How long does it take to get the Rwanda Chimpanzee Permit?

Are you planning a trip to Rwanda to see the Chimpanzees but you want to know How long does it take to get the Rwanda Chimpanzee Permit? Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda is only done in Nyungwe Forest National Park known for its diverse and rich ecosystem, including a variety of primates with chimpanzees as the dominant specie and other various wildlife species. One of the animals you might encounter there is the chimpanzee. Chimpanzees are native to the region and can be found within the forest. However, their sightings are not guaranteed, as they are wild animals and their behavior can be unpredictable.

Getting a Rwanda Chimpanzee Permit typically involves a few steps, and the processing time can vary from 1 to 3 days to get the permit. Here’s a general outline of what to expect and How long does it take to get the Rwanda Chimpanzee Permit:

1. Application Submission: You need to apply for the permit through a licensed Rwanda tour operator. The application process can usually be completed online but to avoid the hustle let the Tour operator help you get the permit for you and manage the whole booking.
2. Processing Time: The processing time can vary, but it generally takes a few days to a week for the RDB to process and issue the permit, provided there are no issues with the application and availability of permits.
3. Advance Booking: It is recommended to book your permit well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability. Some travelers book their permits several months in advance.

How much is a Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking permit

The Rwanda Chimpanzee Trekking Permit costs $150 for Foreign Non residents, $75 for East African Residents and $25 for East African Citizens, on top of this you need to pay for the entrance fee which costs $100, $60 and $10 respectively.

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 cost USD90 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 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 To Nyungwe Forest National Park Through Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris is a Local tour operator based in Uganda but also operates in Rwanda and we have a 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 as well as Trust Pilot. Please contact Eco Adventure Safaris next time you intend to visit any of the five East African countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania. We will tailor your visit to Nyungwe Park to best meet your expectations at affordable price without hidden costs. Contact us here for more information about How long does it take to get the Rwanda Chimpanzee Permit.