Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Vs Kibale
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Vs Kibale : Are you thinking visiting Africa to see chimpanzees and are unsure whether Rwanda or Uganda is the better options for trekking? Let’s compare the chimpanzee trekking experience in Rwanda and Uganda.
Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Rwanda is done in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The park is known for being one of the Africa’s oldest rainforests, is a beautiful and biodiverse area that is home to over 12 species of primates, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic, Angolan Colobus monkeys, Owl-faced monkey to the Albertine Rift and wildlife.
With Uganda having a great number of chimpanzee individuals found in Kibale Forest National Park as well as a gentle slope compared to the steep slope for Nyungwe Forest National Park, it is so much easier to trek chimpanzees in Uganda, especially in Kibale National Park than trekking chimpanzees in Rwanda in Nyungwe forest.
When you trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, you have the chance to see some remarkable behavior, like chimps posing like humans, which can create unforgettable memories—something you may not witness in Nyungwe.
Chimpanzee trekking is better in Uganda because in Uganda you can trek chimpanzees in different places that is Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge and Kalinzu forest among others which is much cheaper compared to Rwanda.
Kibale Forest National Park is famous for having the largest number of chimpanzees in Uganda, with over 1,500 individuals. Along with chimpanzees, visitors can also spot nocturnal creatures like bushbabies and potto, as well as Olive baboons, lack-and-White Colobus Monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Blue Monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, Vervet Monkeys and Red Colobus Monkeys. Bird watchers will appreciate Kibale too, with over 335 bird species recorded. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale can be done in the morning or afternoon, depending on the permit you choose and your travel plans.
The cost of chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park vs Kibale Forest National Park
When it comes to Chimpanzee Trekking, both Uganda and Rwanda offer great opportunity, but lets’ break down the details regarding permit and costs. In Nyungwe forest national park, you’ll need to pay $150 for a chimpanzees permit and an additional $100 for park entrance fee making it a total of $250 for the experience. Interestingly, this same total applies to trekking Chimpanzee Kibale Forest National Park.
If you’re interested in Nyungwe, you can book your Chimpanzee permits at the reception center, through the Rwanda Development Board or even more easily via a tour operator. While it’s possible to obtain permits on the day of your trek, it’s wise to book ahead to ensure you secure your safari.
For Kibale forest, National Park, you can book chimpanzee permits at the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters, directly at the park or also through a tour operator in advance. This way, you’ll be all set for your adventure with the chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
What is the best time for Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and Kibale Forest National Park?
The best time for chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is from June to October and December to March during this time it is a dry season in Uganda with mild rainfall making it easy for Chimpanzee trekking in the Forest, as well during this time the vegetation is not fully grown and it is easy for viewing the chimpanzees offering great sights for photographs. During the other months of April, May and November which is normally a wet season this makes the vegetation grow high making the sightings unclear. However, during this time, the treks tend to be shorter given the fact chimpanzees don’t move further distances looking for food, food is readily available. Regardless of when you choose to go, chimpanzee trekking in both parks is well organized and has a 99% chance of successfully seeing these amazing primates throughout the year.
How to access Nyungwe Forest National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking
By Road; You can reach to Nyungwe Forest National Park by taking a drive from can Kigali. The journey usually takes around 5-6 hours drive. Alternatively, you can as well access the park through Kigali-Gisenyi highway, from Kivu you will connect to the Nyungwe Forest with 1-2 hours drive.
By Air; If you prefer to fly, you can take a flight from Kigali International Airport to Rusizi/Kamembe airport which is 55km/34mi from Rusizi from here you will transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Scheduled and chartered flights are available and operated by domestic airline operators.
How to access Kibale Forest National Park for Chimpanzee Trekking
By Road: To reach Kibale Forest National Park, you can take a drive from Entebbe or Kampala to Fort Portal, which usually takes about 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take the Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese road. Once you get to Kasese, it’s another 1 to 2 hours to the park.
By Air; You can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala’s Kajjansi airfield to Kasese airstrip from here you will transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. There are both scheduled and charter flights provided by local airlines like Aero Link and Fly Uganda. Be sure to arrange transportation from the airstrip to Kibale Forest National Park with your tour operator.
Where to stay during Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
There are many accommodation options in Nyungwe Forest National Park where you can stay during your Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park these range from budget, mid-range to luxury let us know we will book for you accordingly. Some of the accommodations options here include, Nyungwe Eco village, Nyungwe Nziza ecolodge, Kitabi eco-center, Nyungwe Forest lodge, one &only Nyungwe house, Nyungwe top view hotel, golden monkey hotel and Mariah hill resort among other
Where to stay during Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
There are many accommodation options in Kibale Forest National Park where you can stay during your Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park these range from budget, mid-range to luxury let us know we will book for you accordingly. Some of the accommodations here includes, Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kibale Forest Camp, kibale home stay, chimpanzee forest guest house, turaco tree top lodge, primate lodge, papaya lake lodge among others.
