Primate adventure in Rwanda during the Low Season
Primate safaris in Rwanda during the low season present aa fantastic opportunity for adventure lovers to experience the country’s famous primates. Exploring Rwanda on a budget during these off months allows travelers to enjoy thrilling adventures with chimpanzees, gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and colobus monkey tracking.
Rwanda is a small country, covering roughly 26, 338 square kilometers, and has a diverse landscape. It’s a great place to visit anytime of the year, but going during the low season can help enthusiasts make their dream adventures come true.
Low season/months in Rwanda
When is the best time to go on primate safaris in Rwanda during the low season? in Rwanda, the low season runs from March to May, and then it picks up again around October or November. During these times, there are fewer tourists visiting the national parks. The great thing about this low season is that the wildlife has access to plenty of food and tend to stay close to their usual habitats.
If you’re planning a trip for primate safaris, this off-peak time is ideal for those wanting to trek gorillas or chimpanzees. There is usually lots of food available during the rainy season or rainy season, which means mountain gorillas and other primates are often nearby, making it easier for visitors to spot them. Keep in mind that this low season generally coincides with the wet months of the year.
Where to visit for a primate adventure in Rwanda during the low season
When visiting Rwanda during the off-peak season, the three best spots for seeing primates are Volcanoes National Park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Exploring any of these places will help you create unforgettable memories of your safari experience in Rwanda.
Let’s take a closer look at what each of these amazing primate safari locations has in store for you:
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is an amazing place you visit, especially for those interested in seeing primates. while you’re there, you can take apart in chimpanzee tracking. The chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park start from the Uwinka or Cyamudongo Forest sectors. What makes the chimp experiences unique in Nyungwe is that you get to interact with a group of chimpanzees that have become accustomed to human presence
In additional to trekking chimpanzees, you can also engage in colobus monkey tracking. The colobus monkey treks involve exploring the troops of colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest. What’s really cool about the primate’s safari in Nyungwe National Park is that you’ll have the chance to see variety of other primates too. Tourists get a chance to explore other primates.
Some of these other primates include crowned monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, Owl-faced monkeys, l’hoest monkeys and others. While you’re in Nyungwe, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy as well, such as canopy walks, bird watching, forest strolls, and hiking.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is located in the Northwestern Rwanda and is the top for primate adventures. Two of the most popular activities you can enjoy in the park are mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking. While on a gorilla trek, you’ll have an opportunity to spot various families of habituated gorillas such as Hirwa, Amahoro, Muhoza, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Umubano, Agashya, Susa A, Kwitonda and Bwenge among others. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park just like another gorilla trekking destination, begins in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations on how to trek the gorillas.
The trek itself starts at 8:00 am and can last anywhere from 2-6 hods, offering you a chance to connect with a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. To participate, you need to purchase a gorilla permit, which costs around USD 1500 per person.
Beyond gorilla trekking, Volcanoes National Park is also a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with around 200 bird species to discover. Notable birds in the park include Lagden’s Bush-shrike, African Green Broadbill, Kivu Ground Thrush, Ruwenzori Batis, Black Cuckoo, Archers Robin-Chat, Ruwenzori Turaco, Red Chested Sunbird, Strange Weaver, White Collared Silverback, Crested Barbet and strange weaver bird.
The park is also home to 5 majestic Virunga Volcanoes including Mount Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Muhabura Volcanoes. Another exciting experience available in Volcanoes National Park is golden monkey trekking. The park has a large population of golden monkeys and you can trek these lively animals in their natural habitat.
Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a fantastic spot for primate safaris in Rwanda, especially during the quieter low season. When you visit Gishwati-Mukura, you’ll have the chance to go on an exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure and interact with a group of chimpanzees that are used to humans.
Packing list for primate adventure in Rwanda during the low season
When planning a primate safari in Rwanda during the low season, make sure to pack some important items. You’ll need waterproof hiking boots, a daypack, long-sleeved shirts, a camera, long trousers, a torch, insect repellent, a sweater, sunglasses, a safari hat, and others.
