Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trek, Rare Primates & Wildlife Safari- 9 Days
Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trek, Rare Primates & Wildlife Tour - 9 Days
Private 9-day Rwanda Uganda rare primates expedition for wildlife game drive safaris in Akagera, track the rare mountain gorillas in Bwindi, Nyungwe chimps, golden monkeys and other primates, and more. The tour starts and ends at Kigali in Rwanda with a possibility to extend it to other Uganda parks and potentially end at Entebbe (Kampala).
We shall be having awesome BIG-5 wildlife safari experiences in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk in Nyungwe, Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park and crossing to Uganda to crown it all with the unforgettable mountain gorilla tracking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Brief Itinerary Outline for the Private 9-Day Rwanda Uganda Rare Primates and Wildlife Safari
- Day 1: Meet with your safari guide in Kigali; Drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park - Game Drive looking for the Big 5
- Day 2: Akagera National Park - Game drive, Boat Trip on Lake Ihema
- Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe
- Day 4: Nyungwe Forest National Park - Chimpanzee Trekking; Canopy walk
- Day 5: Volcanoes National Park
- Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 7: Transfer to Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 9: Transfer to Kigali, Departure at Kigali International Airport
Primate Tracking in Rwanda
Rwanda is renowned for its gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, but the country is also home to chimpanzees as well a host of monkeys – colobus, golden, L’Hoest’s, owl-faced, Dent’s, blue and vervet – alongside olive baboons as well as the nocturnal potto and bush babies.
Chimpanzees are found in the Nyungwe National Park as well as in smaller numbers in the Gishwati Forest. Sociable creatures, chimpanzees live in extended communities and move around every day, foraging for food or occasionally hunting smaller mammals. They build fresh nests in the trees each night.
It is common to hear the chimpanzees before seeing them, with their vocalizations reverberating through the forest as they call to each other in a sort of bonding ritual.
Tracking starts early, at 5.30 am, and can last anything from an hour to several hours depending on where the chimps are – visitors spend a maximum of one hour with them once they are found.
The terrain can be steep, slippery, and muddy, passing through thick vegetation. Suitable footwear is essential, as well as a certain level of fitness. Permits can be booked online, at an RDB office or via a tour operator.
Golden monkeys are found in Volcanoes National Park as well as Gishwati Forest. In the former, there are two groups that can be tracked, one on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and the other in the bamboo forest on Mount Sabyinyo. This is also a standalone excursion, departing from the Kinigi headquarters once each day.
Day 1: Meet in Kigali City or at Kigali Airport (after landing), transfer to Akagera National Park - Game Drive
After meeting with your dedicated and knowledgeable Rwanda and Uganda safari guide, you will embark on your well-planned wonderful and unforgettable journey. Our first drive is to Rwanda's only BIG-5 safari park, Akagera National Park. The park in incredibly rich in terms of biodiversity endowments and it is very rare for anyone to be disappointed with a visit. You will be driving across some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.
Once we enter Akagera National Park, we shall immediately embark on a search for the Big cats and other wildlife in the park. You shall proceed to the southern sector for a game drive alongside the Lake Ihema circuit where plenty of animals can be seen, including elephants, Masai giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and also many other mammal species. This game drive will also enable you to have a clearer view of the gentle hills blending beautifully with lowland swamps and water bodies.
In the evening, you can relax at the lodge poolside, or take evening walks around the hotel where you can see various bird species or participate in the day-to-day local pastoral lifestyle.
Accommodation options:
Upmarket: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Mid-range: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Lower Budget: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Drive time – 2 hours 30 minutes
Day 2: Game drive in Akagera National Park, Boat Trip at Lake Ihema
It is better to set off early morning from the lodge if we are to have any chances of catching the Big cats in action. Most of the morning today shall be spent on a game drive, viewing earth's rare wildlife species that find home in Rwanda's Akagera. This game drive is always conducted using our specialized Africa game viewing vehicle - the customized safari Land-cruiser with a poping rooftop that also covers you from the hot sun or rain showers. The tracks also have big ad wide opening windows for each passenger to adjust for the best game viewing experiences and photography. They are 4x4 and can easily maneuver over the impassable tracks in the park.
