Best time to go Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda – Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is open for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda all year round, however, there is always the best time to go tracking. The best time is especially the most preferable time to choose chimpanzee trekking for better experiences like spotting the chimps. Generally, hiking and spotting other primates in the Nyungwe forest is best during the dry season when the trails are drier and can offer easy hiking experiences. These are the months of June to September. However, the best time to go chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park is in the wet months from October to May.
- October to February are the excellent months for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.
- June to September being the general best time to visit Rwanda, the park may be crowded with tourists. Good time for those who want to combine the trek with Rwanda gorilla tours in Volcanoes National Park.
- March, April, May, October, and November are the rainy season months and the peak of rains.
About Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe forest stretch of the montane rain forest is the largest in Africa which makes it home to several flora and fauna species. These include over 400 chimpanzees and 13 primate species. For the purposes of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, two chimpanzee communities (groups) have been habituated (made familiar to human presence). These two groups live in both Nyungwe and Cyamudongo forests, about 60 individuals and 30 chimpanzees respectively.
Important Tips on Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe
- The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking is 15 years
- A permit should be purchased before if an individual wish to have the chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect your skin from bites and scratches in the forest.
- It is recommended to carry a jacket or raincoat since it can easily rain during the trek.
- Wear waterproof boots or hiking shoes to protect your feet from bruises.
- Carry insect repellent