Chimpanzee trekking Experience in Cyamudongo forest
Chimpanzee trekking Experience in Cyamudongo forest, home to one of the two fully habituated chimpanzee populations in Nyungwe National Park, is located within the Cyamudongo woodland. Due to its limited area (5 sq km), it accommodates a population of around 30 chimpanzees, making chimpanzee trekking more accessible. In addition to chimpanzees, the forest is home to other primates such as L’hoest monkeys, vervet monkeys, Mona monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Birdwatching can be enjoyed in Cyamudongo, despite the limited number of bird species. If you are interested in botany, it features several tree species and plants as well. You may opt to explore the Nyirandakcunze cave.
Chimpanzee trekking Experience in Cyamudongo Forest: Chimpanzee trekking is viewing habituated chimpanzees in their native forest habitat. Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda occurs at Nyungwe Forest National Park, commencing in the morning, and is undertaken in groups of up to eight (8) individuals, similar to gorilla trekking. Nyungwe Forest National Park attracts a substantial influx of tourists each year, who seek to engage directly with chimpanzees—humankind’s closest living relatives—while seeing their play, feeding, and movement. The park serves as an excellent location to incorporate a chimpanzee trekking adventure alongside your gorilla trip within Volcanoes National Park, minimizing travel distances. Chimpanzee trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will relish in Africa’s oldest forest, Nyungwe National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking in Cyamudongo Forest, located within Nyungwe National Park, commences at three receiving centers where travelers convene with park rangers. Travelers are required to arrive at the reception early in the morning before proceeding to the trek’s beginning point in the forest. As chimpanzees construct nests nightly, trackers precede the trekking group to locate them and provide information to the ranger guides. Tourists are permitted to spend only an hour with the chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, allowing for close observation of their natural behaviors and the human-like traits that underscore their status as our closest cousins, sharing 98.7% of our DNA. The chimpanzees communicate with resounding screams, loud hoots, and the forceful striking of tree bark and buttresses. You will enjoy an exceptional experience with the remarkable primates in Rwanda.
Chimpanzee trekking Experience in Cyamudongo forest, Nyungwe Forest offers 64 trekking licenses daily, with the Chimpanzee trekking permit priced at USD 90 per individual per trek, far less than the gorilla permit, which costs USD 1,500. The chimpanzee permit charge encompasses park admission, as well as the provision of a ranger and guide to accompany you and your group. The permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board, which oversees all tourism activities in Rwanda. It is mandatory to present your chimpanzee tracking permission at the park headquarters prior to commencing the expedition on the designated date. Reservations are conducted directly via the Rwanda Development Board, and advance booking is required, as chimpanzee permits are rapidly depleted. You may contact us to verify availability for your preferred dates and get your permits for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda.
Additional activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park following chimpanzee trekking in Cyamudongo Forest
Bird Watching
Canopy walkway
Nyungwe National Park is a tropical highland rainforest that hosts 322 bird species, of which 29 have been identified to date. The primary draw is definitely the Red-collared Babbler, with Rwanda being the sole secure location to observe this magnificent avian species. Additional specialties encompass Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, Grauer’s Warbler, Regal Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, and Neumann’s Warbler. All of these elements and more can be readily observed from a well-maintained network of paths, facilitated by the park’s skilled avian guides.
Given additional time and some fortune, it is feasible to witness the Kungwe Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, and Willard’s Sooty Boubou. The Congo Bay Owl, Albertine Owlet, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, and Rockefeller’s Sunbird are potentially the rarest avian species in Nyungwe, having been reported but infrequently observed. The cost of a guided birding walk is USD 50 per day, with a 50% discount applicable for additional days. Inquire about a birdwatching expedition to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee trekking Experience in Cyamudongo Forest, The canopy walk is a prominent attraction in Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The canopy walk costs USD 60 per person, and entails a one-hour trek from the Uwinka Reception Centre, where one may observe numerous butterflies, orchids, and vibrant birds, many of which are native to the area. Thirteen ape species inhabit Nyungwe, making an incidental encounter plausible. The steep, wooded inclines feature well-kept trails that may become muddy, particularly following precipitation.
