How Much Does a Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Cost in Rwanda?

Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda offers a unique and thrilling opportunity to observe the fascinating behavior of one of the closest relatives to humans in their natural habitat. Rwanda, home to the Kibira National Park and Nyungwe National Park, is one of the few places in the world where you can participate in this incredible wildlife experience. However, just like gorilla trekking, participating in chimpanzee tracking requires securing a chimpanzee tracking permit. This permit is a crucial part of the experience, as it grants access to the parks, contributes to conservation efforts, and ensures the safety and well-being of the chimpanzees. In this article, we will explore the cost of a chimpanzee tracking permit in Rwanda, what the fee covers, and the factors that influence its pricing.

Cost of a Chimpanzee Tracking Permit in Rwanda

As of 2025, the cost of a chimpanzee tracking permit in Rwanda is $90 USD per person for Nyungwe National Park. This cost is affordable compared to other primate tracking activities, like gorilla trekking, which can cost upwards of $1,000 USD for a permit. Chimpanzee tracking, however, provides visitors with a similarly rewarding experience, offering insight into the behavior of chimpanzees in their natural environment.

The fee for chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda has remained consistent, allowing it to remain one of the more accessible primate experiences on the African continent. However, it is important to note that this fee can be subject to change, as park fees are often reviewed and adjusted by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), which manages the country’s national parks.

What Does the Chimpanzee Tracking Permit Cover?

When you purchase a chimpanzee tracking permit in Rwanda, it grants you access to Nyungwe National Park or Kibira National Park, depending on where you choose to go chimpanzee tracking. Here’s a breakdown of what is included in the price of the permit:

1. Park Entry Fees

The chimpanzee tracking permit includes the park entry fee, which allows you to access either Nyungwe National Park or Kibira National Park. These parks are vital conservation areas that protect not only chimpanzees but also other species of primates, birds, and wildlife. The fee helps fund the maintenance and development of park infrastructure, such as the trails, ranger stations, and visitor facilities.

Rwanda is renowned for the quality of its park management, and the fees ensure that these parks are well-maintained and secure. The entry fee covers the cost of building and maintaining safe trekking routes, ranger stations, and visitor centers, enhancing your experience as a traveler.

2. Guided Trekking Experience

Included in the permit cost is the guiding service of an experienced, knowledgeable guide. These guides are experts in primate behavior, the ecosystem, and the safety protocols required during a chimpanzee tracking excursion. They are vital for ensuring that you have an educational and safe trekking experience.

Your guide will lead you through the park’s forested trails to find the chimpanzee groups, helping to interpret the behaviors and social interactions of the chimpanzees. Without these expert guides, navigating the dense forests and spotting the chimpanzees would be much more challenging. They also help you maintain the proper distance from the chimpanzees, which is essential for both your safety and the well-being of the animals.

3. Conservation and Research Support

A portion of the permit fee goes directly into chimpanzee conservation and scientific research. Rwanda has been at the forefront of primate conservation, and the revenue generated from chimpanzee tracking helps fund various conservation programs. These programs focus on protecting chimpanzee populations, monitoring their health, and conducting research on their behavior and ecology.

Additionally, the funds help support anti-poaching patrols and habitat preservation efforts, which are crucial for protecting the forests that chimpanzees rely on for food, shelter, and security. Without these conservation efforts, the habitats of chimpanzees would be at risk of degradation, and their survival would be threatened.

4. Supporting Local Communities

Part of the revenue from the tracking permits is also used to benefit local communities. Rwanda has adopted a community-based conservation model, where local communities living near the parks are actively involved in and benefit from the tourism activities. This may include employing local guides, porters, and staff for park maintenance. In return, local communities have a vested interest in protecting the chimpanzees and other wildlife, ensuring that they contribute to sustainable tourism and conservation.

Why Does the Permit Cost $90 USD?

The cost of a chimpanzee tracking permit in Rwanda is influenced by several factors. Below are some key reasons why the permit is priced at $90 USD:

1. Limited Access to Chimpanzee Habitats

Rwanda is home to some of the last remaining populations of chimpanzees in Central Africa. The chimpanzee groups are spread out across Nyungwe National Park and Kibira National Park, both of which are relatively small in size. The limited number of chimpanzees and the protected nature of their habitats means that there is limited access to trekking. Only a select number of visitors are allowed to participate in chimpanzee tracking each day to minimize disturbance to the chimpanzees and their environment. This limited access drives the cost of the permit.

2. Conservation Efforts and Park Management

Rwanda places a strong emphasis on conservation and sustainable tourism. The $90 USD permit fee directly contributes to the costs of managing the parks, including paying the salaries of rangers and staff, maintaining the trekking routes, and supporting ongoing research and conservation programs. The funds raised also contribute to combating poaching and illegal logging, ensuring the protection of the chimpanzee population and their habitat.

3. Quality of the Experience

Rwanda’s chimpanzee tracking experiences are known for their high quality. The park rangers and guides are some of the best-trained in Africa, ensuring a safe, educational, and immersive experience for visitors. This level of professionalism and quality in the experience is reflected in the cost of the permit. The high standards of park management, visitor services, and guide training contribute to the overall cost of the permit.

How to Secure Your Chimpanzee Tracking Permit

To go chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda, securing your chimpanzee tracking permit is an essential step. The process is relatively simple, and you can book your permit in a few ways:

1. Through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

You can book your permit directly through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), which manages Rwanda’s national parks. The RDB provides detailed information about chimpanzee tracking in both Nyungwe and Kibira National Parks. You can reserve your permit online or by contacting them directly.

2. Through a Reputable Tour Operator

A more convenient option is to book your permit through a licensed tour operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd.. Tour operators specialize in organizing trips to Rwanda’s national parks, including booking permits, arranging transportation, and ensuring that all logistics are handled smoothly. Working with a tour operator ensures that your trip is well-organized and that you have expert support throughout the process.

3. Plan in Advance

Chimpanzee tracking permits are limited, and particularly during the peak tourist seasons, the permits can sell out quickly. It’s highly advisable to book your permit several months in advance to secure your preferred trekking dates.

Other Costs to Consider

While the chimpanzee tracking permit is the primary expense, there are additional costs associated with the trip, including:

• Accommodation: Rwanda offers a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury lodges, near the parks.
• Transportation: Depending on your starting point, you may need to factor in the cost of flights to Rwanda and local transportation to and from the parks.
• Tipping: It is customary to tip the guides and porters who assist with the trek. This is not mandatory but appreciated by the staff.

Conclusion

The $90 USD cost of a chimpanzee tracking permit in Rwanda represents an excellent value for an unforgettable experience. It covers park entry fees, expert guiding services, and contributes significantly to conservation and community development. Given the country’s dedication to sustainable tourism and wildlife protection, your permit fee plays a direct role in ensuring the long-term survival of chimpanzees and the preservation of their habitats. By booking a permit through a trusted tour operator like Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd., you ensure a seamless and enriching experience in one of Africa’s most beautiful and ecologically significant destinations.