Although popular for chimpanzee trekking and Canopy Walks, Nyungwe Forest National Park is also a popular destination for Black and white colobus Monkey Tracking. Colobus Monkey Tracking in Nyungwe National Park just like Chimpanzee trekking, is an exciting primate tracking experience that involves hiking through the forest to search for the unique Black and White Colobus monkeys. The Colobus monkeys are part of the Old World monkey family that are known for their distinctive black and white fur and the long bushy tails. Black and White colobus monkeys are usually found in high density forest like Nyungwe where they can forage on the leaves, flowers, mad fruits. They are social primates and live in groups that range from group to group. Black and white Colobus monkey population in Nyungwe Forest is estimated to be between 350 to 400 individuals. Nyungwe host one the largest Angolan Colobus monkey in Africa.
Compared to chimpanzee trekking, Black and White Colobus monkey tracking is generally less tiresome. Although Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is the second best primate tracking activity, Colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe as well guarantees exciting experience in Rwanda. Trekking the colobus monkey in Rwanda just like all other primate adventures involve hiking through the thick forest of Nyungwe, navigating through different parts of the park to search for these beautiful primates. It is considered a short trek since it usually lasts anywhere between 2 to 3 hours only.
Beyond the black and white colobus monkeys, Nyungwe National Park is also home to several other primate species that you may encounter during your trek. The other primates in Nyungwe include the chimpanzees, Owl-faced monkeys, Olive baboons, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, Silver monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Mona monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and the Blue monkeys.
The species found in Nyungwe is the Angolan black-and-white colobus monkey (Colobus angolensis). Colobus Monkeys are herbivores which feed on leaves, fruits, flowers, lichen, herbaceous vegetation, and bark. They have a ruminant like digestive system which has greatly enabled them to occupy areas that are inaccessible to other primate species.
Black and white colobus monkeys just like most primate species are social and live in territorial groups that vary in size and structure. In Nyungwe National Park, they live in large troops, sometimes over 100 individuals.
Although in more recent years the structures of the colobus societies has seen dominant males leading the groups, there is no recorded observation of dominance among female members. The females create peaceful relationships among themselves and there is low competition and aggression between them within their own groups. The Colobus Monkey troops usually also consist of the Juveniles that are considered the lower-rank after the subadults. Just like their name suggests, the adult colobi have black fur with white features. Their faces are surrounded with white fur. When still young however, the colobi are completely white with a pink face.
Colobus Monkey Tracking in Nyungwe is a guided nature walk in Nyungwe’s dense rainforest aimed at locating and observing these monkeys in their natural habitat. Unlike chimpanzee trekking, colobus tracking is typically easier and less physically demanding, making it ideal for families and casual hikers. There are two habituated groups of colobus monkeys in Nyungwe that visitors can trek during a Safaris in the park. The two groups include; the Uwinka colobus group, and the Gisakura group. The Uwinka group has the larges number of members compared to the Gisakura group.
Where Does Tracking start? Depending on the availability and which group you’ll be allocated, colobus tracking in Nyungwe has two starting points. The first point is the Uwinka Visitor Center and the other point is the Gisakura Area. The Gisakura troop is the easiest and most visited in Nyungwe. At Gisakura, there are four colobus trekking schedules(sessions) available each day, each of which guarantees a sight of these beautiful creatures. The first trek starts at around 8:00 am. Second one starts at 10:00 am, the third one starts at 1: 00pm, and the last one starts at 3: 00 pm.
At Uwinka, there is only one session available each day and it starts at around 9:00 am. To track the Black and White Colobus Monkey in Rwanda, one needs to purchase a colobus monkey tracking permit. The permit costs around US$ 60 for international visitors, US$ 40 for international residents and about RWF 5,000 for nationals and East African residents.
Just like all other primate adventures in Rwanda, the Black and White Colobus tracking in Rwanda starts with a briefing. Visitors transfer to the park headquarters where they are given information about the experience and guided on the rules of the trekking by the park officials. Visitors will also be given safety tips and tracking etiquette before heading into the forest.
After the briefing, visitors embark on a trek to search for the primates. The walk can last 1 to 3 hours, depending on the location of the troop. The terrain is moderately hilly but manageable. Along the way, you might encounter different birds and other resident wildlife especially primates like the blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and a variety of forest flora. You’ll finally locate the troop and enjoy time observing their behavior – watch them feeding, grooming, or leaping through the canopy. It’s a photographer’s dream!
After your allocated time elapses, you’ll walk back to the visitors center from where you’ll transfer back to your lodge or continue with your other adventures in Nyungwe.
We usually recommend combining this adventure with other activities on offer at Nyungwe like the canopy walks, birding safaris, and chimpanzee trekking.
Although Rwanda is a year round safari destination, some month of the year are considered best for safaris compared to others. Just like all other safari activities in Rwanda, Black and White colobus tracking in Rwanda is best done during the dry season. The dry season is known for offering the most suitable conditions for trekking in the forest. Consider visiting Rwanda from June to September and December to February as this time offer:
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