As we go along, keep looking out for the resident wildlife here. The list includes giraffes, zebras, impalas, elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, topi among others. If you are interested in birdwatching, Akagera is endowed with over 550 bird species.
Boat Ride on Lake Ihema: After lunch, your guide shall transfer you to the pier so that you can join the boat trip on Lake Ihema. The trip is guided by a local guide who is very knowledgeable about the water-based Wildlife here. You should expect encounters with the Nile crocodiles and Hippos. The lake is rich in biodiversity, except fish, the lake is home to hippopotami and crocodiles. As for birds, it has 550 species including unique species such as the Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) and the Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri). Among the endemic species, there are the ibis (Threskiornithinae), jacanas, herons, Plovers (Charadriidae), Sandpipers, Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata), Hawk and many others.
Lake Ihema is located in the south of the Akagera National Park and it is the largest of the 12 lakes in the park covering about 90 square kilometres. Its depth is about 5-7 meters but this may alternate with seasons. On its eastern side is Tanzania.
Accommodation options:
Upmarket: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Mid-range: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Lower Budget: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Nyungwe National Park
After early morning breakfast, we shall set off driving to Nyungwe Forest.
We shall be briefly stopping over in Nyanza to visit the ancient kings' palace - Nyanza King’s Palace and the National Museum of Butare. Nyanza was the headquarters of the ancient Rwanda Kingdom before the arrival of the Europeans. The compound has an ancient palace constructed by King Mutara in 1934.
Next to it is the reconstructed King’s hut as it was on the arrival of the Europeans. It is tastefully decorated with traditional mats and utensils.
Nyungwe National Park may be most famous for chimpanzee trekking, but this stretch of 394 square miles (1,020 square km) in southwestern Rwanda teams with more than a dozen primate species, a dazzling array of flora and fauna, and an impressive spread of hiking trails. Meander through, and you’ll feel as though you’ve wandered onto the set of Jurassic Park. You’ll spot 100-year-old trees, fern-fringed waterfalls, and oversize driver ants to the accompaniment of a cacophony of bird calls.
Nestled in East Africa’s Albertine Rift biodiversity-rich area, Nyungwe National Park protects some 1,000 plant types, nearly 300 bird species, more than 75 different mammals, the charismatic chimpanzee, and a dozen other primates species. It is Africa’s largest protected mountain rainforest.
Trails cut through the park’s closed-canopy forests, bamboo thickets, and orchid-filled swamps. Be warned that the weather can be wet—it is a rainforest, after all. The park receives more than 2,000 mm (79 inches) of precipitation annually and provides water to approximately 70% of the county. In 2006, an exploring team claimed to find the furthest source of the Nile River in Nyungwe.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Upmarket: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge or request an upgrade to One & Only Nyungwe House
Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge
Lower Budget:Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 4: Nyungwe Forest National Park - Chimpanzee Trekking, Canopy walk
Your safari guide shall be picking you up for the chimps trekking in Nyungwe National Park.
Chimpanzee trekking adventurers hike through its stellar jungles to spend one precious hour with a human-habituated chimpanzee troop. Nyungwe protects over 500 chimpanzees and over 350 black-and-white colobus monkeys endemic to the Albertine Rift, whose clever antics and aerial acrobatics keep visitors gazing into the canopies.
Nyungwe Forest is one of the destinations in the world where you can see up to 13 primate species; these include chimpanzees, the blue monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, endangered golden monkeys, and the Angolan black and white colobus monkeys among others. Nyungwe forest has huge concentrations of habituated primates whose troops can include 400 to 500 individuals! This is a unique tourism phenomenon.
Nyungwe forest is a nature lover’s paradise. The only remaining mountain rainforest in East and Central Africa, Nyungwe boasts of 260 species of trees and shrubs, over 200 species of orchids and giant lobelias, 275 Species of birds of which 25 are endemic, colorful butterflies and 13 recorded species of primates (25% of Africa’s total) including the chimpanzees.
