Rwanda offers you exceptional primate trekking experience that lasts for a lifetime. The land of thousand hills is naturally blessed with the highest number of primates hence the premier destination to meet and interact with these primates. Primate trek allows travellers to spend one hour in the presence of primates. Primate trek experience entails:

Chimpanzees trekking

Done in Nyungwe National Park, Chimpanzee trekking is a better way to see, interact, and learn more about chimpanzees, the closest relatives of human beings. Starting from RDB offices in Gisakura, chimps trekking a fun activity done in the natural forest and you should not miss it. For many people, gorilla trekking is the driving force of coming to Rwanda, however, there is a lot to do more than that and you can see a lot in this country than just the famous mountain gorillas. Chimpanzees offers an equal fantastic experience for a fraction of the cost and fun linking close to the primates with DNA closer to that of human beings.

Mountain gorilla trekking

This activity take place in Volcanoes National Park. This trek to finding the mountain gorillas will take you through very dense vegetation, on the narrow trails with the muddy and steep slopes. This search of these primates can last many hours since these primates move around in the thick undergrowth shifting deep into the forest at most of the times. Once these gorillas are found, the visitors enjoy them since these are used to human presence. Starting your gorilla safari, trekking the mountain gorilla safari starts so early in the morning, and driving to the boundary of the park for the general formalities before proceeding to the ranger’s station. The tour cars are usually left behind at the ranger station and the walk will start. The group also follows the instructions of the local ranger through farmlands and into the thick vegetation of Volcanoes National Park.

It’s also known that one collective noun for gorillas is a whoop, the rangers will tell you about the real family of the mountain gorillas you are to trek. This will also give you the history as well as sharing in depth the knowledge about the mountain gorillas. The game rangers also trek to the real site where the gorillas were seen the past night and then trace their own movement from there to locate them for the visitors. These gorillas are also monitored daily which helps in keeping track of their locale, safety as well as healthy.

Golden monkey trekking experience

Go golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park starting at the same time 7:00 am just like gorillas. These rare species are also listed as endangered and Volcanoes national park currently has two habituated golden monkeys’ troops that are available for visiting by tourists in the park, both of which make about 80 members. Golden monkeys in Rwanda live in the bamboo vegetation towards the base of the volcanoes and trekking has helped them to overcome their initial shyness to accept their daily visit by researchers and tourists.

Trekking golden monkeys and gorillas is a similar experience – in a small group of no more than eight people, and you can spend one hour with the monkeys once you find them. The endangered species are very active creatures, and jump from tree to tree which is really interesting and a little difficult to photograph.

What to bring on your Gorilla Safari

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
• Put on ear plugs for those who feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds.
• Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water.
• Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable) and insect repellent.
• Bring a photo of film camera. Using flashlight is not permitted so we recommend using
• films of 400-800 ASA.

Hiring a porter,

Travelers are advised to hire porters if possible. Porters are local people who help to carry traveler’s bags to and from the jungle at a cost of $10-15. Besides carrying bags, porters can help to support travelers by holding their hands in the slippery forest grounds. Hiring a porter is an indirect way of supporting local livelihoods and improves the standards of living for local people.

How long does it take?

Whether trekking gorillas, chimpanzees or golden monkeys, the experience of being with them last for one hour. However, the actual time to spend in the jungle depends on the location of these primates and their speed of movements. Travelers can, therefore, spend several hours before meeting the primates. Primate trekking experience is an exceptional primate encounter.

Book a trekking trip, spend more time with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys in their natural habitats and enjoy this memorable encounter.