When it comes to primate safaris, Rwanda is one of the best destinations to visit in Africa. This small country offers one of the greatest wildlife experiences and many travelers come to Rwanda specifically to meet the primates in their natural environment. Rwanda is much known for its primate species that include gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National Park, wild treks that involve small groups of tourists moving deep into the forest during the search of these primates. A unique experience with the primate species involves spending some quality time with the wild chimpanzees in their natural settings within Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Rwanda Primates
Gorillas are the second closest relative of man after the chimpanzees which shares almost 98% of human genes. Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and the golden monkeys are the key primate species that visitors look for while in Rwanda. Sometimes the treks to find these apes is challenging since it may involve passing through thick and muddy forest with a lot of stinging plants, so a reasonable degree of fitness is needed as well as tracking gears.
Mountain Gorilla Safaris
Mountain gorillas are the most sought after primate species in Rwanda. These endangered species are only found in three countries worldwide; the other two being Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorilla tracking is the leading adventure that attracts tourists to Rwanda and today the country is the most popular destination for gorilla tracking.
The story of mountain gorillas cannot end without mentioning Diane Fossey a prominent researcher and primatologist who made Rwanda very popular since he studied and habituated the behaviors of these giants to human standards that they can be met safely in their natural habitat deep into the forest without any danger caused to human. This American iron lady built her research center in Karisoke Mountain, a place she called home for over 18 years. At the research center, she conducted extensive research into the gorilla world. Unfortunately she was killed by poachers in 1885 and buried near her friend gorilla digit. During her life, she worked hard in saving the mountain gorillas from human diseases as well as sneers set by poachers.
The country developed gorilla tourism following sustainable tourism guidelines. The activity is regulated in a way that there is a limited number of tourists allowed to visit the park. Following the carrying capacity concept, only 8 tourists are allowed to track a habituated gorilla family. Currently, there are only ten habituated gorilla families in the Volcanoes National Park thus only 80 gorilla permits are available per day. Given the limited number of gorilla permits, prospective travelers are advised to book their gorilla tours as early as possible – many guidebooks recommend 6 months.
Chimpanzee Tours
Chimpanzees is another thought after primate species Rwanda houses, they are habituated in Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwestern part of Rwanda about 7 hours’ drive from Kigali. Chimps are the closest relative to human and they are habituated to human standard that they can be tracked safely in their natural habitat. They are tremendous fun to watch when jumping from one tree to another. Tracking time takes about 1-6 hours and only one hour is allowed to stay with them once they are met, study their behaviors as well as taking photography. Nyungwe forest national park is a home to 13 species of primates others primates include the black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, grey checked mangbay, red tailed monkeys, and many others. Indeed primate safaris dominates many other safari activities in Rwanda, many other activities are just a complement to primate safaris especially mountain gorillas. Prepare your next primate safaris to Rwanda with us for a better experience.