Nyungwe Forest National Park is a hotspot for colobus monkey trekking not only in Rwanda but in the entire East African region. Nyungwe Forest National Park covers over 1,019 square kilometers of montane rainforest in the southwestern part of Rwanda.  This primate-haven is a biodiversity hot spot and one of Africa’s oldest and most prominent forests. The Nyungwe forest is home to over 13 primate species, over 1,000 plant types, and 275 bird species, making it a magnet for nature lovers.

Among the key primates in this wilderness are the Rwenzori colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, etc. However, the colobus monkey trekking offers travelers a thrilling chance to track the fun primates and interact with them for one hour.

Rwenzori colobus monkeys are a subspecies of the Angolan colobus, which are among the oldest primates in the world, with a distinctive look. Their key features include black fur contrasted by long, silky white fur and shoulder tufts. Their tails are bushy and white in color. These primates weigh from 10 to 20 kg and sport a long 75 cm tail. It’s undeniable that these stubborn primates are built for life in the canopy, making them rarely descend to the ground.

These leaf eaters are usually made up of groups of about 50-500 individuals, and this is indeed a phenomenon unique to the Nyungwe forest. Forming small groups, it ensures protection from predators like chimpanzees. These human-like primates are social and playful, spending most of their days grooming, feeding, and leaping with long lives. Baby monkeys are born pure white and gain black fur as they age.

How much is a colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park?

Colobus monkey trekking in Rwanda is not very experienced, and it is priced per person according to nationality.

Foreign non-resident – USD 40

Foreign resident in Rwanda or any East African country – USD 20

Rwandan / East African citizen – USD 5

This amount is inclusive of park guide fees, but exclusive of park entrance fees, vehicle hire, accommodation, tips for guides, and any other personal costs.

Minimum group size is 2 persons (if one, then pays for 2) and maximum is 8 people. This is a shared tour, and visitors will be joined to make groups of 8 people per trek.

How is colobus monkey trekking conducted?

Colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe is a guided adventure and accessible to all travelers with permits, and takes you into the forest to observe these lively primates.

There are 2 available habituated groups open for tracking. These include the Gisakura group that accommodates up to 60 monkeys near the park’s edge, and the Uwinka super group that homes 500+ monkeys deeper in the dense forest of Nyungwe.

Trekking colobus monkeys is less strenuous compared to chimpanzee trekking, making it ideal for moderate fitness levels, especially for non-seasonal hikers, even though the Uwinka group demands more stamina.

Arrival and briefing kick off at 7 am before the whole tracking adventure. Trekking sessions start at either the Gisakura Visitor Centre, for those tracking the Gisakura group, or the Uwinka Reception Centre for the Uwinka supergroup. Both of these groups are accessible by 4WD from all lodges around the park, like Ken Barham Guesthouse, Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge, One & Only Nyungwe House, etc.

Rwanda Development Board provides park ranger guides, along with 9 other trekkers, for about 10 individuals. The park guide briefs you on safety, monkey habits, and behavior. Guests are also advised to keep at least 7 meters from monkeys while in their proximity, and to avoid flash photography.

Trekking the Gisakura group is absolutely less challenging with its short trek that is just 2 to 5 minutes from the visitor center, just along the Waterfall Trail passing through tea fields to a forest patch near Gisakura tea plantation. The monkeys often chill at the forest edge, making sightings easy and quick.

Uwinka supergroup, on the other hand, demands at least a 1-3-hour hike through denser forests and steep hills, along with trails like Uwinka Campsite Trail. Guides are well-versed in the colobus monkeys’ feeding spots to locate them. Other primates like blue monkeys and mangabeys, along with bird species like Rwenzori turaco, can also be sighted.

Once the monkeys are spotted, visitors get one hour to observe them feeding, playing, leaping, grooming, or feeding on leaves and other herbs. The Gisakura group is relaxed and easily accessible, making it ideal for quick visits or combining with adventures like canopy walks. Uwinka super group swinging through the forest is mesmerizing, especially for photographers.

After the precious hour with the primates, trekkers can hike back to the starting point. Gisakura trail lasts for just 2 to 3 hours in total, Uwinka treks, on the other hand, can take 4 to 6 hours if the supergroup roams far. Guides will share insights on Nyungwe forest’s fauna and flora. Some tours offer add-ons like tea plantation tours or lunch at nearby lodges.

Gisakura trail offers four daily sessions: at 8 am, 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm, which are perfect for pairing with canopy walks and chimpanzee trekking.

Uwinka trail operates only one session at 9 am, as the trek can take a full day if monkeys roam deep into the forest.