Rwanda is dotted with beautiful scenery. It is surrounded by daunting rolling green hills amidst verdant tropical rainforests. These forests create not only a thrilling atmosphere but also a habitat for various wildlife species. Rwanda is well known as a home to several mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, which occupies the Virunga Conservation Area. However, there are other primate species in Rwanda that make a total of 13 primates. These include chimpanzees, L’hoest monkeys, Black and white monkeys, patus monkeys, bush babies, and Golden monkeys, among many others.
Primate tracking in Rwanda thus includes;
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is one of the major activities carried out on Rwanda gorilla safaris. Mountain gorillas are recorded as an endangered species that needs much conservation. It is a wonderful adventure in the forest when you encounter the gorillas. The trek involves hiking through challenging and muddy trails into the deep forest to search for gorillas.
You need to wake up very early, put on sturdy boots, long pants, and embark on the trek. The experience starts with a morning briefing at the headquarters. Here, guides provide insights about what to expect on the trek, a brief introduction to gorilla behaviours, and other guidelines to follow for your safety during the trek. Many things happen in the forest, the unexpected rain, cool temperatures, mosquito bites, and other insects you may encounter. Gorilla Trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1500
Golden monkey tracking
Golden monkeys are exciting to watch because of their distinct, attractive color. In Rwanda, Golden monkeys are found in Volcanoes National Park. The Colored cheeky monkeys are found on the slopes of karisimbi and Sabyinyo. Golden monkey tracking is a daily activity carried out in the park, usually complemented with gorilla tracking.
The park can be accessed through Kinigi park center after securing a golden monkey permit at USD 100 with the Rwanda Development Board directly or with a licensed tour operator. Briefing at the park before tracking the golden monkeys starts at 7: 00 am, then you will be accompanied by the rangers into the forest.
Similarly, as you prepare for gorilla trekking, there is no big difference. Make sure you have good hiking boots, as the ground tends to be slippery. You will also need a pair of binoculars for a closer view, as some of the monkeys like to swing high up in the trees.
Chimpanzee tracking
In Nyungwe Forest National Park, tourists can encounter the noisy, playful chimpanzees. Visitors are welcomed at the Uwinka visitors center in the morning for this thrilling activity. Nyungwe Forest National Park has 12 other species, including blue monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest monkeys, among many others. Chimpanzee permits in Rwanda cost USD 90, obtained from the Rwanda Development Board.
Other troops of chimpanzees are found in Gishwati Mukula forest, the recently gazetted national park for the protection of primates.
Best time for primate tracking in Rwanda
The dry/peak season in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February is the best time for gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey trekking in Rwanda. This season is generally dry, which makes it easy to trek through the forested jungle. Also, sunlight in this season is good for photography and scenic viewing. On the other hand, you can trek in the wet/low season in March, April, May, October, and November. The season is associated with low visits, which give you a chance to see the primates without crowds. Also, service providers, especially lodges, give discounted offers in the low season to encourage more visits.
Besides primate trekking, there are other magical things you should not miss on your Rwanda safari. These include game viewing in Akagera National Park. There you drive through the savannahs of the park, which give you great views of numerous wild animals feeding and predators hunting. A boat cruise on Lake Ihema accompanies game viewing in Akagera Park
More so, enjoy a hike to the iconic Mount Karisimbi, the highest volcano in the Virunga massif, standing at 3,507 meters above sea level. A 2-day Mt Karisimbi hike takes you to the summit of this tall Volcano. The slopes of Mt Karisimbi shelter the endangered mountain gorillas and many other primates, plus birds.
Conclusively, primate trekking in Rwanda is worth doing. A close encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys is the best wildlife experience you will live to remember. Book now with Africa Tours Adventure for a memorable experience.