The Cost of a Chimpanzee Permit at Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda.
Cost of the Chimpanzee Permit at Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the most sought-after places in Rwanda when it comes to experiencing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The forest is among the oldest rainforests of East Africa, believed to have existed from ice age, it is home to not only the chimpanzee but also other primate species like olive baboons, colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys to mention a few and over 300 species of birds 27 of which are endemics of the Albertine Rift valley region, when planning a trip to Nyungwe it is important to understand the cost of the chimpanzee permit in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The park is managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) as a way of protecting the endangered species living within the park. It was gazetted in 2004, covering an area of approximately 1,019 square kilometres and is home to 13 types of primates, chimpanzee tracking is the primary activity with over 500 individuals of primates living in the park, 2 groups offer the chimpanzee tracking experience that starts at the Uwinka visitor center with a morning briefing about how to conduct your self while in the presence of the habituated troops, it takes 2-4 hours walking in the Forest and an hour is allowed while with the primates to watch, enjoy them go about their day by day duties. Guests are allowed to take pictures without using flash photography. The tracking starts in the early morning at 5:00 am, when the primates are more active at dawn.
The chimpanzee permit is the official document offered by the board to allow visitors to track chimpanzees. The cost of the chimpanzee in Nyungwe Forest National Park this year is $150 per person for foreign non-residents, $75 foreign residents, while East African citizens pay RWF 10,000. The chimpanzee tracking is more affordable compared to Rwanda Gorilla trekking and yet offers a memorable epic experience.
Booking a chimpanzee tracking permit in Rwanda can be done directly through the Rwanda development board (RDB) or through a licensed Rwanda domestic Tour operator, the fee covers several parts of the experience, including guides, conservation, and community support with projects.
When buying a chimpanzee permit, guests need to keep in mind that Nyungwe requires an additional park fee of $100 per person to cover the park entrance fees. The overall experience offers adventure and an opportunity to encounter more of what the forest has to offer.
Chimpanzee tracking can be done all year round, but is best during the dry season between the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. During this time, the trails of the forest are much drier with less rainfall, which makes tracking easier. The tracking requires some physical fitness as it involves walking up and down through the dense Forest.
Other things to do in Nyungwe Forest National Park include the famous canopy walk, through a 50-meter suspended bridge, community visits, guided nature walks, and waterfall hikes.
What to pack for a chimpanzee tracking safari includes proper hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, garden gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, cameras, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, hats, t-shirts, and any other important items of a personal nature.
Besides the Nyungwe Forest National Park, there are other locations in Rwanda, including Gishwati-Mukura National Park, where guests can have the opportunity to meet chimpanzees while in their natural habitat. The cost of the chimpanzee permit is standard for every conservation area.
In conclusion, it is wise to book chimpanzee permits in time to avoid missing out, especially during the dry season when tourism is at its peak.