Primate Safaris in Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the famous safari destinations for primate safaris, especially for mountain gorilla trekking safaris. Rwanda is located in East Africa, neighboring some of the famous African safari countries like Tanzania, and Uganda. The Country is known for its incredible wildlife and the unique opportunity to go on primate-tracking safaris. Primate Safaris in Rwanda allows travelers to explore various safari locations in Rwanda while sightseeing various primate species. Rwanda is home to a diverse range of primate species, though it is most famous for mountain gorillas.

Primate Safaris in Rwanda are tours that are designed to offer travelers the ultimate experience of primate tracking, where they will be able to trek several primate species like Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys among others. Acacia Safaris Limited has well-crafted primate trekking packages for Rwanda that will surely offer you unbeatable experiences in the wild Africa.

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Rwanda’s Primates – Primate Safaris in Rwanda

Rwanda is home to a number of primate species including:

Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) – Primate Safaris in Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the few places in the world where mountain gorillas can be seen in the wild. There are approximately 1000 individuals in the Virunga Massif, a range that straddles Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the most famous primate trekking activity that you shouldn’t miss out on while on Rwanda safaris.

Primate Safaris in Rwanda

Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda can be trekked at Volcanoes National Park, which is a few hours drive from Rwanda’s Capital, Kigali. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done all year round and travelers from all over the world can engage in this life-changing adventure. To trek gorillas in Rwanda, there a few things that a traveler should have, and Acacia Safaris Limited will ensure that you obtain all the necessary information and documents for your gorilla trekking tour – from the gorilla trekking permits to all other necessities that you will need. Plan your gorilla trekking safari with us for the best experience in Rwanda.

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) – Primate Safaris in Rwanda

Chimpanzees are by far the second most trekked primates in Rwanda after mountain gorillas. Chimpanzees are found in the Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park in Rwanda. The most popular chimpanzee trekking location in Rwanda is Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to about 400 chimpanzees.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the southern part of Rwanda. There is a large population of chimpanzees in the forest with troops that have been habituated for chimpanzee trekking adventures. You can trek the habituated troops in Nyungwe main forest or at the Cyamudongo which is a small patch of forest that is located in the eastern part of the Nyungwe National Park.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe usually starts from three main reception centers of Kitabi, Uwinka (main center), and Gisakura. While in these centers, tourists will meet experienced ranger guides that will guide them during their chimpanzee trekking adventures.

Golden monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti)

Golden monkeys are a rare species that are endangered at the moment and they are currently found in the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda. The species can easily be recognized due to the yellow patches that can be seen all over their bodies.

They are also known as ‘the Old World monkey’. The only thing that separates this primate species from others is their noses. There is a unique character about the golden monkeys and that is most of the monkeys have their nostrils pointing to the sides but if you look closely at the golden monkeys, their nostrils face upwards. There are about 5000 of these monkeys living in the region.

Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda takes place in the Volcanoes National Park which is found in the Virunga Mountains. The Experience has only one session per day which starts in the morning.

Other primates that can be tracked on Rwanda safaris include:

L’Hoest’s monkeys (Cercopithecus lhoesti): These primates are found in the Nyungwe Forest National Park, where they live in groups of 8-10 individuals.

Grey-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena): These monkeys are also found in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. They are known for their distinctive vocalizations.

Plan your primate adventure to Rwanda with Acacia Safaris Limited and experience the best jungle encounters today.