Chimpanzee Trekking risks in Nyungwe National Park Rwanda

Chimpanzee Trekking risks in Nyungwe National Park Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda is a thrilling experience, but like any wildlife adventure, it comes with certain risks. Here are some potential risks and how to mitigate them during Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park Rwanda:

1. Slippery and Rugged Terrain

• The forest is dense with steep, muddy, and sometimes slippery trails, especially during the rainy season.
• Mitigation: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip and use a walking stick (often provided by guides).

2. Sudden Weather Changes

• Nyungwe is a rainforest, so rain can come unexpectedly, making conditions wet and cold.
• Mitigation: Carry a rain jacket and wear layered clothing.

3. Chimpanzee Behavior

• Chimpanzees are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened.
• Mitigation: Follow the guide’s instructions, keep a safe distance (at least 8 meters), and avoid sudden movements or loud noises.

4. Insect Bites & Disease Risks

• The forest is home to mosquitoes, tsetse flies, and other insects that may carry diseases like malaria.
• Mitigation: Wear long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellent, and take malaria prophylaxis if recommended by your doctor.

5. Physical Strain

• The trek can be physically demanding, lasting anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the chimpanzees’ location.
• Mitigation: Be in good physical condition, stay hydrated, and inform guides of any medical conditions beforehand.

6. Altitude Effects

• Nyungwe sits at 1,600 to 2,950 meters (5,250 – 9,680 feet) above sea level, which may cause mild altitude sickness for some.
• Mitigation: Acclimate before the trek, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol the night before.

7. Limited Visibility & Thick Vegetation

• Chimpanzees move quickly through the dense forest canopy, and visibility can be limited.
• Mitigation: Be patient, follow the guide’s lead, and bring binoculars for better viewing.

8. Wildlife Encounters

• Other animals, such as colobus monkeys, snakes, and forest buffalo, inhabit Nyungwe. While rare, unexpected encounters can happen.
• Mitigation: Stick with the group, avoid wandering off, and remain calm if encountering other wildlife.

9. Risk of Getting Lost

• The forest is vast, and trails can be confusing.
• Mitigation: Always stay close to the guide and group.

10. Park Entry Regulations & Permits

• Trekking permits are limited, and last-minute changes due to wildlife movement can happen.
• Mitigation: Book permits in advance and remains flexible with timing.

Chimpanzee Trekking Risks in Nyungwe National Park Rwanda

Chimpanzee trekking refers to visiting the chimps in their natural environment in the forest, chimps that are already used to people or habituated. Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is done in Nyungwe forest National Park and starts in the morning and the activity is conducted in groups of a maximum of eight (8) people just as it is with gorilla trekking. The Nyungwe Forest National Park receives a very large number of tourists annually who come to meet face to face and spend time with the chimpanzees – man’s closest living relative observing them as they play, feed and move. The park is also a good destination where you can add a chimpanzee trekking expedition to your gorilla trek within volcanoes national park without driving long distances. Chimpanzee trekking is a life time experience that you will enjoy in Africa’s oldest forest in Nyungwe National Park

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest starts off from three reception centers, that’s Uwinka, Kitabi and Gisakura where the tourists meet the park rangers and the tourists are also expected to be at the reception early morning, you drive to the starting point of the trek into the forest. Since the chimps nest each and every night, there are the trackers who go ahead of the trekking group of finding them and communicate with the ranger guides.

Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park worth the money, yes this is worth the money because you are are allowed to spend only 1 hour with the chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest National Park, and get to observe them so closely going about their own lives and see the human like features and behavior that makes them our closest relatives with 98.7 % DNA. The chimps also communicate by way of deafening screams, the loud hoots and booming hitting of the tree barks and the buttress. You will have a good time with the most amazing primates in Rwanda.

Chimpanzee permit price is also an associated cost while visiting Nyungwe, there are 64 trekking permits available per day in Nyungwe forest, the Chimpanzee trekking permit cost USD150 per person per trek which is way cheaper than gorilla permit that costs USD1500. The chimpanzee permit fee includes park entrance, ranger and guide assigned to move with you and your group.  The permits are issued by Rwanda development board which is in charge of all tourism activities in Rwanda. You will be required to show your chimpanzee tracking permit at the park headquarters just before proceeding to the beginning point on the date of trekking. Bookings are made directly through the Rwanda Development Board and you can only book in advance, chimp permits get sold out so quickly and you can always contact us to check availability for your desired dates and book your permits for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest National Park in Rwanda.

What is the cost of accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

The Nyungwe Forest National Park is surrounded by different accommodation facilities offering services at different costs which imply that there will certainly be a place to stay for every visitor to Nyungwe irrespective of one’s budget. Some of the recommended accommodations include the luxury One & Only Nyungwe House which is a luxury facility and ranges from USD750-2000 per person per night, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel which ranges from USD300 per person per night and the Nyungwe Forest Lodge and Gisakura guest house which ranges from USD200 per person per night. We do recommend at least 2 nights stay in Nyungwe or more for a great experience.

What is the cost of Transportation for a Chimpanzee trekking safari?

By Air, you can fly into Kamembe International Airstrip from Kigali by Rwanda Air and tickets range from USD300 per adult. The airline offer domestic flights and one of its domestic routes is Kigali-Kamembe. RwandAir offers a minimum of 9 flights a week from Kigali to Kamembe International airport. The Airport is close to Nyungwe forest and some of the Hotels/Camps.  You can as well access Nyungwe forest by road transport, It is approximately 5-6 hours’ drive to Nyungwe from Kigali city, our safaris start at 8:00am, you will have stops on the way for scenic views and photography as there is a lot to see on the way.  Transportation is inclusive of vehicle hire per day, guides allowance per day and fuel for the whole round trip, Vehicle hire ranges from USD80-250 per day depending on the choice of vehicle you use, then driver guide allowance ranges from USD50 per day and fuel for the round trip ranges from USD250, all this depends on the number of days you choose for your visit to Nyungwe forest National Park

Why book Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe from Kigali with Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris is a local tour operator based in Uganda, with its head office in Entebbe but also operating in Rwanda. We specialize in life changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We will tailor your visit to Nyungwe Park to best meet your expectations at an affordable price without hidden costs. Contact us for more information about Chimpanzee Trekking risks in Nyungwe National Park Rwanda.