There are 11 more primate species in Nyungwe Forest apart from chimpanzees. With a bit of luck, these primates can be seen during any hike in the park. There are also specific tracking activities targeting certain species. Some primates such as the galago and potto are nocturnal and can only be seen at night. Apart from primates in Nyungwe Forest there is an abundant animal life in Nyungwe Forest with larger game such as leopard, civets and duikers. A recent study using camera traps in Nyungwe Forest revealed that there is a total of 96 mammal species in the forest.
Some of the larger primate species in Nyungwe Forest can be tracked with a guide. These are morning activities that usually last until the afternoon depending on the current location of the primates. Primate tracking in Nyungwe Forest is done in a small group accompanied by an experienced guide and a ranger from the park. Most guides and rangers in Nyungwe forest have been working in the park for many years and many come from the areas around Nyungwe.
The price for tracking primates in Nyungwe Forest can seem quite high, but the activity itself is not organized by any commercial company and all the money goes back into conservation or to the communities living around the park. Knowing about the long history and struggle of Nyungwe National Park and conservation among some of the poorest communities in the world, the price for the park activities is not too high in proportion. No matter if you book your activity through an operator, the park office or a travel agent, they will need to book an official permit for you. You can do this yourself in the government system Irembo, but it is quite complicated, and you should ideally have someone book it for you.
Colobus Tracking in Nyungwe Forest from Uwinka
Angolan black and white colobus monkeys congregate in large numbers in Nyungwe. Tracking these primates is done with a guide and a ranger. From Uwinka you can track a huge group of more than 500 magistrates. The experience starts at Uwinka Visitor’s center at 8am and usually ends around 3pm. Pre-booking is advised.
Colobus Tracking in Nyungwe Forest at Gisakura
Tracking a group of about 60 individuals, half an hour’s walk from Gisakura Park Office reception. Tracking these primates is done with a guide and a ranger. The tracking starts every day at 8:00am, 10:00am, 01:00, 3:00pm from the Gisakura Park Office reception. Prebooking is adviced.
Blue Monkey tracking in Nyungwe Forest
Tracking a group of blue monkeys is possible from Uwinka Visitor’s Center with a guide. This activity is not scheduled but takes place on demand. Contact one of the park offices for more information and booking.
Grey- Cheeked Mangabeys tracking in Nyungwe Forest
Tracking a group of Grey cheeked mangabeys with a guide is possible from Uwinka Reception Centre. This activity is not scheduled but takes place on demand. Contact one of the park offices for more information and booking.
Tracking for other species in Nyungwe Forest
There are many other animal species in Nyungwe Forest . There are also about 1,068 species of plants including 250 species of trees and shrubs and over 148 species of orchids most of which are found in Kamiranzovu swamp. Nyungwe Forest as many very skilled and experienced guides. If you would like to see a certain species, then this can be organized by the park.