Track the Chimps of Cyamudongo

Chimpanzee tracking is one of the main reasons for a trip to Nyungwe Forest National Park. This Park is situated in the southwestern part of Rwanda, part of its area is occupied by the famous Nyungwe Forest.
Tracking sessions usually start at Gisakura Reception Centre. Tourists meet here with ranger guides as early as 4:30 am and at 5:00 am you start the drive to Chamudongo starting point.

Trackers are usually the first to go and locate where these primates spent their night, they usually trace for the chimp nests and after they will communicate with the ranger guides via radio calls. After discovering the presence of the Chimpanzees, tourists are allowed to follow their movements in a quiet mode for some time. Within this period, you get to observe them as they are feeding, laughing or playing with colleagues.
These primates also communicate by way of deafening screams, loud hoots and booming hitting of the tree barks. It’s such a hair-rising moment like no other and so memorable.

The habituated group of Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park consist of over sixty individuals giving chance for every tourist to at least sight some of the members.
It is always advised to keep your voice at a low tone while in the Jungle, Chimpanzees are very active and ever jumping from one tree to another. Be quiet and avoid scaring them, they may hide out.
Nyungwe Forest is home to over 13 primate species, therefore it is no wonder that you will be exposed to other primates like L’Hoest monkeys, vervet monkeys and more while in the Jungle.

This activity is exciting for anyone enthusiastic about primates, but it is not free of charge. You must buy a chimpanzee tracking permit from the Rwanda Development Board. This permit costs USD 90 per person, and it is valid for use by one person on the respective travel dates.
After the tracking, you will embark on the Safari vehicle for a scenic drive back to the lodge near the Gisakura Reception Centre. Have lunch and relax after a long drive, wait for dinner and overnight at the lodge.