Chimpanzee trekking is the most done tourist activity done in Nyungwe Forest National Park, which attracts a high number of travelers to this rain forest. Travelers intending to trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest are advised to learn and research about the actual cost of chimpanzee trekking permits before confirming any Rwanda chimpanzee trek to Nyungwe Forest. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyngwe forest is done along canopy walk, forest walks and bird watching to make a complete Rwanda safari package. Chimpanzee trekking rank second to gorilla tours in Volcanoes National Park. The park is located in Rusizi district in southwestern Rwanda bordered by kibira national par in Burundi and Lake Kivu. Nyungwe Forest is the largest preserved rain forest in Central Africa. Nyungwe forest was established in 2004 spreading over 970 square kilometers. The vegetation cover in Nyungwe Forest National Park comprises of the rain forest, swamps, bamboos, bogs and grasslands. Nyungwe forest is home to 13 primates, chimpanzees dominating, 1068 plant species, 38 reptiles, 85 mammals, 32 amphibians and 275 bird species. A 6 Days Rwanda gorillas and chimpanzee safari gives you the very best of Rwanda primate experience.
Cost of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
The cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe Forest National park varies depending on the traveler’s nationality and state of residence. The cost is $90 for foreign non-residents, $60 for foreign residents, RWs 500 for foreign citizens and $10 for East African residents. Foreign students pay $30 Rwanda citizen students pay RWF 2,500 while East African students pay $5 for this memorable experience. However, despite the fixed cost of chimpanzee permits, the actual cost of chimpanzee trekking varies. It depends on the add on activities you wish to do in addition to chimpanzee trekking, the choice of your accommodation (budget, midrange and budget), the length of your stay and the type of safari car you use. Also, the cost of your chimpanzee trek will also depend on the company you choose. Different companies charge differently depending on their standards. Booking is required at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely planning and to avoid last-minute disappointments
Where to stay in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Top View
Travelers to Nyungwe Forest National Park have a wide choice of accommodation services in Nyungwe Forest National Park. A variety o luxury, budget and midrange lodges/hotels have been established in Rwanda to provide travelers with first-class food and sleeping services during their stay in Nyungwe Forest at affordable rates. Top lodges in Nyungwe Forest include One and only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Nyungwe Zziza Eco Lodge, Macheo Ecolodge, Rwiza Village and Gisakura guest house among others. Professional staff is hired at each lodge to ensure quality and timely service delivery systems ensuring a safe, comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Park entrance fee to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Travelers to Nyungwe Forest National park are required to pay an entrance fee of $40 by every traveler. This cost is inclusive of rangers fee, conservation fee and all government taxes. The entrance fee is separate from chimpanzee permit costs. All bookings are done through Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or through Gorilla Trek Africa, your number one travel agent in Rwanda.
Other tourist activities in Nyungwe Forest National Park
In addition to chimpanzee trekking, traveler to Nyiungwe Forest National Park have an endless list of things to stay and do during their Rwanda safari to Nyungwe Forest. The add ons to chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park include:
Canopy Walk
Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
The 60 meters high canopy walk ranks second to chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National park. Canopy walk gives you the aerial views of the forest, birds, wildlife, Virunga volcanoes and neighboring local communities. The canopy walk permit costs $60 for foreign non-residents, $50 for foreign residents, $10 for East African residents. Rwanda citizens pay RWF 5,000, East African students pay $5 while foreign resident students pay $25 per person. Canopy walk lasts for 2 hours but the experience is memorable and worth doing. Book directly with Rwanda Development Board or through Gorilla Trek Africa, your number one travel company in Rwanda.
Bird watching
Being home to over 300 bird species, Nyungwe Forest National park is your best birding spot in Rwanda. Birds in Nyungwe forest include Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Nightjar, Congo bay Owlet, red collared mountain babler, Kivu ground thrush, Doherty bush shrike, Regal sunbird, African paradise flycatcher, Chinspot, Ruwenzori Patis, Strange weaver, Mountain masked Apalis, Buff throated Apalis, Stripe breasted tit, Dwarf honeyguide an handsome francolin among others. Our professional birding guides will help you spot different bird species and explain the unique features of each spotted bird.
Nature/Forest Walk
A walk through Nyungwe Forest on foot is the best way to explore and discover all hidden treasures in this rain forest. Enjoy guided walks to kamiranjovu waterfall and other tourist spots within Nyungwe Forest. Also, nature walks are good for a family with children giving them a chance to enjoy the quiet cool forests. During your forest walk, you will encounter some primates such as baboons and bird species making the whole experience enjoyable.
Monkey Trekking
Monkey trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe Forest National Park is also home to numerous monkey species hence the best place for monkey trekking. Expect to see many monkey species which include Silver monkey, Owl faces monkeys, Grey cheeked mangabeys, Blue monkeys, colubus monkeys, black and white colubus, Dent’s monkey, Ruwenzori Colubus and Mona monkeys among others. Enjoy the playful and lively characters of these monkeys, take pictures and learn about their lifestyles.
Best time to visit Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe Forest National Park can be visited all year round. However, the fact that Ngungwe is a rain forest, dry season between the months of June, July, August, September, October, December, January and February are the best time to visit. During this time, rains are minimal which keeps forest ground dry hence easy movements.
Gorilla Trek Africa offers you the best and affordable Rwanda tours to Nyungwe Forest National park for chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, bird watching and forest walks among others. Contact us today, inform us about your travel interests and time and we shall arrange for you the very best itinerary.
