Gorillas and Chimpanzee tours to Rwanda are the most opted for trips especially to those travelers looking for a life-changing trip. With gorilla tracking acting as Rwanda’s leading tourism activity, there is no doubt that one will experience the best of nature while in the tropical rain forests of Volcanoes National Park where these primates live. Just like any other activity, gorilla tracking can also be combined with another activity in order to give a visitor an adverse feeling and chimpanzee trekking can be the best option. Although these two primates live in different national parks; gorillas found in Volcanoes National Park and Chimpanzees found in Nyungwe national Park, a combined itinerary that involve both activities is a success. It will only require that one stays at least two days in this East African country simply because every tour activity in Rwanda begins I the morning. This means that one has to stay in the country at least two nights in order to be able to catch up with the activities.
Gorillas of Rwanda live in the tropical rain forests of volcanoes. These are sometimes found crossing the boarders to Congo but this is rare. They are best seen in their natural habitats hiding in the thick forests feeding on the green plantations. The well demarcated tracks through the thick forests enable tourists to get closer to the gorillas wherever they are reducing the hustle to find them. It’s always a dream come true to spend an hour with a group of gorillas witnessing their way of living and also taking some clear photos with the friendly ones. At least 95% of the Rwanda gorilla safaris recorded last year where successful meaning that a trip to this land of a thousand hills is a sure deal to view the primates. One key thing to be noted by tourists intending to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda is that before one is allowed to view the primates, he/she is supposed to get a mountain gorilla trekking permit and this is issued by the Rwanda Tourism Board. This goes for USD700 per person per day. Due to the high competition associated with acquiring the permits in time, tourists are advised to use local operators who are on ground and can help them get the permits in time to avoid inconveniences.
When it comes to Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda, the adventure just gets better as one gets to meet man’s closest mammal. According to scientists, chimps are so close to human beings biologically and even their characteristics are identical to those of people. It is therefore interesting to view these great apes on a Rwanda holiday. These are found in the forests of Nyungwe national park which is 115km from Volcanoes National park.
But let’s ask ourselves; how would a short itinerary to Rwanda involving both gorilla and chimp trekking look like? The ideal itinerary starts with a morning transfer from Kigali the capital city of Rwanda to Volcanoes National Park. Reach early at the park and have breakfast, get briefed by well trained guides before going for gorilla trekking. You will go with parked lunch to trek the primates. This activity takes 5-8 hours and after you will return to the park headquarters and relax having a breathtaking view of the park. In the evening you will be transferred to Nyungwe National Park and you will check in your lodge for dinner and overnight. Wake up early the next day and have breakfast before going for chimpanzee trekking. Return later to the lodge for lunch and later get transferred to the airport in Kigali. That will be the end of the safari.