How to Book Permits in Nyungwe National Park.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is the largest conservation area in Rwanda covering an area space if approximately 1019 square kilometers of dense forest cover. It straddles the country’s border with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the forest comprises 13 species of primates, and is notable for the chimpanzee. The chimps are characterized by their social behaviors, intelligence with the ability to use tools, they are closest among all primates to mankind and in Rwanda they can only be seen in the Nyungwe forest national park. How to book permits involves attaining permits to participate in the chimpanzee tracking process or habituation.

Chimpanzee permits in the country are issued by the Rwanda Development Board, an umbrella that manages the national parks of Rwanda, the permits are provided to allow tourists to enjoy a guided chimpanzee tour in the forest through its well-distributed trails, Chimpanzee tracking is allowed to every traveler for as long as they are not below the age of 15 years, the activity begins at the park headquarters with a briefing from the rangers, in groups of 10 members you will be guided into the forest, it takes 2-4 hours in search of the chimpanzee, upon finding them an hour is allowed to interact, take pictures and enjoy the moment after which you are guided back to the starting point en route it is possible to meet other primates or even mammals that exist in the forest region.

Rwanda permit is a one-off use and can be issued to individuals, groups, or families, the Rwanda board allows travelers to buy permits on different dates a Rwanda chimpanzee permit costs $90 for foreign non-residents, $60for foreign residents, and East African residents get to pay $10. There are only 2 habituated chimpanzee families in the Nyungwe Forest National Park one in the Cyamudongo forest and the other in the Uwinka sector, a group of only 10 tourists is allowed per chimpanzee family per day hence a few limited permits 20 per day it would be advisable to book permits before the time of tracking to avoid missing out.

How to book permits in Rwanda is directly through the Rwanda Development Board, from their website, or through a Rwanda domestic ground handler, to start the process you ought to first obtain valid documents to access the country at large, these include a valid passport, confirmed itinerary,visa and any other important items of travel. It is important to issue valid information for a correct document.

Chimpanzee tracking can be done all year round but is best during the dry season between June- and early September and December – February, the trails are much drier and easier to access, and it is a busy tourist season for even other travellers going to the other conservation areas hence expect to be with other guests during the trekking. What to pack for the chimpanzee safari includes hiking boots, insect repellants, and waterproof covers for phones and cameras to mention a few.

In conclusion, visiting the Nyungwe Forest National Park can be combined with other visits to Volcanoes National Park to experience Mountain gorillas or wildlife of the Akagera National Park.