Chimpanzee Tracking Age in Rwanda (Who is Permited To Go?)

What is the minimum age for chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda?

Rwanda is an intimate small country and yet incredibly blessed with nature; When planning an adventurous trip to Rwanda, one of the most amazing things to do is the chimpanzee tracking, it takes place only in the Nyungwe Forest National Park the conservation area a known home to 13 primate species, besides the chimpanzee, other types like colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey checked mangabey, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys are present in the park and over 300 species of birds. It is important when thinking of a trip here to understand the guidelines of tracking chimpanzees for the safety of both visitors and the primates. One of the most important is the minimum age of participants.

What is the minimum age for Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda is commonly asked by travelers with families that include younger children of Age, it is wise when planning for a trip, the minimum age of tracking is strictly enforced by the Rwanda Development Board(RDB), to ensure safety of participants and primates from a lot of factors majorly diseases, the minimum age is 15 years, because the trek can be strenuous, requires navigating through the dense forest, which may be challenging to younger children. It is also to make sure that the children maintain a minimum noise during the tracking, which is rare for younger children.

Chimpanzees have been scientifically proven to share up to 98% of the human DNA, they catch similar diseases as people which makes both parties vulnerable to communicable diseases such as flu, these are common in children as well and mostly they struggle to use wearing masks, keeping distance and being quiet when in the park, this only increases the risk during tracking that is why only 15 years and above is allowed.

Physical fitness is another reason why children below 15 years may find it difficult to track. The terrain of the park is steep and muddy, the trails are slippery, and walking in the forest for 2-3 hours is as much of a challenge as an adult can manage; it’s tough for the kids. It also aids in minimizing risk, including getting lost in the forest, falling, and so many related issues.

As mentioned, travelers with younger children can engage in different activities that the park has to offer, including guided forest walks. These are tailored to meet the demands of all ages. Accompanied by game rangers, they are mostly focused on other primate species, which you will encounter en route, birds, insects, and butterflies, which interest the children.

Community visits, which enhance the understanding of the Rwandan culture, allow traditional performers to perform their traditional songs, tell you stories of the past dance, and also meet the hospitable Rwanda Artisans. The Kitabi Cultural Village is one of the most visited. It is non-hiking and interactive, fun, and educational for children.

The canopy walk also has age restrictions, as children below 6 years of age are not permitted. If travelers have kids aged 6-14 years, this would be a perfect replacement for chimpanzee tracking. The walk involves passing a suspended bridge about 50-70 meters, which is highly determined by the confidence of the child. The bridge begins with a walk through a forest, which is a good thing for children of these ages to experience, and only for those who are comfortable with heights. While participating in these activities, children must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian.

A visit to the Gisakura Tea Estate is an incredible activity for the children. Through the fields, they get to see how tea is picked, taste fresh tea, and it is an interactive activity for children.