by Canine Safaris Ltd, 2 min read
Uganda is one of the few countries where you can walk into the forest to meet both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. They are very different encounters, and understanding the difference helps you plan a trip you will love.
Where each takes place
Mountain gorillas live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the south-west. Chimpanzees can be tracked in Kibale National Park, which the Uganda Wildlife Authority lists with more than 1,500 chimpanzees in at least twelve communities, as well as in the Kyambura Gorge of Queen Elizabeth and in other forests.
What the animals are like
Gorillas are large, calm and mostly stay on the ground. A family sits, feeds and grooms in front of you while the silverback watches. Chimpanzees are lively and acrobatic. They swing through the trees, call loudly, chase each other and can cross the forest quickly, so the hour can feel like a theatre performance.
The walk
A gorilla trek can take from under an hour to most of a day depending on where the family is, over steep and muddy ground. UWA describes chimpanzee tracking in Kibale as walks of two to five hours from the Kanyanchu visitor centre, with one hour spent with the chimpanzees once found and a reported success rate above ninety per cent. Both treks suit anyone with a moderate level of fitness, and porters are available.
Rules and ages
Gorilla trekking has a minimum age of 15. For chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, UWA sets the minimum age at 16. Visitors who are ill should not trek, because primates can catch human illnesses. Groups are small and rangers set the rules at the briefing.
Cost and booking
Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (opens in a new tab) and priced in US dollars. Gorilla permits cost many times more than chimpanzee permits, and they are limited each day, so book early. Our safari cost breakdown shows how permits fit into a total budget.
Which should you choose?
- Choose gorillas if you want the rarest and most moving wildlife encounter, and your budget allows it
- Choose chimpanzees if you want a lower permit cost, an easier booking and a lively day in the forest
- Choose both if you are on a longer trip and enjoy primates, since the two parks are on the same western route
How to combine them
A natural sequence starts in Mbarara, moves to Lake Mburo, then Queen Elizabeth and Kibale for chimpanzees, and finally Bwindi for gorillas. Our 7 day western Uganda itinerary shows one way to do it, and the Kibale chimps and Queen Elizabeth safari covers the first half.
Prepare well
Pack for mud and rain. Our Uganda safari packing list includes the trek kit, and our guide to what a gorilla trekking day is really like walks you through the schedule. Ready to choose? Tell us your dates on the plan your trip page.
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Frequently asked questions
Is gorilla trekking harder than chimpanzee tracking?
It can be, because gorilla terrain is steeper and the walk can be longer. Both depend on where the animals are on the day.
Can I see both on one trip?
Yes. Kibale and Bwindi are both on the western route and many guests combine them with Queen Elizabeth.
How long do I spend with the animals?
One hour with gorillas, and one hour with chimpanzees once they are found.
What is the minimum age?
Fifteen for gorilla trekking and sixteen for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, according to UWA.
Sources and further reading
- gorilla trekking
- chimpanzee tracking
- Kibale
- Bwindi
- primates
- comparison
