Colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda is an amazing activity. The permits are very affordable to all tourists. Nyungwe Forest is home to about 13 species of interesting primates. Of these, Nyungwe has been greatly and largely known for its Chimpanzees that dominate the area.
The forest is perched south of the famous Virunga region and has full grown species of trees, but with some montane vegetation and bamboos which are feeding areas for some of these primates.
The forest is home to both smaller animals such as he mongoose and larger animals like elephants. The forest also a wide range of flora and birds that roam and breed the area.
Apart from trekking these dominant chimpanzees, there’s also monkey trekking of the Rwenzori Monkeys. These monkeys are commonly however known as colobus monkeys.
These species move in troops. In Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest has the greatest number of occupants. The country’s national conservation body decided to habituate them, and over a half of the total number has officially been habituated. The total number of these species is about 400 only.
These species are comprised of both the black and white colobus monkeys. Trekkers often get to come across other monkey species while in the Nyungwe wilderness like the red faced monkeys. From Kigali city, the forest park is just a few kilometers away and a drive can take about 3 hours to access.
While on the main known route, visitors get an opportunity to pass by the National Museum and King’s palace in Nyanza. Therefore, those interested in having a quick tour of these two places can have stop overs. Another route can be via Cyamudongo. From here, Butare can be accessed in about just an hour.
Visitors interested in having an aerial view as they head to Nyungwe can also use flight services from Kigali Airport. These can be through chartered flights which land at Kamembe international airport.
From there, it takes only a few minutes to reach Uwinka ranger station where the headquarters of the Park are located.
How much is Colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe forest?
A permit to trek these monkeys has a charge of about 70 USD. However, visitors should be aware that this fee doesn’t include entry charges to Nyungwe Forest National Park. They have to carry extra money to pay for entrance.
Those wishing to have accommodation near the park can have different accommodation options at Nyungwe top view hotel, Nyungwe Forest lodge (which has an addition of helicopter flight services from Rwanda’s national airport), and Nyungwe Nziza eco-lodge.
Essentials while trekking colobus monkeys in Nyungwe forest
These facilities offer world class services and visitors are advised to carry along a camera as they enjoy bird’s eye experience.
Genuine hiking boots are also as essential alongside a water bottle for taking along clean water and a backpack to lift the tourist’s essential requirements. If in need, a visitor can also take along a hiking stick to offer extra support during long treks / nature walks.
