Rwanda Gorilla Trekking With Chimpanzee Trekking

The Rwanda gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking is an ultimate primate experience of the land of a thousand hills. For gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda, misty Volcanoes National Park is the destination to be and chimpanzee trekking in pristine Nyungwe forest close to Lake Kivu.

To arrange a combo of gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking every tourist is required to book a gorilla permit and chimpanzee permit issued by Rwanda Development Board.

Note that both Rwanda safari activities cannot be done in a single day necessitating an extra day of transferring from either Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe National Park vice versa with more that 4 to 5 hours time.

Plan For Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari In Rwanda

Day 1 Drive to Nyungwe National Park

Day 2 Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe

Day 3 Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Day 4 Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes

Day 5 Departure.

Key Information On Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari In Rwanda

• Expect to hike during both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda because of the nature of the landscape of the areas where both activities happen which is generally rugged. In case you get altitude sickness at heights of over2670 meters above sea level, do consult your doctor for advise before travelling
• Gorilla trekking starts early morning at about 0700hours whereas two chimpanzee trekking sessions are open in Rwanda that is morning and afternoon.
• Maximum 8 tourists are allowed on gorilla trekking in Rwanda and about the same number during chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda
• 15 years and over is the age limit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and 12 years and beyond for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda.
• Briefing before gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is compulsory no matter the number of times you are booked for these Rwanda safari activities.
• Time to take on either gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is still unpredictable because of the free movement of these primates, conditions in the jungle and more.
• Do not forget to pack the right gorilla trekking gears because of the roughness of the jungle. Some of the important items include safari boots, safari hat, camera, insect repellant and more.

Distance from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park

The distance from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park is about 218 to 219 kilometers taking approximately 4 to 5 hour time. Along the way, enjoy the rich green that shades the escarpments of several highlands that you negotiate.

Nyungwe forest is a dense rain forest beautifully standing as those it has been forgotten by time. The forest has a chimpanzee community and another lives in close by Cyamudondo. Other than the chimpanzees, Nyungwe forest is home to other primates like black and white colobus, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and more.

Best Time To Do Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking In Rwanda

The best time for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Rwanda is the dry season that is June to September and December to January when the forests are expected to experience less humidity. More sunlight simps through the dense leaves creating a brighter ambience in the jungle and a great environment to capture photos or film too.

Competition for the Rwanda gorilla and chimpanzee permits is over the top therefore advance booking is necessary.

The wet season for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is great too that is March to May and November although the ground is dense and rains falls in the forests without warning. Nyungwe forest and Volcanoes forest are thicker in the wet season. Note that both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas keep most of the day in the wet season in sheltered spots.

How Long Is Gorilla Trekking Or Chimpanzee Trekking In Rwanda

From the starting time of gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking its is hard to predict time of meeting these primates because they take control of their day routine.

Sometimes the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees keep in hiding due to the moods in the forest which may push them into hiding. Tourists are encouraged to adhere to the rules of gorilla or chimpanzee trekking because these primates are very sensitive to intruders in the jungle.

Shift your focus to other forest inhabitants and amazing features like sparkling water falls, other primates, birds, different plant species and more.

As you come closer to the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees, you may hear them call out on each other as though alerting them of your presence. The ranger guide warns you to prepare like wearing a clean face mask, leave backpack with porters and more.

For gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking one hour is allowed with the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees to allow them enough time to continue with their daily activities later.

Is Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking Safe

Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is safe as every tour is conducted by a professional ranger guide from Rwanda Development Board.

Each tourist party is briefed before gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking with the most recent information about the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees. Tourists are requested to abide by the guidelines of either gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking to avoid appearing suspicious.

Do wear your protective gorilla or chimpanzee trekking gears to keep you safe while in the jungle like safari sturdy boots, insect repellants and more.

In case you notice something odd during chimpanzee trekking or gorilla trekking, do not panic but follow new guidelines availed by a ranger guide.

What Is The Cost Of A Gorilla Permit And Chimpanzee Permit In Rwanda

The current cost of Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is $1500 for international non residents and chimpanzee trekking $150 per person per trek.

Additional costs of the gorilla and chimpanzee safari in Rwanda include cost of accommodation, transport and more.

What To Pack For Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda

In general, some of the items to include when packing for Rwanda gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking safari include

Safari sturdy boots

Warmers

Rain proof gears

Garden gloves

Camera

Long sleeved shirt and convertible trousers

Safari cap

Sun glasses

Rain proof back pack

Toiletries

Extra safari wear

Foldable water bottle Some hard cash.