Primate Safaris in Rwanda During the Low Season -Budget Option

Primate safaris in Rwanda during the low season or off-months offer an incredible alternative for enthusiastic adventure seekers to explore Rwanda’s iconic primates. Embarking on primate safaris and tours (adventures) in Rwanda around the off-season or low season is one-way visitors on budget Rwanda tour or tight budget can be part of the exciting primate experiences.

Visiting Rwanda to enjoy primate safaris around the low season (off-months) involves engaging in unique experiences including chimpanzees, gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and colobus monkey tracking.

Rwanda is by far a small destination and overall, it covers about 26338 sq. km. It features a unique topography/landscape. Rwanda is an all-year-round destination and traveling during the off-season makes it possible for nature lovers to realize their dreams.

Low season/months in Rwanda

When to go for primate safaris in Rwanda during the low season? The off-season/months in Rwanda run from March to May then another phase begins around October/November. It is around these months when there is a low turn-up of tourists across the Rwanda safari tour destinations. The interesting part is that it is during these off months that wildlife get plenty of forage and they keep not far from their home range.

Traveling during the off-season or low months to enjoy primate safaris is perfect for visitors interested in trekking gorillas or chimpanzees. Abundant forage can be available around the wet season or rainy season (off-season) and mountain gorillas or other primates remain feeding in the nearby areas.

Take note that the off-season usually falls around the wet or rainy season/months of the year.

3 places to visit for primate safaris in Rwanda during the low season

The top 3 places to visit for primate safaris in Rwanda during the low season include Volcanoes National Park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park. A visit to any of these primate trekking destinations guarantees you lasting memories on Rwanda safaris.

Here is a breakdown of what each primate safari destination has to offer the world;

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is lying in Northwestern Rwanda and is the premier destination when it comes to primate adventures. The popular primate experiences to expect to engage in Volcanoes Park include mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking.

Gorilla trekking involves exploring habituated gorilla families include among others Hirwa, Amahoro, Muhoza, Karisimbi, Umubano, Agashya, Susa A, Kwitonda, Bwenge, and Sabyinyo. During the actual gorilla trek, visitors get briefed about the guidelines or rules/regulations for gorilla trekking in the Kinigi area.

The actual trek with mountain gorillas starts at 8:00 am and takes about 2-6 hours. The long hours include a magical encounter with a family of mountain gorillas in the wild. A valid gorilla permit in Rwanda can be obtained at USD 1500 per person and can be booked through Maranatha Tours & Travel (info@adventureugandasafaris.com).

Beyond gorilla trekking tours, Volcanoes National Park is also an ideal place to visit to explore birds –the park holds up to 200 species of birds. The birds of interest in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park include Rwenzori turacos, handsome francolin, Rwenzori nightjars, Dusky crimsonwing, Brown-necked parrot, Archer’s robin-chat, African long-eared owl, scarlet-tufted sunbird, lagden’s bush-shrike, Grauer’s swamp warblers, and strange weaver bird.

It also features 5 Virunga Volcanoes including Mount Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Muhabura Volcanoes.

Golden monkey tracking is the other unique primate safari experience that awaits you in the Volcanoes National Park. The park holds a great population of golden monkeys and habituated troops for visitors to track.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe is another special destination that is worth visiting for primate safaris. While in Nyungwe National Park, expect to engage in chimpanzee tracking. The chimp treks in Nyungwe start from the Uwinka or Cyamudongo Forest sectors. The unique bit about Nyungwe chimpanzee treks is that you have a chance to interact with a habituated chimpanzee community in the wild.

Besides chimpanzee safaris, you can also engage in colobus monkey tracking. The colobus monkey treks involve exploring the troops of colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest. The interesting thing about primate safaris in Nyungwe National Park is that tourists get a chance to explore other primates.

Additional primates include grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, Owl-faced monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, crowned monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and others.

Extra experiences to enjoy while in Nyungwe include canopy walks, birding, forest walks, hiking, and others.

Gishwati-Mukura National Park

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of the best places to visit for primate safaris in Rwanda during the low season. A visit to Gishwati-Mukura takes you on the remarkable chimpanzee tracking session where you get the opportunity to interact with a habituated chimpanzee community.

Is it safe to go for primate safaris in Rwanda during the low season?

Rwanda primate safaris can be safely enjoyed even during the off or low season. During the actual primate treks, visitors are accompanied by an experienced park ranger guide. The guide services go beyond sharing experiences of nature as he or she also ensures the overall safety and security of the trekkers.

What to take on primate safaris in Rwanda during the low season

The essentials to include on the packing list include waterproof hiking boots, a daypack, long-sleeved shirts, a camera, Long trousers, a torch, insect repellent, a sweater, sunglasses, a safari hat, and others.