When puzzled by the challenge of choosing the best from gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking safari in Africa, you need to understand first that both are top notch safari activities. It is best to take all of them if not challenges of time and funds.
With gorilla trekking, meeting the giant, misunderstood for being violent yet calm mountain gorillas is heart melting.
Chimpanzees may be of average height but have the closest resemblance to human beings that is a clear face, their problem solving skills and more which you get glimpse into during one hour of observation. Book Now
Only three African countries in African have mountain gorillas that is Uganda, Rwanda and D.R.Congo which leaves limited options of destination to enjoy gorilla trekking. For chimpanzee trekking several African countries offer this adventure like Rwanda in Nyungwe National Park, Tanzania in Mahale forest, Uganda in Kibale National Park and more.
Both gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking have restricted maximum number of tourists allowed to visit their territory to minimize disturbance as they are habituated not to see large crowds of visitors. This provides more intimate experience rather than in crowded locations. Both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are very keen with intruders in their vicinity.
Two chimpanzee trekking sessions are open for chimpanzee trekking that is morning and afternoon in Rwanda and Uganda while only one gorilla trekking session is available per day in both countries.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda are quite challenging and steep because of the several highlands that make up the landscape of Virunga area where the gorillas live. The topography of Chimpanzee trekking destinations for both Uganda and Rwanda is fairly leveled.
The cost of gorilla trekking and or chimpanzee trekking permit differ in Uganda and Rwanda with the cost of gorilla permits being higher compared to the cost of chimpanzee permits in either countries. The current of Uganda gorilla trekking permit is 800 per permit and Kibale chimpanzee trekking permit cost is $250. Cost of current Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is $1500 per permit yet chimpanzee permits cost is $150 per permit
Key Information About Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda Or Rwanda
Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are recognized as endangered primates in the world and are on the red list of IUCN therefore every activity done around them must be in line with conserving them.
Both gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda happen in the natural tropical rain forests which are vast so do not enter without an escorting ranger guide.
Uganda and Rwanda are highly susceptible to human infections especially communicable infections including cough, flu, covid-19 and others. Some of these diseases may lead to the massive death of these primates interrupting the aim for conservation.
Attending briefing before gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking is compulsory to every tourist as detailed communication about the most recent information about these primates is availed.
The terrain of the gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda and Rwanda is rugged from the effects of Volcanic actions that affected this area. Chimpanzee trekking destinations for Uganda and Rwanda are fairly leveled with fewer challenges due to challenge in altitude.
Pack the right gorilla or chimpanzee trekking gears that is wilderness friendly such as garden gloves, warmers, rainproof gears and others.
Acknowledge and adhere to rules of both gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking as these were set to guide these primate adventures and have been proved to be effective over time.
Can I Do Both Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda And Rwanda On The Same Day
No, each activity is best enjoyed on individual days as the destinations where gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda are far apart. It is hard to drive after gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking to catch up briefing time of either activities
Alternatively, you can choose different days to do either gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking within your Africa safari itinerary. It is rewarding to attend gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking to find the difference with both celebrated primates in the world.
To experience adventures of both Uganda and Rwanda, you can choose to do gorilla trekking in one country them chimpanzee trekking in another or enjoy both activities in both countries as it is absolutely stunning.
Best Time To Do Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda Or Rwanda
The best time to do gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is the dry season. Both countries experience two seasons that is rainy and dry season, with the dry season being June to September and December to January whereas the wet season is normally March to May and November.
Mountain gorillas or chimpanzees are residents of dense forests with large leaves that do not allow sunlight to filter through the wide leaves however during the dry season, more light is seen. The mountain gorillas spend most of the day on the ground during the dry season.
The wet season for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking should not stop you from participating in either adventures because these primates are available.
How Sure Can I Be To See The Mountain Gorilla And Chimpanzees During The Primate Safari
During gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking be sure to see these primates in the wilderness no matter the season. Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are residents of the vast dense rain forest so many ask how you can trace them in such an environment.
While in the dry season both gorillas and chimpanzees maintain their day close to the ground searching for food. These mountain gorillas and chimpanzees share the same space with other primates and in the dry season competition for the limited food supply is high.
Daily, a team of ranger guides tries to trace where the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees nested for the night, estimate the direction they may be taking for the day and use them as clues.
Mountain gorilla and chimpanzees stay in a feeding location for almost a year making them tracible until food supply is proved insufficient so the dominant silverback has the mandate to relocate the family or community. During gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking, the ranger guides use the clues availed to find these primates.
As the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees, relocate, they leave behind some clues which ranger guides and tourists use to trace these primates. Some of the clues the rangers use to find the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees include fresh foot prints, freshly chewed foliage, listen to murmurs and more.
Note that no matter the time you take to trace the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees, meeting these primates is unforgettable and many end up forgetting the challenges encountered along the way.