Gorilla tours ranked number one among all other tourist activities in Rwanda. Its not a surprise that Rwanda Gorilla permit goes to US$1500 but still on high demand. On the other hand, chimpanzee trips are the second thought after gorilla trekking. For that case, guests should complement the two activities while on their safari in Rwanda. Once you visit Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla trekking, add Nyungwe national park for chimpanzee trekking in order to make unforgettable trip.
Volcanoes National Park hosts ten habituated Gorilla families with unknown unhabituated ones. The park is situated in Musanze province situated in northern region. The park is dominated by bamboo vegetation which enables visitors take clear photos during gorilla trekking. The park is located 2 hours drive from Kigali International Airport/ Kigali city which makes it accessible.
Nyungwe National Park has a comparative advantage that, the park protects 13 primate species including chimpanzees- the highly demanded primate in the park. Other primates include Mona monkeys, velvet monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, owl faced monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, crowned monkeys, Olive baboon, Grey – checked mangabeys, Golden monkeys, Angolan Colobus Monkeys.
Why should you combine Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda?
There are several reasons for combing two primate trekking but in this article am going to tackle the major ones:
They are both primates but exhibits different characters – for more information, chimpanzees are more intelligent than Gorillas. The chimps are capable of using tools like sticks, stone, pea ponds among others during their day to day activities. For that case, its better to visit Gorillas and chimpanzees to study about their unique and amazing characteristics.
Gorillas form families just like human beings – the well-organized animal family is the gorilla family. Once you visit them, you will testify. On the other hand, chimps move in communities and troops but not as organized as those of the Gorillas. For that case, its better to visit both to make comparison.
Chimpanzee are more intelligent – they can be trained about domestic behaviours just like dogs in homes. The high level of intelligence exhibited by the chimps attracts a large number of people. Chimpanzees share 99% DNA with human being. On the other hand, it is believed that humans share 98 percent identical in their sequences to gorillas. So that means most of our genes are very similar, or even identical to, the gorilla version of the same gene. For that case, its true to say that Gorillas and chimpanzee are our cousin and encountering both of them is a memorable event.
Rwanda chimpanzee trekking is cheap at US$90 per trek while Gorilla trekking pass cost US$1500. When you visit Rwanda for Gorilla trekking, its better to add the cheap chimpanzee trekking as well.
Rwanda offers discounted Gorilla permit if you prove that you are visiting other parks. For that cost your Gorilla permit will be discounted to 1050 which is 30% discount of the normal price US$1500 per permit per person per trek. For the case of saving, its better to visit both Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla trekking and Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking.
Rwanda chimpanzee trekking is done in tropical rain forest while Gorilla trekking in Bamboo forest. The difference in vegetation attracts guest to engage both Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking to enjoy the two atmospheres.
Below is an itinerary, combing Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking
Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport – You will be welcomed by our professional safari guide/ driver – transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking.
Day 5: Return to Kigali airport – Evening Departure OR stay in Kigali.
End of the trip