Canopy Walk in Nyungwe National Park
Suspended above a ravine in the lush montane rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, the canopy walkway provides an exhilarating perspective on the ancient treetops and wildlife. The 160m long and 70m high suspension bridge is accessible as part of a guided tour along the Igishigishigi trail, or to those hiking the Imbaraga or Umuyove trails.
Along the hour’s walk to the canopy walkway from the Uwinka Reception Centre, visitors will see countless butterflies, orchids and colorful birds, including many endemic to the region.
Accommodation options available (all on a full board basis)
Upmarket: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge or request an upgrade to One & Only Nyungwe House
Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge
Lower Budget: Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Have breakfast and drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to the Mountain Gorillas.
Ranging in altitude from 2400km to 4,507 the Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcans) is dominated by the setting of volcanoes after which it is named. Best known to the outside world as the place where for almost 20yrs the American primatologist Dian Fossey undertook her pioneering studies of mountain gorilla behavior. Day hikes to see the gorilla families can be strenuous on tracks climbing through the forest, and time is very limited once contact is made with the gorilla families. It is a rare and memorable experience to visit with these giant cousins of man.
Our accommodation is ideally positioned for those who want to watch animals in their habitat, specifically the endangered Rwanda Mountain Gorillas that still roam these areas. Share in the cuisine of Rwanda, which is served with the hospitality for which we all return to African countries.
Accommodation options available
Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Gorilla Solution Lodge
Low Budget: Hotel Muhabura
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 6: Volcanoes National Park - Golden Monkey Tracking
This day is set out for Golden Monkey tracking in the Volcanoes National Park. Entering dense stands of bamboo interspersed with open glades; you will make your way deep into golden monkey territory. Guides lead visitors to the habitat of groups of „habituated‟ golden monkeys – monkeys that have become accustomed to human presence. Though viewing is kept to a maximum of one hour, travelers can get an up-close look at the golden monkey in its natural habitat.
Adult monkeys frolic in plain view, feeding on bamboo leaves and leaping from perch to perch. Females carry their young, completely comfortable among onlookers.
After this unforgettable experience, retire to the lodge for an overnight stay, where you can reflect on the day's activities and relive the amazing encounter with the golden monkeys.
Accommodation options available
Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Gorilla Solution Lodge
Low Budget: Hotel Muhabura
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 7: Drive to Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Have breakfast and go to ORTPN offices for briefing after that set off in the forest for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
A thrilling trek through the refined foothills of the Virungas provides inspiring views in all directions. Then, suddenly, the trail enters the national park, engrossing trekkers in the strange closeness of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey and besieged with fresh spoor of the mountains' elusive populations of buffalo and elephant.
Through gaps in the forest canopy, the marvelous peaks are sighted, easily easy to get to, and among the uppermost in Africa, indicating an ascent. Gorilla trekking is quite strenuous but worthwhile in the encounter of these gentle giants. The enthusiasm of your coming across these apes will wipe away your intricacy of the strenuous trek.
Spend time watching gorillas, watch the adults feeding their young ones, brushing and resting as the youngsters play from vines in a pleasurably playful display.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Five Volcanoes Lodge
Moderate: Gorilla Solution Lodge
Low Budget: Hotel Muhabura
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 8: Canoe Trek experience on Twin Lakes, Cross to Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Have morning breakfast and then visit the beautiful region of the twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo. You will be introduced to traditional sustainable farming methods with African vegetables and fruits, visit the local fishermen and also see the fishing competition with children from the adjacent villages.
While here, you will go a launch cruise in one of the traditional canoes and have a visit to the local witch doctors and the “snake man” and also to the convent “Foyer de Charité”.
Afterward, a few minutes drive leads us to the Rwanda/Uganda border post of Kyanika. We cross and continue driving through the amazing landscapes of the terraced Virunga region.
After the fabulous scenery drive, we will be at our overnight accommodation.
