Gorilla Trekking Or Chimpanzee trekking In Uganda |What Is The Difference

One of the major differences between gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking safaris in Uganda are the destinations where they happen. For gorilla trekking in Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park are the only destinations to consider. Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda happens in a number of destinations that is Kibale National Park, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kaniyo Pabidi forest Murchison Falls National Park and many others.

For gorilla trekking in Uganda, it happens once in the days with to reduce on the disturbance in the routine of the mountain gorillas. During chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, two sessions are conducted each day that is morning and afternoon.

The current cost of gorilla trekking permits in Uganda is $800 per person per day whereas the cost of chimpanzee trekking permits in Uganda varies with destination but that is Kibale National Park chimpanzee trekking permit costs $250 per person.

During chimpanzee trekking in Uganda maximum 6 tourists are allowed to visit a chimpanzee troop per session whereas maximum 8 tourists are allowed to visit a gorilla trekking family per day. Contacts Us

In Uganda chimpanzee trekking safari can be done in several destinations that is Kibale National Park, Budongo forest, Kaniyo Pabidi forest, Kalinzu forest, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary and others. Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda happen in only two destinations Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks.

The distance to take from Kampala to the gorilla trekking destination in Uganda is about 540 kilometers while the distance to drive to Kibale National Park the main chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda is about 336 Kilometers.

The topography of the gorilla trekking destinations is quite steep  at an altitude of about 8000 to 1300 feet because of volcanic activities that affected these areas that ended in forming ridges and plateaus. Sometimes the mountain gorillas take time on the slopes or deep valleys making it quite challenging to trace them. The terrain of most chimpanzees trekking destinations in Uganda is fairly flat providing chance to explore the forest at a faster pace. In terms of size, the mountain gorillas have body size that is larger weighing an average of about 180 kilograms for males and about 90 kilograms for females. The body and face of the mountain gorillas is covered with dark thicker far. An average chimpanzee weighs bout for males 40 to 60 kilograms and females about 32 kilogram to 47 kilograms. The facial appearance of the chimpanzees has lesser fur compared to that of the mountains gorillas.

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What are the similarities between Gorilla trekking and Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and chimpanzee trekking necessitate having a permit. The UgandaWildlife Authority has the overall mandate in regulating both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits. For chimpanzee permits, some other organizations may set the prices of chimpanzee permits but in collaboration with assistance from Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Briefing before gorilla or chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is compulsory no matter how many times you repeat any of these primates safaris in Uganda. This is because every time new characters about the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees are discovered. Even details about these primates keep changing according to the research made often so you need to be up dated.

Time of finding the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees in Uganda is hard to determine because these primates live freely in the wilderness. Factors prevailing in the forest determine the time when to locate the mountain gorillas.

Pack the gorilla or chimpanzee trekking gears that can support you while exploring the wilderness. Some of the important gears include safari boots, garden gloves, safari hat, insect repellant and others. Have some level of patience while searching for the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees is recommended so as to maintain the candle to see mountain gorillas still burning as some may wish to give up. The forests have plenty to see before finally tracing the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees.

Both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are primates with a DNA close to that of humans that is why they have some qualities that humans bear although they cannot speak like humans. Even there sense of judgment as to what is good or bad is not as clear as that of humans.

Best Time To Book Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari In Uganda

Booking the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda is best in the dry season even though this primates adventure is open all year. The dry season which is June to September is characterized forest by dry conditions that leave the forest normally less moist, more sunlight and quicker to explore.

Since both gorilla and chimpanzee safaris require having permits yet there supply is restricted as a conservation measure taken to reduce chances of trampling on vegetation. The mountain gorillas and chimpanzees’ major diet is composed of foliage. Stepping in the vegetation in the forest reduces on the possible food sources for these primates.

The peak tourism season of Uganda normally comes during the dry season and so the demand for gorilla and chimpanzee permits gets harder too. Most tourists reserve the gorilla or chimpanzee permits in advance to reduce on chances of not finding last minute availability.

The wet season that is March to May and November is regarded as the low tourism season in Uganda. This is characterized by more chances of finding gorilla and chimpanzee permit availability. The atmosphere in the forest is normally chilly all day and rain may fall for longer hours but despite these obstacles , both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safaris still go on. No matter the season, the chimpanzees and mountain gorillas are a must see even though they tend to spend time under sheltered spots.    

Cost Of the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda

The cost of the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda varies with category of safari package that is up market, mid-range and basic. In addition, the cost of the gorilla or chimpanzee trekking permit is across all safari packages. 

Currently the cost of the Uganda gorilla trekking permits is $800 for foreign nonresidents, $700 for international residents, $500 for other Africans and 300000 shs or east Africans

At the moment the cost of chimpanzee trekking permit for Kibale National Park is $250 for foreign nonresidents, $200 for international residents and 180000 shs for East Africans

Other additional Uganda safari costs to be included in the gorilla and chimpanzee safari package include cost of accommodations

Cost of Transport that is gas, driver guide hire, vehicle hire, maintenance and others

Are Mountain Gorillas And Chimpanzees In Uganda Safe To Visit

It is safe to visit the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda but you need to abide by either the guidelines set by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Every tourists is expected to attend briefing before starting the search for the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees. This this session, you get in-depth in formation about the gorillas or chimpanzees than what is available.

Both gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking happen in the wilderness but you have to trace them. there is no specific area that these primates spend time but traverse the forest according to there instinct. These rain forests have thick vegetation with some plants having a rough surface that may irritate you so wear the right attire.

Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are very sensitive with unfamiliar noise in there presence so try to keep your voice low and donot use flashlight camera when taking photos. This may seem suspicious before the mountain gorillas.

Try not to stare in the eyes of the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees when with them as thy are shy primates. When agitated, the mountain gorillas may run into the deeper forest so prolonging the adventure.

Expect rain to fall any time while searching for the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees no matter the season. This is because the rain forests are situated in places where seasons change so carry some rainproof gears and warmers.

Can Mountain Gorillas And Chimpanzees Get Violent During Gorilla Or Chimpanzee Trekking Tour

The mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are first habituated before opening them to the public this enables them to withstand the presence of humans atleast for one hour. Even with such characters, these primates can charge when provoked but donot panic because you can escalate the situation.

The ranger guides understand how to try and control the situation so wait for them to establish the route cause of the matter advise accordingly. When the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees change mood, they may hoot, retreat into hiding and much more.

Follow the new directions givens by the ranger guide in order to spend more time before the gorilla or chimpanzee troop.

Gorilla Trekking Or Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda Which Is Easier To Do

Chimpanzee trekking many be easier to do compared to gorilla trekking in Uganda even though it can sometimes take longer time to trace these primates.

The nature of the topography of Bwindi or Mgahinga forests are mainly hilly with several highlands that make the parks. Sometimes the mountain gorillas spend time deep in the valley or on the slopes of these highlands so you need to hike to find them.

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda can be some from variety of destinations even those just a short ride away from Entebbe International airport including Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or Uganda wildlife Education center. Some of the chimpanzees trekking destinations in Uganda include Kibale National Park, Kaniyo Pabidi forest, Kalinzu forest and others.

Gorilla trekking happens in only two destinations in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.

Finding the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees depends on prevailing factors including food location, death of family members, level of fitness and others.

What Is The Age Limit For Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking In Uganda

The chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking age limit for Uganda us 12 years and over. Before confirming this Uganda safari, get to know the age limits for the participants. The nature of the trails where these primates live may not be comfortable for children below this age to walk through.

At a glance, the sight of the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees may stimulate some adrenaline which may cause someone to rush or get a panic attack. Such reactions may rub wrongly with the mountain gorillas or chimpanzees causing a stampede in the forest. For children below this age, it may be hard to rap around the sense that you donot have to panic.

What Are The Packs For Gorilla And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari In Uganda

A camera to take photos and keep memories of this once in a lifetime adventure with the mountain gorillas.

Safari foldable hat with a large brim to protect your head from buzzing insects in the jungle.

Safari convertible trousers and log sleeved shirt in wilderness friendly colors like tan and Khaki to use while in the jungle. Camouflage is not accepted in Uganda as this is related to military wear.

Warmers as it gets so cold in the morning and late afternoons so you need to keep warm.

Foldable waterproof bottle to carry with water in order to quench thirst

Waterproof backpack on wilderness friendly colors that you are not afraid to get dirty.

Safari waterproof boot to use when walking through the jungle which is quite slippery and soggy from the decomposing matter.

Garden gloves to hold a tighter grip on to the vines while walking along the trails

A pair of binocular to capture a better vision of the far ranging features in the jungle.

Rain coat in case it falls as these tropical rain forest may receive rains the entire day

Hard cash to use as a means of exchange when purchasing on ground items like souvenirs as credit cards are not easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of obtaining money from them.

First aid kit with medication for emergency treatment.

Insect repellant to apply and keep away insects that may hurt you while in the jungle.

Sunglasses to protect your eyes from insects that buzz in the jungle.

Fully charged batteries to exchange with in case one run low.

Energy treats to munch on as breakfast is taken too early to last the entire time you are in the jungle. An adopter and charger in case you need to recharge your gargets.