How and Where to Buy Chimpanzee Permits in Rwanda

How and Where to Buy Chimpanzee Permits in Rwanda

Planning a trip to Rwanda for chimpanzee trekking? Let us guide you on how and where to buy your chimpanzee permits so you can experience trekking with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. The best place for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is Nyungwe National Park, the only park in the country where you can visit habituated chimpanzee communities.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe National Park, located in the southwestern part of Rwanda, is home to about 500 chimpanzees, with two habituated groups available for trekking. The main chimpanzee community has about 60 individuals living in the vast Nyungwe forest, while a smaller group of around 30 chimps resides in Cyamudongo Forest. The park is renowned for its biodiversity, including over 1,050 plant species, 85 mammal species, and 120 butterfly species.

Nyungwe Forest is one of the best-preserved montane rainforests in Central Africa, offering a rich, diverse environment where you can experience the beauty of nature and observe chimpanzees up close. In October 2020, the Rwanda Development Board partnered with African Parks to manage Nyungwe, ensuring sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.

Chimpanzee Trekking Experience

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park begins early in the morning from three main reception centers: Uwinka, Kitabi, and Gisakura. Here, visitors meet park rangers before heading into the forest. Each trekking group is limited to eight people, similar to gorilla trekking guidelines, to minimize disturbance to the chimps.

Trackers go ahead of the group to locate the chimpanzees, which nest in different spots each night. Once the chimps are found, visitors are allowed to spend one hour with them, observing their fascinating behaviors and human-like traits. You’ll get to witness their unique communication methods, including loud hoots, screams, and the sound of tree-bark drumming. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to encounter these amazing primates, who share 98.7% of their DNA with humans.

Buying Chimpanzee Permits in Rwanda

To go chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, you need a chimpanzee trekking permit, which is issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Here’s what you need to know about the permits:

• Cost: The chimpanzee trekking permit costs $250 per person per trek.
• Permit Inclusions: The permit covers the park entrance, a ranger, and a guide who will accompany your group during the trek.
• Availability: There are 64 trekking permits available daily in Nyungwe, so it’s recommended to book in advance as they tend to sell out quickly.

You can purchase permits directly through the Rwanda Development Board, or you can contact us to check availability and handle the booking process for you. We offer a hassle-free way to secure your permits and ensure you have the best experience possible during your chimpanzee trekking adventure in Rwanda.

What Else to Do in Nyungwe Forest National Park After Chimpanzee Trekking

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a nature lover’s paradise with a range of exciting activities beyond chimpanzee trekking. Here are some great options to explore:

1. Bird Watching in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe National Park is a birding hotspot with over 322 bird species, including several rare and endemic species. The star of the show is the Red-collared Babbler, a stunning bird that can only be safely spotted in Rwanda. Other notable species include the Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Grauer’s Warbler, and the vibrant Regal Sunbird. The park’s network of well-maintained trails and knowledgeable guides make bird watching a delightful experience.

With a bit of luck, you might even spot elusive birds like the Congo Bay Owl, Albertine Owlet, or the Rockefeller’s Sunbird. A guided birding walk costs $50 per day, with a 50% discount for additional days. Contact us to arrange a personalized birding tour in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

2. Canopy Walk Adventure

The Canopy Walk in Nyungwe is one of the park’s most thrilling experiences. The walk costs $40 per person and takes you along a 200-meter-long suspended bridge, hanging 50 meters above the forest floor. Starting from the Uwinka Reception Centre, you’ll hike for about an hour to reach the canopy walkway. As you walk among the treetops, enjoy breathtaking views of the forest and spot colorful butterflies, orchids, and various bird species. You might even catch a glimpse of one of the park’s 13 primate species.

This three-hour adventure offers a unique perspective of Nyungwe Forest, making it a must-do for visitors seeking a mix of excitement and nature.

3. Hiking Trails in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest is crisscrossed with numerous hiking trails, each offering a distinct experience of the park’s rich biodiversity. Whether you’re interested in plants, birds, butterflies, or simply want to enjoy the scenery, there’s a trail for you. Some popular trails include:

• Isumo Trail: Leads you through tea fields and rainforest ravines to the park’s largest waterfall.
• Bigugu Trail: Takes you to the highest point in Nyungwe for panoramic views.
• Kamiranzovu Trail: Known for its swamp and unique vegetation.
• Karamba Trail, Umugote Trail, and Uwinka Trail: Great for spotting various birds and primates.

Hikes range from short one-hour walks to full-day treks, with fees ranging from $40 to $100, depending on the chosen trail. Reach out to us to help you plan your hiking experience.

4. Colobus Monkey Tracking

Nyungwe Forest is home to 13 species of primates, with the Colobus monkeys being one of the highlights. The Rwenzori Colobus monkey, unique to this region, can be found in large groups—sometimes up to 400 individuals. Tracking these playful monkeys is a fantastic way to experience Nyungwe’s diverse wildlife. The best time for colobus monkey trekking is in the morning when they are most active.

The trekking fee is $60 per person per day. You may also encounter other monkey species like the Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Blue Monkey, L’Hoest Monkey, and the Mona Monkey.

Where to Stay in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe offers a range of accommodation options catering to different budgets:

• One & Only Nyungwe House: A luxury option with prices ranging from $750 to $2,000 per person per night.
• Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel: A mid-range option, costing around $300 per person per night.
• Nyungwe Forest Lodge and Gisakura Guest House: Budget-friendly choices, with prices starting at $200 per person per night.

We recommend staying at least two nights to fully explore the park’s activities.

Getting to Nyungwe Forest National Park

You can reach Nyungwe by air or road:

• By Air: Fly with RwandAir from Kigali to Kamembe International Airport, which is near Nyungwe. Tickets typically cost around $300 per adult. RwandAir operates at least nine flights a week on this route.
• By Road: Nyungwe is a 5-6 hour drive from Kigali. Our tours depart at 8:00 AM, with stops along the way for scenic views and photo opportunities. Vehicle hire costs range from $80 to $250 per day, depending on the vehicle type. Driver allowances and fuel are additional and vary based on the length of your stay.

Why Book with Us?

At Excursia Adventures, we are a local tour operator based in Uganda, specializing in exceptional and sustainable tours across East Africa. We have strong ties with the Rwanda Development Board, making it easy for us to handle your chimpanzee permit bookings and provide top-notch services without hidden fees. Our team is well-reviewed on platforms like TripAdvisor, and we pride ourselves on creating memorable experiences tailored to your needs.

Ready to explore Nyungwe Forest National Park? Contact us today for tailored itineraries and bookings for your perfect adventure in Rwanda!