it is not a sure deal all the time.

The weight of the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees doesn’t allow them to move swiftly and very far so even when the troops relocate it is not usually far from there previous spot.

No matter when you locate the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees, having some level of patience and carrying some energy bites help you to carry on to the end.

Are Mountain Gorillas Or Chimpanzees In Rwanda Violent

By nature, the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are not violent but can charge when provoked. During gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking, these primates may show odd behavior like chest thumping, hooting, throwing fruits, noise making and more. Much as this is quite scaring, try to stay composed as you await new directions from the ranger guide.

At times the mountain gorillas may lose their cool because of an attack from a wild troop, family conflicts, death of a member because these primates are emotional beings too and more.

Some times you may have to try the mountain gorilla or chimpanzee language, submission, try chewing foliage and more demonstrations to show that you have no bad intensions.

What to Pack For gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda

Safari boots

Backpack

Torch

Safari hat

Warmers

Toiletries

Camera

Extra fully charged batteries

Convertible trousers and top

Extra clean attire

Water bottle

Snacks

Sunglasses

Rain coat or poncho

Hard cash

Why Visit Rwanda For Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Rwanda gorillas and chimpanzees live in a pristine environment with amazing natural aromas, amazing hymns from birds far from the polluted and chaotic towns and cities. If you are looking for a better environment to wind and unwind on an African safari, Rwanda may be the perfect location.

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is that safari you can do during a stopover in the country. The drive time to these different destinations is shorter compared to other African destinations but you need to secure the necessary permits first.

By choosing to do gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda, you contribute to the conservation of these highly endangered primates. It is a noble African safari choice as more funds are still required by the conservation fraternity.

A Rwanda visit is beyond the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees as you can do game drives and boat trips in Akagera National Park, enjoy the rich culture of the Rwandese, experience birding in Rwanda and more.