Kibale Chimpanzee Habituation Permit cost increased $250 – $300
How is Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park DR Congo
Combining Chimpanzee Trek in Rwanda with a Masai Mara safari allows you to experience the unique habitats and wildlife of both Rwanda and Kenya, from the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park to the iconic savannahs of the Masai Mara. It provides a balanced mix of primate encounters, traditional cultural experiences, and classic safari adventures. Make sure to book your permits for chimpanzee trekking in advance, as they are limited and can sell out quickly. Here’s a suggested itinerary for Combining Chimpanzee Trek in Rwanda with a Masai Mara safari:
Day 1-3: Arrival in Rwanda
- Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital.
- Spend a day exploring Kigali, visiting the Genocide Memorial, local markets, and cultural sites.
- On Day 2, travel to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s chimpanzees.
- Check into your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
- Spend a day trekking to observe and interact with chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
- In the evenings, relax at your lodge and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Day 4-6: Masai Mara Safari
- Fly from Kigali to Nairobi, Kenya.
- Transfer to Wilson Airport for a flight to the Masai Mara.
- Upon arrival, check into your safari lodge or tented camp.
- Spend the next few days exploring the Masai Mara Reserve on game drives, guided walks, and optional hot air balloon safaris.
- Witness the famous wildebeest migration if you visit during the migration season (typically July to October).
- Look out for the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) and other wildlife species that inhabit the Mara.
Day 7-8: Explore Masai Mara
- Continue your exploration of the Masai Mara, visiting different regions of the reserve for varied wildlife sightings.
- Visit a local Maasai village to learn about their culture and traditions.
- Enjoy evening sundowners overlooking the vast plains of the Mara.
Day 9: Departure
- Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for one last morning game drive.
- Transfer to the airstrip for a flight back to Nairobi.
- From Nairobi, catch your international flight home or proceed with further travel plans.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
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
What are the Chances of seeing Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest 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. The tourists 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 costs USD300 per person per trek which is way cheaper than the gorilla permit which 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 the 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.
Why book a Trip Combining Chimpanzee Trek in Rwanda with a Masai Mara safari Through Eco Adventure Safaris
Eco Adventure Safaris is a Local tour operator based in Uganda with its head offices in Entebbe. We specialize in life-changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We are members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and are registered by UTB. We have a good and long working relationship with the Rwanda Development Board making it easy to book your chimpanzee permits and services, and our service fee is affordable and reasonable. Eco Adventure Safaris is highly reviewed on Trip Advisor. Please contact Eco Adventure Safaris to book for you a safari Combining Chimpanzee Trek in Rwanda with a Masai Mara safari.