What to pack for Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park

Are you planning a trip to Nyungwe to see Chimpanzees and you want to know What to pack for Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park? Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda, requires specific gear and preparation to ensure comfort and safety. Here’s What to pack for Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park to help you get ready:

Clothing

1. Long-Sleeved Shirts and Long Pants: To protect against insect bites and thorny vegetation.
2. Lightweight Rain Jacket: Nyungwe is a rainforest, so rain is common.
3. Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support are essential.
4. Hat and Sunglasses: To protect against the sun.
5. Gaiters: Useful for keeping insects and dirt out of your boots.

Accessories

1. Daypack: To carry your essentials.
2. Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial.
3. Insect Repellent: To protect against mosquitoes and other insects.
4. Sunscreen: Even in the forest, UV protection is important.
5. Binoculars: For spotting wildlife.
6. Camera: To capture your experiences (consider a waterproof case).

Personal Items

1. Snacks: Energy bars or trail mix.
2. Personal Medication: Any prescription meds and a small first aid kit.
3. Trekking Permit and Identification: Necessary documentation for entry and trekking.

Optional

1. Walking Stick: Helpful for navigating uneven terrain.
2. Gloves: To protect your hands when grabbing branches or rocks.

About 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 lifetime 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 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 over 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 USD2000 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. We specialize in life-changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries including Rwanda. We are members of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and are registered by UTB. We have a good and long working relationship with 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 Safari bookings. 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 about What to pack for Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.