Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park Safe?

Is Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park Safe: Yes, Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is absolutely safe.  Spending time with our closest genetic ancestors is a really humbling experience; made all the more meaningful by the effort required to get there. Chimpanzee trekking is arduous labour, but it’s well worth it when you stumble across a family of chimps gently preening, playing, and relaxing.

Chimpanzees are a fascinating animal to witness in the wild due to their very human behavior. Before venturing into Cyamudongo forest in search of chimpanzees, make sure you’re prepared by reading the information below.

Chimpanzees are humanity’s closest living cousins, sharing 98 percent of our DNA. They appear and act a lot like us, with long arms, opposable thumbs, black fur, and naked cheeks, palms, and soles. Perhaps this explains our long-standing fascination with these giant apes.

Chimpanzees are extremely social creatures that live in groups of 15 to 80 people. These groups, like gorillas, are led by a dominant male. Chimpanzees communicate using a sophisticated combination of body language, hoots, pants, and barks. They may move bipedally (two-legged) or quadrupedally (knuckle-walking). They can also move at high speeds over long distances through the woods, which is where they perform the majority of their eating.

Chimpanzees consume mostly fruits and other vegetation, although they are omnivores capable of digesting insects, eggs, meat, and even carrion. Their nutrition is nearly as diverse as the human diet.

Chimpanzees are also one of the few creatures on the planet that utilize tools, such as sticks and pebbles, to help in their hunt for food. Chimpanzees are well-known for digging out insects to eat with sticks and smashing open especially difficult fruits and nuts with rocks.

Male chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest national park may grow to be up to 1.7 meters tall and weigh up to 70 kg. Females are typically smaller and spend the majority of their adult life carrying their infants.

Best Time to do Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

While tracking chimps is feasible all year, the best time to view them is during the wet season. While the rain makes the journey less enjoyable, the quantity of water and food means that the chimps have to roam considerably less to get enough sustenance.

As a result, the rainy season is the greatest time to follow chimps. The rainy season varies depending on where you live. Rwanda has a brief wet season from October to November, and a lengthy wet season from mid-March to June.

How fit should One be when doing Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

It is impossible to anticipate how long you will be hiking before coming across a monkey family. Some hikers spend as little as 40 minutes before encountering gorillas, while others might spend up to seven hours.

As a result, it is suggested that all trekkers be in good physical and mental health. Because chimpanzees are vulnerable to many of the illnesses that affect people, you will not be allowed to go on a chimp walk if you are unwell.

What to pack for your chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

When embarking on your chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe Forest National Park, endeavour to pack warm clothing and rain protection gear. You will also need to pack sunscreen and insect repellent cream, hat/cap, long sleeve shirt and trousers, a waterproof jacket or raincoat, hiking boots, a backpack, binoculars, camera, batteries, a flashlight, and water bottle.

What to wear for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

The hike through the Cyamudongo forest in Nyungwe forest national park to see the chimpanzees can be difficult, so dress appropriately and comfortably for the journey.

Because of the harsh character of the terrain, it is recommended that you wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a decent pair of lightweight hiking boots to protect yourself from scratches. You may also want to wear protective gloves, while this is not required.

Because temperatures might change dramatically over the day, it’s also a good idea to carry a light jumper and a light, breathable rain jacket or poncho. You should also carry a small bag to keep additional clothing, drink, food, and your photographic equipment. You should wear neutral-colored, comfy clothes on your walk.

Rules and Regulations of Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Chimpanzees are still wild creatures, despite the fact that they occasionally appear and act like people. It is critical that trekkers observe the regulations outlined below to protect not only their own safety, but also the safety of the chimpanzees.

• At all times, you must obey all instructions given by your guide. Your guide knows the gorillas very well, and will direct you as to where it is safe to stand.
• It is important to keep a distance of at least 8 metres between you and the chimpanzees.
• Do not eat around the chimpanzees.
• Flash photography is prohibited during chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forest national park.
• No more than an hour is allowed with a chimpanzee group.
• Chimpanzees require a great deal of freedom to move about. Do not corner them.
• Children under the age of 15 are not permitted to go on a chimpanzee trek.

All in all; we cannot promise that you will see these creatures because they are wild. While the majority of parties do encounter a family group, we cannot issue refunds if you do not see the animals. The money collected is used to support the park’s continuing conservation initiatives.