Chimp permits Rwanda, Rwanda chimp permits, chimpanzee tracking Nyungwe Forest, Track chimps Rwanda, chimp tours Rwanda.
Chimpanzees are fondly referred to as chimps. Seeing the cheeky chimps in their natural habitat in either Nyungwe Forest of Rwanda or Kibale forest of Uganda is usually high on the list of most primate lovers who visit Rwanda and Uganda. In Rwanda , one is able to track the chimps in Nyungwe Forest. To be able to visit the chimps one must first secure a chimp permit either directly from Rwanda Development Board's offices in Kigali or through a local tour agent. You may do so by emailing
Email us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Watsapp +256.772.788.426
International callers may find it more convenient to telephone our London contact office on +44.208.765.1058 in order to secure your Rwanda or Uganda chimp permits.
It is not surprising that Nyungwe Forest Rwanda, made the list of National Geographic's "must see places in 2014".
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda.
Nyungwe forest is very high on the list for the Rwanda government as a top tourist destination, perhaps only 2nd to the attraction of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Nyungwe offers opportunities for chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks through the dense rain tropical forest, immense birding opportunities, tracking of the colobus monkeys and very enriching forest walks with rich flora and fauna.
By far the biggested attraction in Nyungwe is the Chimps. Nyungwe hosts a large number of chimps perhaps only comparable to Kibaleforest in Uganda. There is a very large change to see the chimps in Nyungwe even though they can be elusive on some days and visitors have to walk for long hours in the forest to see them. When you meet them they are really fun to watch as they go about their business in their natural habitat, and well worth the money that one pays to track the chimps. The treks are guided by trained ranger guides who have got clues as to their locations within Nyungwe forest.
Travel Tips
When to Go:
The dry months of July-October are best for both chimp tracking and gorilla trekking. However they also happen to be the busiest periods of the year. There is only 16 chimp permits available to chimp trackers per day. It is thus advisable to secure one asap. Unlike in Kibale forest in Uganda, where there is 2 chimp tracking sessions one at 8am and another one at 2pm, in Nyungwe, chimp tracking is only once a day. Chimp trackers are expected to assemble at the park headquarters from where they register and receive pre-chimp tracking briefing. They are then led by experienced guides into the forest to find the chimps. The average chimp tracking time is 2 hrs though sometimes it can take much longer depending on the location of the chimps.
How much do chimp permits cost?
Chimp permits cost US$90 in Rwanda. Colobus Monkey permits are US$70. Canopy walks are US$60 per person. Bird watching is US$75 per person. We request for an additional fee to cover our admin overheads and operational fees incurred in the process of booking your services. Only the Chimp permits and Colobus monkey permits are usually required to be booked in advance. The rest of the permits can be purchased on location at Nyungwe Park Headquarters on arrival.
Getting Around:
A number of airlines fly into Kigali airport including, Ethiopian, KLM, Rwanda Air, Kenya Airways, Air Uganda, Emirates, etc . Nyungwe forest is about 4-5hrs drive time from Kigali.We provide self drive 4x4 cars for hire, The car hire price will depend on type of rental car required, whether compact 4x4 or large 4x4. Prices for compact 4x4 e.g Toyota Rav4 start from US$70 per day, self drive, excluding fuel, inclusive of insurance on un-limited mileage basis. If you require a driver, we have driver guides available which are chargeable at an additional US$40 per day to cover driver fees, driver meals, driver accommodation and driver park entry fees where applicable. We recommend taking a driver as you will have the luxury of sitting back to relax, plus the added value of having someone who is knowledgeable about Rwanda's history, culture and attractions.
For chimp tracking visitors who prefer outfitted, guided tours, the best tour expedition option is to book an inclusive tailor-made or scheduled safari tour that includes airport transfers, accommodation, meals, activities, and park entrance fees with a responsible travel agent e.g such as Karibu Rwanda or Gorillas Vacations, run and owned by local Rwandans and Ugandans.
Accommodation in Nyungwe:
Luxury accommodation option for chimp tracking visitors to Nyungwe would be Nyungwe Forest Lodge. No luxury was spared when constructing and furnishing Nyungwe Forest Lodge. The safari lodge setting is incredibly awe-inspiring with great views of the rainforest and surrounding tea plantations. You may wish you were spending a few more days here.
Another option is Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel. The hotel has beautiful views of the calm and serene Lake Kivu as well as a very splendid setting.
For budget travellers Gisakura guest house is fairly basic but functional.
We handle bookings for all 3 accommodation options if preferred.
Cultural Experience: Kitabi Cultural Village located at the entrance to Nyungwe forest national park, provides guided and scheduled safari tours where visitors get to experience firsthand the processes of local Rwandan banana beer brewing, local Rwanda traditional milk preservation, millet grinding plus how tea leaves are picked and finally processed. The cultural village also has a curio shop when visitors to Nyungwe Forest when here for their chimp tracking can buy original local Rwanda handicrafts e.g baskets, table mats, bracelets, floor mats, and all sorts of gifts including wood carvings which are ideal as presents for loved ones back home. Take a piece of Rwanda art and crafts with you while at the same time supporting the poverty eradication of efforts of local Rwandan ladies. handicrafts are hand made using local home-grown materials.
What to wear: Please visit our suggested safari packing list on these pages.
If you require further information and to make bookings, please email us for a no-obligation quote
Email us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Watsapp +256.772.788.426
We are able to call you back if you require a much more detailed discussion of your travel plans.
