The Great Apes in Rwanda: volcanoes national park

The great apes in Rwanda, found in Rwanda, are comprised of chimpanzees, gorillas, and monkeys. The primates and big Great apes of Rwanda are a major attraction for tourists each year, who visit the nation specifically to observe these magnificent creatures. The Primates and Great Apes of Rwanda inhabit Nyungwe Forest National Park, Gishwati Mukura National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.

The Great Apes of Rwanda

Chimpanzees

Chimpanzees belong to the Hominidae group. The two species of chimpanzees are the most closely related living relatives to humans, much more so than gorillas. The combined population of chimpanzees in Nyungwe forest and Cyamudongo woods is approximately 4000. The current fee for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park is $90. However, from January 2024 onwards, the cost of a chimpanzee permit in Nyungwe National Park will increase to $150 per person.
Chimpanzee trekking expeditions in Nyungwe forest national park often last for a duration of 4-6 hours, or possibly more, contingent upon the specific whereabouts of the chimpanzees. The woodland hike can be arduous, particularly after rainfall. Therefore, it is recommended that guests bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots.

Mountain gorillas

Among the current global population of mountain gorillas, which totals 1063, approximately 400 individuals can be found in Volcanoes National Park. Additional gorilla populations can be observed at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, as well as in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The cost of a gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1,500 and it may be reserved through a reputable tour operator such as cheap Rwanda Safaris.

Golden monkeys

The Great Apes in Rwanda: Golden monkeys belong to the primate family and are located at Volcanoes National Park. The monkey species in question is classified as endangered by the IUCN, which stands for the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Golden monkeys are also present in Virunga National Park in Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Golden monkeys weigh between 10 and 25 pounds and possess golden hair, cheeks, and tails. They also have black arms and legs, as well as crowns on their skulls and tail ends. Their habitat consists of bamboo forests, and they are a distinct subspecies of the blue monkey. The population of golden monkeys has not been quantified, but scientists hypothesize that they are experiencing a decrease in numbers and are not exhibiting growth in protected areas, in contrast to mountain gorillas, even though they inhabit higher elevations.

Black and white colobus monkeys

Black and white colobus monkeys are a commonly observed primate species that can be found at Nyungwe Forest National Park. The term ‘colobus’ originates from Greek and translates to ‘mutilated’, referring to the fact that these primates do not possess thumbs, which sets them apart from other primates. The group is comprised of 5-10 members, while Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to approximately 500 magistrates. These animals are highly visible on tree branches because to their distinctive black coloration, accompanied by long white hair extending from the shoulders to the rump, as well as white tufts at the tips of their long tails. Newborn infants have a complexion that is completely devoid of pigmentation.

Grey-cheeked Mangabey

The grey-cheeked Mangabey, also referred to as the white-cheeked Mangabey, is a species of Old-World monkey that inhabits the forests of East and Central Africa. Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda are some of the countries that are included. The grey-cheeked Mangabey can be observed in Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest national park. The grey-cheeked Mangabey is a primate with a dark-colored coat resembling that of a small, hairy baboon. The lion possesses a rufous/golden mane encircling its neck. The genders are comparable, with males being somewhat larger than females.The Great Apes Safari in Rwanda

Blue Monkey

The blue monkey, a species of Old-World monkey, inhabits Central and East Africa. Its range extends from the upper Congo River basin to the East African Rift, and it can be found as far south as northern Angola and Zambia. The subspecies of monkeys include the Sykes, silver, and golden monkeys.

Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest and Gishwati Mukura national parks are home to blue monkeys. The creature possesses little facial hair, resulting in occasional bluish hues, although it lacks the vibrant blue shade characteristic of a mandrill.

Blue monkeys have a length ranging from 50 to 65 cm, excluding their tail, which is nearly the same length as the rest of their body. Female blue monkeys weigh little over 4kg, while males can weigh up to 8kg. These organisms can be found in both evergreen and montane bamboo forests. They primarily inhabit the forest canopy, with infrequent visits to the ground. Their primary diet consists of fruit and leaves, however they may also ingest slower-moving invertebrates such as earthworms. Blue monkeys can be observed in Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes national parks.

What items should be included in the packing list for tracking great apes in Rwanda?

When embarking on the task of observing the Great Apes in Rwanda, it is essential to bring along a sturdy pair of hiking boots, protective garden gloves, long pants and shirts, a helmet or cap, sunscreen and insect repellent cream, food, as well as a lightweight raincoat or jacket.

When is the best time  trek the Great Apes in Rwanda?

The Great Apes in Rwanda can trek throughout the year. The most suitable period to track Great Apes in Rwanda is between June and October, as well as from December to February.

To trek to the Great Apes in Rwanda, it is advisable to secure your permits either through a reputable tour operator such as Cheap Rwanda Safaris or directly through the Rwanda Development Board.