Why You Should Consider Volunteering During Your Rwanda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trek. Combining your Rwanda gorilla and chimp trekking experience with volunteer work can make your adventure more meaningful. To participate in volunteering activities during your safari, it’s essential to select a program that aligns with your skills, interests, and qualifications, and provide the required documentation.
If you plan to engage in volunteer work within Volcanoes National Park while trekking to see gorillas and chimps, you must first obtain authorization from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). For gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, you will need to obtain a permit from the Rwanda Development Board directly or through your tour operator.
For those interested in volunteering across the border in Uganda, opportunities exist in various sectors, including healthcare, education, religion, and community development. However, you will need to provide the necessary paperwork as specified by the relevant authorities before commencing your placement.
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Destinations in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
Located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is a lush, ancient rainforest that has stood the test of time. It is the heart of Rwanda’s famous mountain gorilla trekking experience. Currently, visitors can track more than 12 habituated gorilla families, including well-known groups such as Amahoro, Karisimbi, Umubano, and Agashya, among others.
Beyond the gorillas, the park shelters a rich diversity of wildlife. Primates like golden monkeys, olive baboons, and grey-cheeked mangabey thrive here, alongside an impressive birdlife of over 200 recorded species that fill the forest canopy with song.
For travelers seeking adventure and a challenge, guided mountain hikes can be arranged to several volcanic peaks that form part of the Virunga range Mount Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura offering a rewarding test of endurance and spectacular panoramic views
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nestled near the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, Nyungwe National Park is Rwanda’s prime destination for chimpanzee trekking. The main park headquarters are located at Uwinka, where visitors begin their adventure with a pre-trek briefing. Another key section of the forest, Cyamudongo, lies on the park’s outskirts and shelters a well-known community of chimpanzees often visited by trekkers.
Exploration in Nyungwe is done on foot, allowing travelers to experience the forest’s incredible biodiversity up close. Along the trails, it’s common to encounter other primate species such as red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and olive baboons, among many others.
One of Nyungwe’s most thrilling highlights is the canopy walkway a suspension bridge approximately 160 meters long and 70 meters above the ground. From this elevated vantage point, visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the lush forest canopy and the rolling landscapes that surround it.
Best time to go Volunteering, Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda
The best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking as well as volunteering is during the dry seasons, which run from June to September and December to February. During these months, the forest trails are less muddy, making trekking easier and more enjoyable. Clear skies also provide better visibility for photography and scenic views of the mist-covered mountains.
While the wet seasons from March to May and October to November bring heavier rainfall, they also transform the landscape into a lush, vibrant green. Fewer tourists visit at this time, creating a quieter and more intimate experience in the parks. Volunteering projects also tend to need extra hands during these months, especially in community and conservation programs.
If you plan to combine volunteering with trekking, it’s wise to balance your schedule between dry months for outdoor activities and the wet season if you prefer more affordable travel and quieter lodges. The key is to choose a time that matches your goals whether it’s helping in community projects, exploring wildlife, or both.
Regardless of when you visit, Rwanda’s mild climate makes it a year-round destination. Every season offers its own charm be it the ease of trekking during the dry months or the rich greenery and active wildlife of the rainy season. Whenever you go, you’ll find meaningful ways to connect with both nature and the local communities.
What Guarantees do I have of Encountering Gorillas and Chimpanzees during my visit to Rwanda?
Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking safaris in Rwanda are 99% successful so expect value for your money. Every day before the you delve into the forest, there is a group of ranger guides who wake up earlier to first inspect the forest and track these gentle giants. During this time the guides look for different signs like freshly chewed foliage, dung, nests and sounds ensuring that by the time the tourists are start trekking they have a clue about where the chimps or gorillas are.
Habituated gorilla and chimps have territories meaning they are easy to spot and incases of migration they still do not go too far from the previous territory.
The Chimpanzee and gorillas go through habituation for over 2 years or until they are proven able to be in human presence for over an hour. The habituated chimpanzee and gorillas are always not suspicious with humans and they remain calm living their daily life.
Tips for a Successful Volunteering, Chimpanzee Trekking and Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Rwanda
- Apply for a Rwandan Visa in advance to avoid inconveniences and long ques on the immigration upon arrival.
- Book your gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits in advance since they tend to sell out quickly mostly if you planning to travel during the peak season.
- Gorilla trekking in Rwanda has an age limit which is 15 and above whereas chimpanzee trekking it is 12 and above.
- Book accommodations and transportation in advance or make a safari through a licensed tour operator for smooth arrangements.
- Pack the right clothing’s for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking plus other gears. For example khaki color clothings, long sleeved, waterproof hiking boots, water bottles, backpack, camera, spare batteries and power bank.
- Have some cash with you for tips, and ground purchases like souvenirs and snacks.
Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Trekking Rules in Rwanda
- If you are affected with communicable infections like cough and flu you are not allowed to engage in chimpanzee and gorilla trekking.
- Photos are allowed but no flash photography because this may led them to charge.
- Eating and smoking while close to mountain gorillas and chimps is prohibited.
- You have only one hour with the chimpanzee and gorillas in their natural habitat.
- A 7 meters distance should be maintained while in the presence of the chimpanzees and gorillas.
- Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking are not an individual activity meaning you will be grouped in a group of 8 people to track a gorilla family or chimp community.
- Each gorilla family or chimpanzee community is visited once a day by a group of 6 or 8 individuals.
- Remain in a tight group and always follow the guide’s instructions.
- Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas and chimpanzees
- In case a gorilla charges, ensure to keep calm and crouch down slowly