Chimpanzee Tracking Safari Tours-Primate Tracking Safaris Rwanda
Located South West of Rwanda along the border of Burundi to the South, DR Congo and Lake Kivu in the West, Nyungwe Forest National park offers incredible chimpanzee tracking safari Tours to all kinds of travelers around the world interested. It is situated within a watershed of two basins i.e River Congo in the West and River Nile in the East covering an area of 970 km2 of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs with Cyangugu being the nearest town to the park located 54 kms in the West. There are various wildlife animal species in the park and these include; 13 primate species, 275 bird species, 1068 plant species, 85 mammal species, 32 amphibian and 38 reptile species. The chimpanzees are the most prominent primates tracked here and the chimpanzee tracking permit costs US $100 per person interested. There are other primates that can be tracked and these include; black and white Colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys as well as numerous bird species.
Activities to Do in the Park
Birding
Nyungwe Forest has about 278 different species of birds of which 26 are endemic to the Albertine Rift and these can be watched by all vivid birders interested in experiencing remarkable bird watching Tours in Rwanda. The bird species that can be spotted here include; Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Rwenzori Turacos, Red-throated Alethe, Apalis argentea, Purple-breasted and Blue-headed, Kungwe Apalis Ruwenzori Apalis, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Alehe poliophrys, Stripe-breasted Tit Parus fasciiventer, Batis diops, Ruwenzori Batis, Caprimulgus ruwenzorii, Archer’s Robin-chat Cossypha archeri, Ruwenzori Nightjar, Dusky Crimson Wing, Handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Francolinus nobilis, Cryptospiza shelleyi, Cryptospiza jacksoni, Hemitesia neumanni, Red-collared Babbler, Kupeornis rufocinctus, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Melaenornis ardesiacus, Regal Sunbird, Neumann’s Warbler and Cinnyris regius.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Chimpanzee tracking is the most popular safari activity carried out in Nyungwe Forest and involves transferring from one place to another within the forest searching for these amazing primates. You will transfer for a period of 2-4 hours in groups of 6-8 people and when you meet them only an hour will be allowed to stay in their presence taking numerous photos to keep for memories. You will transfer with an experienced guide who will inform you about the chimpanzees in their natural environment.
Canopy Walks
Nyungwe Forest National Park has the highest Canopy Walk in East Africa which is raised about 60 meters and offers travelers an experience of walking at the top of the gigantic trees in the forest. The walk will give you an opportunity to watch many different primates like Golden Monkeys, butterflies, birds etc. It requires you to traverse from one point to the other of the canopy with a sharp valley of rocks below making the whole experience exceptional. It will take you about 2-3 hours and costs US $60 per person interested.
Hiking and Nature Walks
Hiking and Nature Walks are very appropriate for all kinds of travelers for there are various trails which include;
Igishigishigi Trail
This stretches to about 2.1 km offering incredible views of the canopy walkways, wild flowers as well as the Imbaraga and the Umoyove Trails.
Karamba Trail
This is the best trail for birding and consists of beautiful fern trees as well as the easiest trail to take in Nyungwe Forest.
Congo-Nile Divide Trail
This trail is very ideal and traverses the prominent water basins of River Congo and River Nile taking about 227 kms taking hikers more than a day to finish. You will transfer through the forest having remarkable views at bamboo forests, rainforest, open fields as well as birds. Carry your own camping equipment since you will be required to spend a night in your tents.
There are other trails that can be taken on and these include; the Umugote Trail, Umuyove Trail, Uwinka Trail, Irebero Trail, Imbaraga Trail, Bigugu Trail, Isumo Trail, Kamiranzovu Trail, Ngabwe Trail, Rukuzi Trail.