Bwindi Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Up-market: Mahogany Lodge | Buhoma Lodge | Four Gorillas Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi GorillaLodge
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Lake Mulehe Lodge
Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today enjoy surely. After breakfast, proceed for the morning briefing before enjoying the highlight of the trip- Gorilla trekking, which may last the entire day. We trek through the rainforest and bamboo-covered slopes, accompanied by a guide and trackers, in search of a mountain gorilla family. The walking can sometimes be tough and long, but when you catch a glimpse of the magnificent silverback, any discomforts will be quickly forgotten. When sighted, visitors will be guided to within 6 metres from the gorillas, and sit around them for a whole hour while gazing into their big round eyes.
Bwindi National Park, located in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, is considered the most diverse forest in Uganda. The area, one of the few large expanses of forest in East Africa, where lowland and mountain habitats meet, contains a dense ground cover of herbs, vines, and shrubs. Home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies, and 160 species of trees, Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa. The park contains almost one-half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site. Bwindi is also home to several endangered bird species with very limited ranges, and acts as an important catchment area for many rivers, supplying water for agriculture in the surrounding region.
Bwindi Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Up-market: Mahogany Lodge | Buhoma Lodge | Four Gorillas Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Lake Mulehe Lodge
Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 9: Transfer to Kigali to end the tour
Have early breakfast at the lodge. Later in the morning, we shall proceed on our 4-hour drive to Kigali Airport for your scheduled flight back home
Please note that this is a guideline program that may be customized according to travelers' needs and preferences. The variations are normally made to improve the tour and your experience.
Included
- Private transfers using a customized safari Land-cruiser
- Services of good English-speaking safari guide/ driver
- All accommodations while on tour
- Meal as indicated in the itinerary
- Park Entrance fees
- 1 Uganda Gorilla trekking permit per person
- Nyungwe Chimp trekking permits
- Canopy walk fees
- Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Boat trip in Akagera
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water (on the vehicle only).
Excluded
- International flight (can be arranged if required)
- Visa and personal insurance.
- Gratuity for your professional driver guide
- Personal expenses such as travel insurance
- Excess baggage fee
- Communication charges that include, laundry, emails, faxes, and phone calls
- Beverages including luxury champagne, luxury spirits, beer, and wines during meals
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Tips
- Any item or activity not mentioned in the tour package
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The Primates of Rwanda
If you are looking for memorable lifetime primates experiences, then certainly Rwanda is the best for gorilla trekking and the BIG primates tours. Primates in Rwanda included mountain gorillas – chimpanzees and several monkeys species spread in several forests across Rwanda. You will, however, need to book permits to trek to any of these primates. The price for Rwanda gorilla trek permit is USD1500 for example while golden monkey tracking goes for $100 and chimps tracking in Nyungwe USD90, even Rwandans have to now pay that price. The Permits were raised to their present level due to the conservation effort costs, support for local Community Infrastructure and as part of its marketing Rwanda as a Prime Upmarket Tourist Destination.
Rwanda Mountain Gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park:
Most tourists to Rwanda safaris are coming for gorilla trekking. In Rwanda, gorillas are only found in Volcanoes National Park which is part of the great Virunga massif that has Virunga National Park of Congo DR, and Uganda's Mgahina Gorilla National Park. The Virunga massif has about 540 mountain gorillas currently.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park provides the perfect scenic setting for Mountain Gorilla Tracking and many other things can be combined such as Volcano Hiking, Golden Monkey Tracking, Birding, even caving.
The Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park can only be seen in the wild – there are none found in any zoo in the world.
Chimpanzees in Rwanda-Nyungwe Forest:
In Rwanda, Chimpanzees are found in the Nyungwe National Park as well as in smaller number in the Gishwati Forest. Sociable creatures, chimpanzees live in extended communities and move around every day, foraging for food or occasionally hunting smaller mammals. Tourist chimps trekking can only happen in Nyungwe National Park. They build fresh nests in the trees each night. The section of Nyungwe Forest National Park where the Chimpanzee tracking begins is near Cyamudongo, that is locted about 4.5 hours driving from Kigali. The forest is Africa’s oldest montane (mountainous ecosystem) forest, home to 13 species of primate, including an estimated 500 Chimpanzees. As you pass through the forest, you will hear the whoops and cackles of L’Hoest’s and black-faced vervet monkeys.