Nyungwe Forest encompasses 1,015 square kilometers, rendering it the largest extant expanse of tropical Afro-Montane rainforest in East Africa. The Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest is a three-hour experience along a 200-meter trail situated 50 meters above the forest floor. The vantage point atop the trees provides an eagle’s eye perspective and an exceptional experience of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Trekking through the forest
Nyungwe Forest offers several trekking pathways, providing an opportunity to observe numerous flora, avifauna, butterflies, and potentially encounter primates. Several hiking trails include Gishigishigi Trail, Karamba Trail, Umugote Trail, Umoyove Trail, Uwinka Trail, Irebero Trail, Imbaraga Trail, Bigugu Trail, and Isumo Trail, which traverses lush tea fields, steep rainforest ravines, and culminates at the largest waterfall in Nyungwe National Park, as well as Kamiranzovu Trail, Muzimu Trail, Ngabwe Trail, and Rukuzi Trail. The climbs can vary in duration from one hour to a whole day, with prices ranging from USD 40 to 100 based on the selected option.
Tracking of Colobus Monkeys
Nyungwe Forest harbors 13 kinds of primates, with monkeys as the predominant species. The Rwenzori Colobus monkey is indigenous to this area, and colobus monkey trekking is available year-round in Nyungwe area, located in southern Rwanda. The park hosts numerous individuals, and it is common to encounter a group of 400 folks during this walk. Similar to other primates, it is advisable to observe them in the morning while they are actively feeding and grooming prior to resting. Additional monkey species you will observe include the Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys, Blue Monkeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Owl-Faced Monkeys, and Mona Monkeys. Colobus monkey trekking costs USD 60 per individual per hike per day.
What is the price of lodging in Nyungwe Forest National Park?
Nyungwe Forest National Park is encircled by several hotel options that cater to a range of budgets, ensuring that every visitor can find suitable lodging regardless of financial constraints. Recommended accommodations include the opulent One & Only Nyungwe House, priced between USD 750 and 2000 per person per night; Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, costing USD 300 per person per night; and Nyungwe Forest Lodge and Gisakura Guest House, both priced at USD 200 per person per night. We recommend a minimum stay of two nights in Nyungwe for an optimal experience.
What is the expense associated with transportation for a chimpanzee trekking safari?
One can fly to Kamembe International Airstrip from Kigali via Rwanda Air, with ticket prices starting at USD 300 per adult. The airline provides internal flights, including the Kigali-Kamembe route. RwandAir provides a minimum of nine flights weekly from Kigali to Kamembe International Airport. The airport is in proximity to Nyungwe Forest and several hotels and camps. Accessing Nyungwe Forest via road transport is feasible, with an approximate driving duration of 5 to 6 hours from Kigali city. Our safaris commence at 8:00 AM, and there will be scheduled stops en route for breathtaking vistas and picture opportunities, since there is plenty to observe throughout the journey. Transportation encompasses daily car rental, daily guide remuneration, and fuel for the entire round journey. Vehicle rental costs between USD 80 and 250 per day, contingent upon the selected vehicle. Additionally, the driver-guide fee varies from USD 50 per day, and gasoline expenses for the round trip amount to approximately USD 250, all of which depend on the duration of your stay to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Reasons to reserve Chimpanzee trekking in Cyamudongo Forest with cheap Rwanda safaris
Cheap Rwanda Safaris is a local tour operator headquartered in Rwanda. We specialize in transformative experiences and sustainable tours and vacations across all East African nations. We are members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and are registered with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). We maintain a strong and enduring partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, facilitating the procurement of chimpanzee permits and services, while our service price remains both moderate and sensible.