Chimpanzee and Colobus Monkey Trekking in Nyungwe: Founded in the southern parts of Rwanda, the Nyungwe Forest National Park is among the most precious natural resources concerned with different aspects of primates. Some of the most preferred propositions include chimp tracking as well as colobus monkey tracking. When these two adventures have been taken, then one is able to have a balanced and informative take on the wildlife in one of the oldest rainforests in Africa.
Introducing Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the crowned jewels of the Rwandan conservation endeavor because it contains plant and animal species and species of conservation value. Trekking in this park is easier since the flora cover is mainly wet and has a dense canopy to boot; aside from that, the general setting of the park is not influenced by human activity, as it is largely pristine and has quite a healthy number of primate creatures roaming around. It has tracks that go through the vegetation and one can sometimes see wildlife and the wonders and the grandeur of Mother Nature.
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe
One of the attractions of the park according to many tourists is the ability to trek the chimps in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park is also well known for the Chimps that are trekked in the early morning. On trekking, one will have a glorious chance to have contact with these apes in their natural environment which is rare.
The Trekking Experience
Chimpanzee trekking is mostly done in the morning with the trekkers joining their respective guides at around 5 o’clock in the morning. This early start makes it possible for the visitor to have a high chance of coming across the chimpanzees since they are most probably at their most productive in the cool hours of the day. These guides being experienced and well informed on the behaviors and living environment of those chimpanzees enhance the interest of the trek by offering information on the same.
Observing Chimpanzees
Often when the chimpanzees are found, the trekkers are allowed a view of how they feed, interact, and even signal. The meeting gives a rather different and to some extent marginalized perspective to the social conduct and very being of these smart hominids. Chimpanzees are very early in the morning and then rest at mid-morning before going to play at lunchtime; visitors are allowed to spend with the chimpanzees about one hour but close proximity should not be allowed to avoid making the chimpanzees panic.
Nyungwe Colobus Monkey trekking
Apart from the chimpanzees, Nyungwe forest has other species of the Primates including the black and white colobus monkeys. In case you have an interest in tracking these primates, then colobus monkey trekking is another event of similar but different interest.
The Trekking Experience
As such, therefore, colobus monkey trekking is relatively easier than chimpanzee trekking and therefore could be done by many individuals. A trek can be in the morning or in the afternoon and the guides are the people, which take you to the forest. Guenon is a large species of monkey having long and silky tails and is commonly found in large groups. As for this type of guenon, the black and white colobus monkeys are the best example.
Observing Colobus Monkeys
Seeing a troop of colobus monkeys is really a good view, it is really nice to look at. They have black and white overcoats and are known to have free-moving action. That is how they move from one branch to another and how they interact with the other chimpanzees makes a good study of their lives and interaction within the group.
Combining the Two Treks
When chimpanzee tracking is done in the morning and followed by colobus monkey tracking in the afternoon, this gives a much better impression of the park apart from the primate L and biodiversity of the park.
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrival at Nyungwe Forest National Park where you will be expected and get ready for the thrill that is in store for you.
- Day 2: You will go for chimpanzee tracking in the morning as you take a nature walk in the parks in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Pay a visit to the Colobus monkey trek and in the afternoon other extended activities or just an addition of leisure time.
Preparing for the Treks
- Permits: Obtain the permit for climbing the Chimpanzee and also a colobus monkey tracking prior to your visit to the country.
- Fitness Level: In this activity, you have to be moderately fit and relatively active as this is not a laid-back activity and requires some level of exertion.
- Gear: As for the clothing, it is better to dress freely and sportily; the preferred type of shoe is a pair of comfortable trekkers; one should take warm clothing; it would be advisable to carry some provisions such as rain gear, binoculars, and a camera.
Other activities that can be done in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a variety of other activities and attractions to enhance your visit:
- Canopy Walk: This canopy walkway here provides anyone with a bird’s eye view, not to mention the beauty of it.
- Bird Watching: Nyungwe is indeed a paradise for the ornithologist who will have over 300 different types of birds to observe in this region most of which are endemic to this region.
- Waterfalls: Trek to the park waterfalls and although there are several, perhaps the most standard one is the Isumo Waterfall; and for that, a shower, is very much deserved.
- Nature Walks: Take a walking tour of a nature trail and be enlightened on the different aspects of the forest with special regard to the different fauna and flora.
Chimpanzee and Colobus Monkey Trekking in Nyungwe: Conclusion
When it comes to merging there cannot be a better way to explore chimps and other primates at the same time in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The experience of being able to see such great animals in their natural habitat, the beauty of the park, and of course the wildlife, is something that cannot be washed out. The big moment of any adventurist’s day in Nyungwe could be the early morning forest walk in search of chimpanzees or the flight of the black and white colobus monkeys.