The challenge with Chimpanzees is finding them, as they are not habituated (accustomed to human beings’ presence) and are often a little shy; fortunately, their human instinct is strong and they show a lot of curiosity and eagerness when tourists are around.
Chimpanzees and humans share 98% of their DNA, making them even more fascinating to observe, especially when they display what we call, ‘human behaviour’. Chimp trekking is fast-paced and exciting and in our opinion, this makes it more of an adventure than Gorilla Trekking; there are less-established paths, denser forests to go through and just discovering them on one’s own makes it more exciting.
Chimpanzee Tracking permits are only $90, which is considerably less than the Gorillas. There are only 8 chimpanzee tracking permits per day for Nyungwe Forest. So it is advisable to book these permits well in advance, even a year ahead is not too soon.
Chimpanzees move each day and build new nests. It is estimated that there are about 600 Chimpanzees in Nyungwe. Chimps tracking in Nyungwe National Park does not mean you will see them but the chances of you seeing them have increased in recent times and more and more visitors spend a full hour with them while in the park on a chimpanzee trek.
Chimpanzees live for about 40 to 45 years – even as you track them you will soon learn that chimpanzees are quite intelligent.
Here in Nyungwe Forest you will find them mostly foraging for fruit, however, they will also hunt and eat smaller mammals including monkeys at times.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe starts early, at 5.30 am, and can last anything from an hour to several hours depending on where the chimps are – visitors spend a maximum of one hour with them once they are found.
The terrain can be steep, slippery and muddy, passing through thick vegetation. Suitable footwear is essential, as well as a certain level of fitness. Permits can be booked online, at an RDB office or via a tour operator.
Golden Monkeys of Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park:
The Golden Monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti) are best seen in the Bamboo Forests of the Virungas and in Rwanda that means tracking them in Volcanoes National Park.
They are also found in Gishwati Forest in Northwestern Rwanda. They are also rumored to be in a patch of Bamboo Forest of Nyungwe Forest however that is unconfirmed. The best place to see them is in Volcanoes National Park.
There are two groups that can be tracked in Volcanoes National Park The Musongga Golden Monkey group comprised of about 100 monkeys on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and the Kabatwa Golden Monkey Group made up of about 70 monkeys in the Bamboo Forest on Mount Sabyinyo.
They are colorful and it is a delight to observe them as they scamper about in the thick Bamboo Forest while they feed on leaves and fruit.
Angolan Colobus Monkeys of Rwanda – Nyungwe Forest:
The Angolan Colobus Monkeys are black with white ornaments – when you observe them in the forest while tracking them in Nyungwe Forest you will be amazed how large the group is – over 350 to 400 individuals in size – comprising the largest group of Angolan Colobus Monkeys in all of Africa.
The Angolan Colobus Trek is not as strenuous as the Chimpanzee Trek tends to be and the sheer number of them in the tree-tops, the chatter of this groups delights visitors including their sloppy eating habits which actually help spread the seed of the fruit that they are eating in the forest.
If you want to the Angolan (Ruwenzori) Colobus Monkeys in abundance than a Trek – actually it will be more like a nature walk is the perfect morning activity for you.
The Angolan Colobus walk has more in it than simply seeing the Colobus Monkeys but you will see other primates, birds and the vegetation of this montane forest.
L’Hoest’s Monkeys of Rwanda – Nyungwe Forest:
L’Hoest Monkeys at times referred to as Mountain Monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift and you can find them the Rwenzori Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda and in Rwanda they are found in Nyungwe and Gishwati Forest – the latter is a forest that is in the process of being restored to a National Park.
They have dark black bodies and a fuzzy white beard – they move on all fours when on the ground as they forage for good.
The males weigh between 5 kilos, while females are smaller in size – they spend their times in various forest which are found in Nyungwe Forest.
Their small groups are dominated by females with normally only one make in the group they can be often seen from the main road that cuts through the forest near the Unwink Reception to the forest.
Owl-Faced Monkeys of Rwanda – Nyungwe Forest:
Owl Faced Monkey unique in that it has a beak-like nose and the face resembles an owl. This shy monkey is rarely seen but you just might be the lucky one as you hike along the many trails of Nyungwe Forest.
