Rwanda is undeniably, a land of primates. Actually, for the past several years, primate trekking in Rwanda has become so popular being the top travel experience drawing thousands of travelers to this land of a thousand hills. Its rare for one to visit Rwanda without visiting any of the primates in this small country. Visiting to trek primates in Rwanda is a lifetime that no traveler on Rwanda safaris should miss out. Rwanda Development Borad is responsible for the conservation of primates in Rwanda. African Apes Tours & Travel brings you a list of the MUST visit primates in Rwanda. These include among others:
Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla Beringei Beringei)
Enjoy Rwanda gorilla trek to Volcanoes National Park for a face-to-face encounter with the endangered primates. Since the time of Dian Fossey, gorilla trekking in Rwanda has become famous and a top bucket list for most travelers on Rwanda Safaris. Located in North Western Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif. The latest gorilla statists in Rwanda indicate that over 400 mountain gorillas live in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. Over 20 gorilla families live in this park but only 20 groups are habituated for trekking while the other 8 gorilla families in Rwanda are reserved for research purposes. All travelers trekking gorillas in Rwanda are required to have gorilla permits to allow the visit these endangered species. Each Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1500 since 2017. This money is paid by all travelers both foreign nonresidents, foreign residents, East African citizens and Rwanda nationals. The high cost of Rwanda gorilla safaris has made this small country a luxury gorilla tour destination compared to the neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda gorilla permit bookings can be done through African Apes Tours or direct with Rwanda Development Board, the conservation body in Rwanda. The 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park are Amahoro, Hirwa, Karisimbi, Susa A, Sabinyo, Kwitonda, Ugenda, Bwengye, Agashya, Karisimbi, Titus & Muhoza gorilla families. Each group is visited by 8 people, which guarantee availability of 96 gorilla permits each day. Each gorilla family is unique in its own way in terms of location, history of formation, the number of family members and the social characters. The other places to see mountain gorillas in Africa are Virunga Park in Congo, Mgahinga Forest and Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Rwanda gorilla safaris range from 1 Day Rwanda gorilla trek, to over 5 days which include double trekking
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes),
Chimpanzees are yet another interesting primate in Rwanda! Do not miss close encounters with the endangered chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park located in south western Rwanda. A total of over 500 chimpanzees live in the rain forest of Nyungwe Forest. Its only in Nyungwe that travelers on Rwanda safaris get a chance to see face to face with the endangered chimps which share over 99% of human genes making them close relatives to human beings. You can either trek in the main forest of Nyungwe or in the nearby Cyamudongo Forest which was detached from Nyungwe by deforestation. Interestingly, a trek to see chimpanzees is less costly compared to mountain gorilla trekking. Each chimpanzee permit in Nyungwe Forest costs $60 for foreign nonresidents, and $60 for foreign residents. In most cases, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is accompanied by canopy walk which offer you great aerial views of the Forest and the Virunga Volcanoes. Travelers can therefore choose to either trek chimps in Nyungwe or the Cyamudongo Forest according to the availability of permits. A 3 Days Rwanda chimpanzee trekking tour offers you chance to see chimpanzees and also canopy walk.
Golden Monkeys
Scientifically called Cercopithecus Mitis Kanti, golden monkeys are also interesting primates to see in Rwanda. These lively and playful creatures are live alongside mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park which give travelers chance to trek two primates on a single Rwanda safari. Two troops of golden monkeys have been habituated for trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Like other primates, you require a permit to see golden monkeys at $100 each permit. The trek to meet golden monkeys is not as strenuous as trekking gorillas which make It easier for the unfit travelers. A permit to see golden monkeys’ costs $100 per person but its worth it.
Other primates to see in Rwanda
Black and White Colobuses
Vervet Monkeys
Grey Cheeked Mangabeys
Red tailed Monkeys
Blue Monkeys
Hamlyn’s Monkey
L Hoests Monkey
Dent’s Mona Monkey
Crowned Monkeys
Other things to see and do in Rwanda
Besides primates trekking, Rwanda offers many interesting experiences for travelers. The other things to see and do in Rwanda include:
Game Viewing: This is done in Akagera National Park located in Eastern Rwanda. Enjoy guided day and night game drives to see the big five and other wild animals in this savannah Park. Game Viewing in Akagera is done alongside boat ride at Lake Ihema to make a complete package
Mountain climbing: Enjoy Mountain climbing to Mt Karisimbi and Mt Bisoke for a adventure Rwanda safari. The 2 Days Mt Karisimbi hike offers you chance to conquer the highest volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area while a 1 Day Mt Bisoke hike is best for short time hikers.
Kigali City Tour: Explore the beautiful and clean Kigali city on your Kigali city tour with African Apes Tours & Travel. The city id a getaway to all travel destinations in Rwanda hence the first and last place to explore on your Rwanda safari. Kigali city has been ranked as the cleanest city in Africa with clean streets, less traffic and general ambiance. Some of the places to visit in Kigali include Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali genocide memorial Centre, Presidential Palace, Local Markets and Art galleries among others.
Cultural Tour: Do not miss a cultural tour to explore Rwanda’s local community and traditional life. A visit to the Iby’iwacu cultural center gives you chance to meet and interact with locals. A cultural tour in Rwanda introduces you to Rwanda’s traditions, norms, beliefs and customs.
In conclusion, primate trekking is not a miss o your Rwanda safari. Travel with African Apes Tours and explore the natural beauty of Rwanda.