Gorilla trekking is the highlight of Rwanda tourism and can be done at Volcanoes national park. However, mountain gorillas are not the only attraction you will see in Rwanda. The country is also a home to another great ape’s member in chimpanzees. Chimpanzees are closely related to human with their DNA related to human by 98.7 percent.
How different is gorilla trekking from chimpanzees
Chimpanzee trekking experience is entirely different from the one of the mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are trekked as they are sitting within their habitats. However, chimpanzees are more mobile and trekked as they are jumping all over the trees. The normal number of people trekking chimpanzees does not differ from that of gorillas as still the maximum number is capped at 8 people
Where to find chimpanzees in Rwanda?
Chimpanzees can be trekked in two Rwanda national parks. One being Nyungwe National Park, and another one is the less known Gishwati-Mukura National Park. Other than chimpanzees, you will also be able to spot other primates like colobus monkey during your trekking. You will also have a chance to meet other wildlife species.
The cost of Chimpanzee permits in Rwanda
For the normal chimpanzee trekking permit the price is 250 dollars per person. You will be a maximum of 8 people to trek one family of chimpanzee. If you need an exclusive private chimpanzee trekking safari, you will need to part ways with 2000 dollars and you will allocate a family that you will trek on a particular either as an individual or with your close relatives/ friends if you do not exceed the maximum number per group of 8 people
Why you should opt for an exclusive private chimps trekking
- The client will be briefed from the comfort of their hotel other than going early in the morning to the park headquarters for the briefing.
- You will be able to select a Chimpanzee family of your choice that you wish to trek
- You are free to choose the family of your choice at any moment after confirming the exclusive private chimpanzee trekking but before the day of trekking.
- During the trekking you will not be joined by other people unless its you who have selected them
- The briefing will be done while enjoying your breakfast
- You can choose your loved to join you on the trek if you wish to
- You will be assigned a private guide and rangers during your safari
When to go for an exclusive private chimpanzee trekking
Like normal chimpanzee trekking, even the exclusive chimpanzee trekking can be done throughout the year. However, the best time should be the dry season from June to September and December to March. Though, if you are to come during that time of the year, you have to plan early enough as that is the peak season. During this time the permits tend to be limited which might lead to disappointments
Point to note
An exclusive private chimpanzee trekking does not violet the general trekking rules and guidelines. It does only give you a chance to ensure that you enjoy you once in a lifetime experience within your comfort without the interruption of other strangers. This service is a high-end service but must arranged in advance. This is done to ensure that on a chosen day there will be an availability of 8 unallocated permit out of the 24 permits the park issue per day.
Conclusion
Unlike the normal chimps trekking, the exclusive private chimpanzee trekking will offer you a chance to be assigned a whole gorilla family for the day. This chimp family will only be trekked by you or maybe with your close relatives for that day. On top of that the package will come with your private guide and ranger to take you the chimpanzee and all you will need to know.