Modern primatology is an extremely diverse science. It ranges from anatomical studies of primate ancestors and field studies of primates in their natural habitat, to experiments in animal psychology and ape language. It has cast an immense amount of light on basic human behaviors and ancient ancestry of these behaviors.

Key 20th-century primatologists include:

Jane Goodall
Dian Fossey
(Birute Galdikas)

as well as other key researchers such as:

Karen Strier
Frans de Waal
Sherwood Washburn
and the multitude of others who have given their most important contributions to the science.

A gorilla visit can entail anything from a 1 to 4-hour trek through the forest, led by experienced trackers who have spent their entire lives living in or close to the forest. Your trek will be enchanting as you weave through overhanging vines, moss-covered Hagenia trees and giant Lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate. You may spot golden monkeys or see buffalo, bush duiker and a wide variety of bird life. But the high point, of course, one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth, will be spending an hour with the gentle giant gorillas as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting, raising their young. At the end of your visit you will understand what kept conservationist Dian Fossey living in this same forest for 18 years protecting these wonderful animals.

Useful information for visitors:

Mountain gorilla trekking permits:
All permits to visit the mountain gorillas and Golden Monkeys are booked through the Rwanda Tourism Board offices (ORTPN) in Kigali or Musanze.

Office Rwandaise du Tourisme et des Parcs Nationaux (ORTPN)
The Rwanda Tourism Board
Boulevard de la Révolution n° 1
PO Box 905
Kigali, Rwanda
Tel (250) 576514 or 573396
Fax (250) 576515
Email: reservation@rwandatourism.com

Fees for mountain gorilla permits:

With effect from 1st June 2007, the fee for gorilla visits will cost US$500 per person for non-nationals, US $250 for foreign non residents and 20,000 Frw for Rwandan citizens. This is inclusive of park entry fees. It is advisable to organize your own transportation to take you up to the park boundaries.

On the day of you are scheduled to trek, you must present yourself for briefing at the ORTPN offices situated at the prefecture offices in Musanze at 7:00 AM. ORTPN currently has a team of 80 trackers and anti-poachers, many of whom speak French or English.

Gorilla Guidelines:

• To minimize possible transmission of human diseases, visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. If you are sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, please do not visit the gorillas.
• Viewing time is limited to one hour.
• Maximum 8 visitors per group.
• Spitting in the park is strictly prohibited.
• Should you need to cough, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
• When with the gorillas, keep your voice low.
• Try not to make rapid movements that may frighten the gorillas.
• If a gorilla should charge or vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions.
• Do not litter.
  

To enhance your enjoyment:

• The security of our visitors is our highest priorities. There is no need for concern about personal security.
• The climate in Musanze is changeable and you can generally expect both sun and rainfall during the day.
• Musanze, at 1,700m above sea level, is generally quite cold, particularly in the evening, so warm clothing is advised.
• Recommended clothing is long trousers and shirts when in the forest to avoid nettle stings.
• Study walking shoes or hiking boots are essential. You may find raingear useful.
• Bring a water bottle and a small snack although eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden.
• Photography is permitted, although you may not use flash
• Porters are available to help you carry your daypack for a small charge.
• Mountain gorillas live at high altitude and this may cause difficulties for some visitors. You should pace yourself, walk slowly and drink plenty of water. No one should feel deterred from making this trip.

Accommodations:

To find out about accommodation in Musanze, click here

Protected within the PNV, the lushly forested slopes of the mountains form an appropriately dramatic natural setting for what is arguably the most poignant and memorable wildlife experience in the world: gorilla tracking. The exhilarating climb to the gorilla’s natural habitat of shady bamboo forest offers fantastic views in all directions, before the trackers are immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and the chattering of rare golden monkey.

Nothing can prepare one for the impact of encountering a fully-grown silverback gorilla, up to three times the size of an average man, yet remarkably peaceable and tolerant of human visitors.

Parc National des Volcans is managed and protected by the Rwandan Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN). Access begins in the lively town of Musanze, situated at the base of the entrance of the park. Musanze has long been the base point for gorilla visits and entertains a stunning backdrop of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Mikeno, Sabyinyo, Mgahinga and Muhabura volcanoes.

Musanze is a 90-minute drive from Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. One can get to Musanze from Kigali either by private vehicle or by public taxi minibus. If you intend to make a gorilla visit, you will need to organise your own transport from Musanze town to the park boundaries, where you will continue your trip on foot. Vehicles can be hired for this purpose in Musanze town. Musanze is also only a 45-minute drive away from Gisenyi and the stunning Lake Kivu.

The Kinigi Guest House on the foot of Mount Sabyinyo is now open. It offers very comfortable accommodation in cottages for two, four or eight people. It also offers a good restaurant and bar. Hotel Muhabura in Musanze town also offers comfortable accommodation in reasonably priced single and double rooms. The hotel also features a reasonable restaurant and bar and fax and telephone facilities.

In the Volcano National Park there are now fully habituated Golden Monkeys and they are accessible to tourists.

Visiting fees:

For foreigner visitors: USD 75
For Rwandans visitors: RWF 2500

accommodations:

For more information on accommodations available in Musanze, click here

Nyungwe Forest National Park which is situated in the majestic hills of southwestern Rwanda, is the largest ‘island’ of montane forest remaining in east and central Africa. This rich and ancient center of unparalleled biodiversity and natural wonders is uniquely accessible to the casual visitor.

Nyungwe is celebrated for its rich variety of flora and fauna. There are at least 200 tree species found in the forest, along with hundreds of different flowering plants, including wild begonia, more than 100 species of orchid, and sensational giant lobelias.

Of the large mammals, primates are the most visible, with 13 recorded species. Of particular interest are the Angola colobus - delightfully acrobatic arboreal monkeys which move in troops of several hundred - and an estimated 500 chimpanzee. Other primates one might encounter are L’Hoest’s monkey, silver monkey, vervet monkey, olive baboon, grey-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkey.

Nyungwe is also home to more than 275 bird species, making in the regions most important birding site. They include the spectacular Rwenzori turaco, the secretive red-chested alethe, and several iridescent sunbirds. Equally remarkable are the perpetually honking giant hornbills that crash through the forest canopy, and the stunning great blue turaco, an outlandishly blue, red and green bird.

Nyungwe lies at an elevation of between 1,600 metres and 2,950 metres, and enjoys an agreeably cool. An extensive network of well maintained forest trails leads to a number of waterfalls and viewing points.

A comfortable rest house and perfectly situated campsite lie alongside the main road, and the reserve can be visited as a day trip from smarter hotels in the towns of Butare and Cyangugu.

Accommodations:

For more information on accommodations available in Butare, click here
For more information on accommodations available in Cyangugu, click here

ORTPN/Rwanda Tourist Board Contact Details
For further information, contact your travel agent or:

Office Rwandaise du Tourisme et des Parcs Nationaux (ORTPN)
The Rwanda Tourism Board
Boulevard de la Révolution n° 1
PO Box 905
Kigali, Rwanda
Tel (250) 576514 or 573396
Fax (250) 576515
Email: reservation@rwandatourism.com