Katavi Game & Mahale Chimpanzee Safari
A unique safari to western Tanzania exploring the vast plains of Katavi and tracking the chimpanzees of Mahale.
Menu
Gorilla Trekking vs. Chimpanzee Trekking
Key Differences & Tips
The two offer exciting chances to see wild animals in their natural habitats, but they differ in species of animals, types of adventure and landscapes.
Gorilla trekking mostly happens in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo where trekkers can enjoy close observation of gorillas in dense mountainous forests. On the other hand, chimpanzee trekking is carried out in different parts across East Africa and central Africa; this involves moving with active social chimpanzees through diverse habitats. Knowing these distinctions will help you select which one suits your fitness level as well as interest best.
Contact a Gorilla Specialist Today
Species and Behaviour
Mountain gorillas are often the main focus during Gorilla Treks. These creatures have a stable family life led by dominant male silverbacks that live together all year round. They are typically calmer and spend most of their time on the ground. Read more about gorilla behaviour and social structure.
Chimpanzee tracking gives people an opportunity to watch smaller agile chimpanzees that move around a lot. Chimpanzee community's social structure is more complex than that of gorilla families; chimps communicate using various vocalisations while living together closely within large groups for protection against predators like leopards or lions. Furthermore unlike mountain gorillas, these primates spend much time in trees which makes them hard spot during hikes through jungles inhabited by them.
Habitat and Location
Gorilla trekking mainly takes place at higher altitudes within mountains ranges found between Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. The areas are characterised by steep slopes covered with vegetation where climbers need strength to push themselves up such places while hiking long hours under rainfall or sunshine until reaching their destinations deep into impenetrable forests where gorillas live.
Chimpanzee tracking is done at lower elevations throughout Eastern as well as Central Africa including countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Habitats are more open woodlands than the dense forests found when gorilla trekking.
Trekking Experience
Gorilla treks are usually longer than chimpanzee treks and can take from few hours up-to whole day depending on where the family groups of gorillas happen to be located. Trekkers may have pass through very dense vegetation while climbing steep slopes before finding themselves face-to-face with these unique creatures living deep within impenetrable rainforests.
Chimpanzee tracking takes relatively shorter time duration though it involves fast moving groups of chimps that cover big distances within their territories in shortest period possible. Therefore, this can become more thrilling but also challenging because one needs follow fast moving primates and the pace can be too much for some.
Gorilla Trekking & Chimpanzee Safaris
From 12500 per person
Luxury Complete Rwanda Safari
The opportunity to visit Rwanda's three main wildlife hotspots whilst staying in the most luxurious accomodation and transferring vy helicopter, from tracking the world famouns mountain gorilla and meeting the doctors of the mountain gorilla vetinary project, to tracking the cheeky chimpanzee in Nyungwe and searching for a multitude of wildlfie on game drives in Akagera National Park.
What to Expect from a Gorilla Trek
Permits and Accessibility
Gorilla permits are limited due to the fact that mountain gorillas are highly endangered hence more expensive compared to those for chimpanzees. Therefore demand for them is always higher and early bookings are always advised. However, chimpanzee permits are relatively obtainable at lower cost especially when planning a visit to a lesser known site. You really only need to book way in advance if visiting a popular site.
Conservation Impact
Both activities support conservation efforts as well help local communities earn income through tourism businesses created around them. However, gorilla trekking has greater impact because of their critically endangered status plus higher revenues generated from selling permits.
Photography Opportunities
In terms of photography opportunities, both experiences offer great chance capture amazing photos.However since they move slowly the larger gorilla bodies provide stable shots while chimpanzees require quick reflexes and good tracking skills.
Which Is Right for You?
The choice between Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trek depends on your interest and physical ability. For those who love big animals that are docile yet can do tougher hikes gorilla trekking would be perfect. For people looking for something more dynamic with lots of action then you should consider chimpanzee trekking.