The Owl Faced is closely related to the L’Hoest’s Monkey and like it Owl Faced Monkey lives in small groups of one male and various female. Because Owl Faced Monkeys are so elusive they have been hard to study
The Owl-Faced Monkey gray and has a white stripe that goes from the top of the lip to the top of the nose give the owl monkey that owl face
In Rwanda, you find the Owl-Faced Money in Nyungwe Forest.
Dent’s Mona Monkey:
The Dent’s Mona Monkey is found in Nyungwe Forest. You often find the Dent’s Mona Monkey with other monkey’s such as Blue Monkeys or Gray-Cheeked Mangabeys, also the large groups of Ruwenzori Colobus Monkeys.
The Dent’s Mona Group is relatively small with one male surrounded by his harem, however once again as with other monkeys, it is females who rule the group.
Dent’s Mona Monkeys have a long black tail, a white rump, and a brown back. Their faces are quite furry and when they find food they carry it off with their large cheek pouches. They prefer fruit but at times will resort to leaves and even insects.
You can find Dent’s Mona Monkeys are found in Nyungwe Forest.
Blue Monkeys in Nyungwe
The name Blue Monkey may be deceiving since, in reality, the Blue Monkey is not blue. The real colors of a blue monkey is light grey and an olive fur that together gives off this kind of blue hue as they are in the tree-tops.
The Blue Monkeys live in the tree tops that make up the forest canopy in Nyungwe Forest meaning that you have to look up in order to spot them while on the trails in Nyungwe Forest. They rarely come down to the forest floor but find food and shelter in the tree-tops.
They live in female-centric groups of 10 to 40 with only one male. All the females raise each others, infants.
These tree-dwelling monkeys can be found around Uwinka Visitors Center in Nyungwe Forest.
Rwanda's Olive Baboon:
Olive Baboons can be found in various parts of Rwanda including on the Road at Nyungwe Forest and inside of Akagera National Park.
They are primarily a terrestrial primate and they live in large groups. After the chimpanzees, this is the largest of primates and the stockiest.
They have an olive dark coat and a dog-like snout and threatening teeth. The Olive Baboon is quite aggressive and they frequently raid crops.
They have been known to take things from vehicles with passengers inside and at Akagera Game Lodge – keep your door locked since they are known for raiding the rooms for food.
Rwanda's Vervet Monkey:
This is grey Guenon that is very common all East Africa including in Rwanda in Nyungwe Forest they can be found around the Gisakura Guesthouse – the Vervet Monkey is often found n the savannah and open woodlands including in Akagera National Park.
They like the Baboons raid crops and again even enter homes to forage for food, not quite as brazen as baboons however they do their share of raiding.
They have a black face mask and the rest of the body is gray. This is the most numerous monkey in the world and is quite common including all over Rwanda.
There are no Vervet Monkey Treks – you simple run into them wherever you go.
Rwanda's Pottos:
Most likely you will not see any pottos since they are creatures of the night and you have to take a nocturnal walk or game drive in Akagera National Park.
They are part of 4 nocturnal primates found in Nyungwe Forest. Pottos are closely related to the Lemurs of Madagascar.
The potto is small growing to 30 to 40 centimeters, it has a distinct odor that some liken to curry.
They are grey-brown in color with a wooly fur. The hands and toes are shaped in such a manner that they can grasp branches firmly without falling. The neck has sharp point which they use to protect themselves.
Rwanda's Needle-clawed Bushbabies
Bushbaby – the name may come from their appearance or their cry. They are found in various parts of East Africa and beyond including Zanzibar.
They are nocturnal creatures and can only be seen on night game drives or nocturnal Forest Walks.
They can leap quite a distance and move swiftly on the branches of trees. They tend to live in dry woodlands and in Savannah areas.
They are very small with a wooly thick fur that ranges from silver-gray to dark-brown. They have very large eyes that give them good night vision, have strong hind limbs for leaping and have keen ears that help them to hunt insects. Their diet includes small birds. insects, fruit, seeds, flower, nuts and tree gums.
