Where Can I Go Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda?

Rwanda, a small yet remarkable country in East Africa, is best known for its mountain gorillas and breathtaking landscapes. However, it also offers an equally extraordinary wildlife experience—chimpanzee tracking. These highly intelligent and social creatures, which share more than 98% of their DNA with humans, can be found in the country’s lush forests. Chimpanzee tracking allows visitors to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat, gaining unique insights into their behaviors, social structures, and daily lives. In this article, we will explore the best places to go chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda, highlighting the parks that offer these incredible experiences and what each location has to offer.

1. Nyungwe Forest National Park: The Premier Location for Chimpanzee Tracking

Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in the southwestern part of Rwanda, is the most popular and primary destination for chimpanzee tracking in the country. As one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and offers a pristine environment for both chimpanzees and visitors alike. The park spans over 1,000 square kilometers of lush tropical rainforest, alpine meadows, and bamboo forests, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Why Nyungwe Forest is Ideal for Chimpanzee Tracking

Nyungwe Forest is home to a population of approximately 500 chimpanzees. The park’s ecosystem supports these primates, allowing them to thrive in their natural habitat. Chimpanzee tracking here is facilitated through a well-established program that offers visitors the opportunity to track wild chimpanzees through the forest with the help of experienced guides.

The terrain in Nyungwe is diverse, with rolling hills, dense vegetation, and deep ravines, making it a bit challenging to trek at times. However, it is this rugged beauty and the varied landscapes that make the trek both exciting and rewarding. The tracking experience is unique, as trekkers often hear the sounds of the chimpanzees long before they actually spot them, building the anticipation as they get closer.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe

The best time to track chimpanzees in Nyungwe is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to September and December to February. The trekking conditions are more favorable during these months due to less rainfall, and the trails are easier to navigate. However, chimpanzees are active year-round, so visits can be planned throughout the year.

What to Expect

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe usually begins early in the morning. After a briefing at the park headquarters, a group of trekkers is assigned a knowledgeable guide who will lead the way. The trek can last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on where the chimpanzees are located. Once the chimpanzees are located, visitors are allowed to spend one hour observing them, watching their behavior, and enjoying their social interactions.

2. Gishwati-Mukura National Park: Rwanda’s Newest Chimpanzee Tracking Destination

While Nyungwe is the most well-known park for chimpanzee tracking, Gishwati-Mukura National Park offers a newer and equally intriguing option for those looking to explore Rwanda’s diverse wildlife in a more intimate setting. Located in the western part of the country, Gishwati-Mukura is Rwanda’s newest national park, officially established in 2015.

Why Gishwati-Mukura for Chimpanzee Tracking?

Gishwati-Mukura offers a unique experience because it is a less crowded, off-the-beaten-path alternative to Nyungwe. The park is smaller and more compact, covering approximately 34,000 hectares, but it is home to a growing population of wild chimpanzees. Gishwati-Mukura is an integral part of Rwanda’s broader conservation efforts, which aim to rehabilitate and restore its forests.

The chimpanzee population in Gishwati-Mukura is habituated, meaning they are accustomed to human presence, allowing for close encounters with these fascinating creatures. The park’s terrain is slightly different from Nyungwe, with a mix of bamboo forests, hardwood trees, and scenic rolling hills. The forest is also home to other primates such as colobus monkeys and golden monkeys, which further enrich the tracking experience.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Tracking in Gishwati-Mukura

Gishwati-Mukura has a similar climate to Nyungwe, with the best time to visit being during the dry season. However, since the park is less visited, you may enjoy a quieter and more peaceful trek, particularly during the rainy season when fewer visitors come to Rwanda.

What to Expect

The chimpanzee tracking experience in Gishwati-Mukura is much more tranquil compared to Nyungwe. Visitors will typically embark on a morning trek through the park’s beautiful landscapes, following trails through the forest and listening for sounds of the chimps. Once the chimpanzees are found, trekkers can spend up to one hour observing them in their natural environment. The experience here is more intimate, with fewer people around, offering a more personalized wildlife adventure.

3. Volcanoes National Park: A Lesser-Known Option for Chimpanzee Tracking

While Volcanoes National Park is globally renowned for gorilla trekking, it is also home to a smaller population of chimpanzees. Although not as widely known for chimpanzee tracking as Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura, Volcanoes National Park provides an excellent opportunity for those already visiting the area for gorilla trekking and seeking a diverse primate experience.

Why Volcanoes National Park?

Chimpanzees are relatively rare in Volcanoes National Park, but a small population lives in the park’s western section. This offers an exciting opportunity to explore the park from a different perspective. Trekking here is less intensive than in Nyungwe, but it provides an interesting opportunity to see chimpanzees in a unique setting near the volcanic mountains.

Best Time for Chimpanzee Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

The best time to go chimpanzee tracking in Volcanoes is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February, when the conditions are most favorable for trekking.

What to Expect

Since the chimpanzee population in Volcanoes National Park is smaller and not as habituated, sightings can be more sporadic, and the tracking experience might be more challenging. However, for those interested in combining gorilla trekking with a chimpanzee tracking adventure, this can be a thrilling addition to the itinerary.

Conclusion: The Best Places for Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda

Rwanda offers two main destinations for chimpanzee tracking: Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park, each with its own unique experience. Nyungwe is the most established and popular location for chimpanzee tracking, offering lush forests, diverse wildlife, and an excellent chance to see chimpanzees in the wild. Gishwati-Mukura, on the other hand, offers a more intimate and quieter experience, with fewer visitors and a focus on conservation efforts in Rwanda’s newer national park.

For those already trekking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, a chimpanzee tracking experience in the park can provide a unique addition to the adventure. Regardless of where you go, Rwanda’s chimpanzee tracking opportunities offer an incredible chance to see these intelligent primates up close and deepen your understanding of primate behavior and conservation.

Whether you’re trekking through Nyungwe’s ancient rainforest, the serene landscapes of Gishwati-Mukura, or the volcanic foothills near gorillas, chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda is an unforgettable wildlife experience that connects you with some of the most intelligent and fascinating creatures on Earth.