Flying into Burundi for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda

Rwanda and Burundi share a border at the Kayanza Haut border, where you can cross into Rwanda and head to Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking. To trek gorillas in Rwanda, you’ll visit Volcanoes National Park, the only place in Rwanda where mountain gorillas live.

When you fly into Bujumbura International Airport in Burundi, you can travel to the Kayanza Haut border and enter Rwanda. To trek chimpanzees, you need a permit from the Rwanda Development Board. Booking gorilla trekking permits is also crucial, as only eight permits per gorilla family are available each day. If you need a visa for Burundi or Rwanda, apply in advance to avoid long waits at immigration. A travel agency can help you with the visa application process.

Nyungwe National Park and Chimpanzee Trekking

Nyungwe National Park is the only place to see chimpanzees in Rwanda. You can book morning or afternoon trekking sessions.

Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla Trekking

Volcanoes National Park is the only place in Rwanda for gorilla trekking. Only 15 gorilla families are available for trekking, so you need to book your permit in advance. The park is also home to endangered golden monkeys.

How to Plan a Safari from Burundi to Rwanda

Day 1: Depart for Nyungwe National Park

In the early morning, a driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel in Bujumbura and drive you to Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, crossing the Kayanza Haut border. Nyungwe National Park is home to chimpanzees and other primates like blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and olive baboons. The park also features a 160-meter-long canopy walk, the only one in East Africa.

Accommodation Options in Nyungwe:

• Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
• Gisaku Guest House
• Nyungwe Forest Lodge
• Nyungwe House

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park

Bring your trekking gear and go to the visitor center in Uwinka for a briefing. You’ll be assigned a troop to trek. Chimpanzees live in communities led by an alpha male. You’ll likely hear their calls before seeing them, as they communicate this way when intruders are nearby. Finding them can take two hours or more. Once you find them, stay in a tight group and avoid flash photography. You’ll spend only one hour with them.

Day 3: Drive to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, your driver-guide will take you from Nyungwe National Park to Volcanoes National Park, a drive of about 4-5 hours. This prehistoric forest has over 300 bird species and several primates. The park’s terrain is rugged, with five Virunga volcanoes: Karisimbi, Muhabura, Gahinga, Bisoke, and Sabyinyo. When you find the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe and photograph them.

Day 4: Departure Day

Enjoy your last moments with the primates of Rwanda. This experience is unique compared to seeing them in zoos.

Booking Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits for Rwanda

Booking permits is essential to ensure you can see these primates. You can book directly or use a tour operator. Encounter Africa Safaris can assist with booking permits. Contact them with your dates and the number of permits needed. They will check availability and advise you to book quickly, as permits sell out fast.

Cost of Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Permits

• Gorilla trekking permit: $1500 for international nonresidents, $500 for international residents, $200 for East Africans.
• Chimpanzee trekking permit: $150 for international nonresidents, $75 for foreign residents, $25 for East Africans.

The permit costs cover ranger guide fees, security, and one hour with the gorillas or chimpanzees. The chimpanzee trekking permit does not include park entrance fees.

Best Time to Book a Flight for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

You can book a flight to Burundi for a safari in Rwanda anytime, but peak seasons are June, July, August, September, December, and January. During peak season, permits and amenities are in high demand, so booking early is necessary. In the low season (March, April, May, and November), there’s less demand, and you might get discounts. Currently, gorilla permits are discounted to $1050 per person in the low season if you spend at least two nights in Nyungwe or Akagera National Park.

Safety of Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda

Trekking is safe with well-trained ranger guides. Gorillas and chimpanzees are habituated to human presence for an hour before being exposed to the public. Briefings are mandatory before trekking to inform tourists about what to expect and the rules. Crossing the border between Burundi and Rwanda is now smooth since the resolution of their political differences in 2021.

Guarantee of Seeing Gorillas and Chimpanzees

There is a 99% chance of seeing gorillas and chimpanzees because they are tracked daily. Ranger guides follow their trails and signs like dung and chewed vegetation to locate them.

Are Gorillas or Chimpanzees Dangerous?

Mountain gorillas are peaceful despite their intimidating appearance. They are habituated before being visited by tourists. Following trekking guidelines ensures a safe experience.

Guidelines for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

• No flash photography.
• Do not eat or smoke near the primates.
• Do not litter in the forest.
• Do not surround the gorillas or chimpanzees.
• Dig a hole for bathroom needs and cover it properly.
• Children under 15 are not allowed to trek.
• Stay behind if you have a communicable illness.
• Keep an 8-meter distance from the primates.
• Do not spit on vegetation.
• Wear a mask and sanitize your hands.
• Stay quiet and avoid sudden movements.
• Only one hour is allowed with the primates.

By following these guidelines and planning ahead, you can have a safe and memorable experience trekking gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda.