Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking are two of the most popular wildlife activities for travelers visiting Uganda. Gorilla trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both located in southwestern Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking occurs in Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kalinzu Forest, and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park.
Both activities offer the chance to observe fascinating primates going about their daily routines, such as socializing, playing, eating, and caring for their young. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful bird species, rare plants, and flowers while searching for these great apes in the forest.
Gorilla trekking is generally more structured than chimpanzee trekking due to the different nature of the primates. Gorilla families are led by a dominant male silverback, providing stability and a clear hierarchy. In contrast, chimpanzee groups may have multiple dominant males, resulting in more competition and less cohesive leadership.
Gorillas tend to stay on the forest floor and are calm, making them easier to observe and photograph. Chimpanzees are more active, often moving through the treetops and being less predictable. This can make photographing and tracking them more challenging. Despite these differences, both experiences offer memorable and unique encounters with these incredible primates.
Comparing Gorilla to Chimpanzee Trekking
Gorilla trekking begins with a team of game rangers and trackers venturing into the dense forest to locate where the gorillas last nested. Once the trackers find the gorillas, they inform park headquarters to guide tourists on which trails to follow. Tourists receive a briefing about the trek and are then divided into groups of up to eight, each led by a senior park guide and rangers. Gorillas often inhabit high altitudes, requiring trekkers to navigate slopes during their search. If carrying a backpack proves challenging, porters can be hired to assist.
Upon locating a gorilla family, you will spend an hour observing them up close. During this time, you can take photos, but avoid using flash or making loud noises to prevent provoking the gorillas. Gorilla charging is rare unless they feel threatened; generally, they remain peaceful and go about their daily activities.
Gorillas And Chimpanzees, Which Is More Active?
Compared to gorillas, chimpanzees are more active, often swinging from tree to tree. They are lively and noisy, making for an exhilarating trekking experience. However, their mobility makes photographing them challenging. Chimpanzee communities can contain over 100 individuals and may split into smaller groups to feed in different parts of the forest.
Chimp trekking is generally easier than gorilla trekking as it typically takes place in flatter terrain. Gorilla groups in Uganda are often found near park offices, making them easier to locate. Visitors can speak with park authorities to be assigned to easier gorilla groups if they have fitness concerns.
