All About Chimpanzees in Rwanda Facts, Habitat + Best Photos
Explore the fascinating world of Chimpanzees in Rwanda with our comprehensive guide. Learn about their unique behaviors, habitats, and conservation efforts plus browsing captivating collection of the best photographs of Rwandan Chimpanzees.
The chimpanzee, a primate highly intelligent and social among all primate species found Rwanda. These primates possess complex social skills, an almost excellent sense of communication and are ranked as the most fascinating for wildlife enthusiasts.
Chimpanzees are among the major attractions of Rwanda, found in the lush habitats of the Nyungwe Forest National Park and the Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
In this article we explore the location of their habitat, conservation efforts, population and status, chimpanzee trekking, and the best time to visit Rwanda to experience these incredible animals in their natural environment.
Location/Habitat of Chimpanzee in Rwanda:
Chimpanzees in Rwanda are primarily found in Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwestern part of the country.
This area provides a natural home for these the primates, and other species like monkeys, small mammals, forest elephants and a lot of bird species giving guests a unique opportunity experience of the wild. Chimpanzees in Rwanda can also be found in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Conservation Efforts of Rwandan Chimpanzees:
Rwanda has taken major efforts in conserving and protecting the chimpanzee population and their habitats. Through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and different organizations that have been set in place to protect the primate species against poachers and other problems.
In some National Park preserving efforts like protecting the forests, fighting against illegal activities and promoting sustainable tourism have been put in place and maintained to protect the animals.
Rwanda National Parks have been closely working to reduce deforestation and help upgrade the degraded forests.
This is has been done by working with the local communities to spread awareness about the dangers and importance of chimpanzee species and their homes, setting up conservation habits like wildlife corridors have also helped the locals maintain sustainable livelihoods.
Population and Status of Chimpanzees in Rwanda
Because of the different issues that affect the chimpanzees like poaching in past, diseases and a lot more the chimpanzee family in Rwanda are estimated to be around 500 with most of them staying in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The population of chimpanzees in Rwanda has been maintained by the significant roles of Rwanda Development Board to preserve the animals.
The Chimpanzees are listed as endangered species of nature in Rwanda to international Conservation Organizations and efforts to bring stabilization and increase the animals are being worked on.
Chimpanzee Trekking Rwanda:
Chimpanzee trekking is a popular activity for visitors to Rwanda who are eager to observe these remarkable primates in their natural habitat.
In Nyungwe Forest National Park, guided chimpanzee trekking experiences are offered, providing visitors with the opportunity to track and observe chimpanzee groups as they socialize, and interact in the forest.
Chimpanzee tracking experience typically involves hiking through the forest with guides who are knowledgeable about chimpanzee behavior. First and foremost, for the best trekking experience you need to book your chimpanzee trekking permit before the experience.
Booking a Chimpanzee Permit in Rwanda:
The booking process is always best done in advance before the Safari to Rwanda and this can be done with a help of a tour operator or contacting the Rwanda Development Board, talk to us today via email; allrwandasafaris@gmail.com for assistance concerning the booking.
Different trekking permits cost differently; A 3 Day Chimpanzee Trekking Rwanda costs around USD 1,200 and a luxury Rwanda chimpanzee safari costs somewhere from USD 1,800 to 4,000USD per person including the accommodation facilities.
When booking your Rwanda chimpanzee permits be sure to add the dates you plan to go this amazing primates safari. Include your personal information like nationality, name, passport number, all these are required because the chimpanzee permits are non transferable which means, every one needs to present identification before given their permits.
Payments are always made from the bank, the permit owner informs the bank of the deduction to make from their account by Rwanda Development Board or you can simply send the bank the payment confirmation email.
For confirmation of your availability of your chimpanzee permit, you are given a copy of the chimpanzee permit and upon your arrival into the country you are then given the original copy of the permits by your tour operator.
On the day of chimpanzee trekking you have to carry your identification documents so that they are checked against your permit serial number to confirm identity before the morning briefing.
Best Time to See Chimpanzees in Rwanda:
The best time to visit Rwanda for chimpanzee trekking is during the dry seasons, which typically occur from mid-December to early February and from June to September.
During these periods, the weather is generally favorable, with lower chances of rainfall, making it easier to navigate the forest trails and increasing the engagement with chimpanzees.
While you plan for your chimpanzee tracking experience, there are also a few other things to plan for like accommodation, transportation, feeding.
Rwanda national parks have great accommodation facilities that you can book during your stay and each of these is budget friendly from as low as USD 50 to USD 130 to mid range accommodations of USD 150 to USD 280 and luxury accommodation suites ranging from USD 300 to USD 2,500 each night.
These prices only refer to accommodation facilities within the park’s premises, you can book a room for yourself or have Afrik-Trek Holidays Ltd help you book one. It is advised to book a room near the start point of the chimpanzee briefing spot.
In conclusion, chimpanzees in Rwanda are a spectacular heritage for Rwanda, with their unique behaviors and abilities have set Rwanda on the tourism scope globally and giving guests, researchers, wildlife enthusiasts a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn their way of life and living habits.
Best Tours to See Chimpanzees in Rwanda:
This primates tour and canopy walk tour takes you Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park to see man’s closest relative…
Visit the 3 most popular national parks in Rwanda for activities like chimp and gorilla trekking, bird watching & game drives, etc.
The 10 day Rwanda Safari package covers all the tourism aspects of Rwanda from primates to culture to big five game safari.