Chimpanzee Trekking and Gorilla Trekking

Chimpanzee Trekking and Gorilla Trekking

Chimpanzee Trekking and Gorilla Trekking are two of the most popular wildlife activities among Travelers visiting Uganda. Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking involves walking through thick forest in search of a particular family of primates. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done at the Bwindi Impenetrable National park and the Mgahinga national park. Both are found in south western Uganda. Chimpanzee trekking on the other hand is done at Kibale forest national park, Kyambura gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park, Kalinzu forest and the Budongo forest at the Murchison falls national park.

Is Chimpanzee Trekking as Good as Gorilla Trekking? Understanding the Differences Between the Great Apes

Is Chimpanzee Trekking as Good as Gorilla Trekking? Chimpanzees and Gorillas are both among the great apes. The great apes also include Humans, Bonobos and Orangutans. Great apes do not have tails but do have strong arms and well defined fingers and toes that can grasp objects. Gorillas and Chimps also carry about 98% of the human DNA and have one of the largest brain sizes in the animal kingdom. Chimpanzees are more closer to humans in terms of overall intellect compared to the gorillas. Gorillas are purely herbivorous primates that feed on vegetation like tree barks, fruits, shoots and roots. Chimpanzees on the other hand are omnivorous primates whose diet includes both vegetables and food from animals like duikers, termites and small monkeys.

Compared to Chimps that are mobile and very unpredictable.

Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda is as exciting as gorilla trekking. In both activities, you get the opportunity to watch the fascinating apes going about their daily activities like socializing with each other, playing, eating and grooming their little ones. Additionally, you will view many beautiful bird species, rare plants and flowers while searching for the primates in the forest. Gorilla trekking is generally more organized than chimpanzee trekking because of the nature and personality of the primates. Gorillas live in families that are headed by a dominant male silverback who is the provider and defender of the family. The dominant Silverback has greater control over his family than his Chimpanzee counterpart.

Is Chimpanzee Trekking as Good as Gorilla Trekking? Understanding the Differences Between the Great Apes

Chimpanzee communities may have several dominant males who are always in competition with each other. Lack of clear leadership can make many chimpanzee groups chaotic. Chimpanzee groups often split to feed in different areas and hence the dominant male may have no control over what is happening in his family at all times. It is much easier to observe gorillas because they are calmer primates than chimpanzees. They also spend much of their time on the forest floor compared to chimps that love to spend time on top of trees. Photographing gorillas or being in their presence is easier compared to Chimps that are mobile and very unpredictable.

Comparing Gorilla Trekking to Chimpanzee Trekking

Gorilla Trekking starts with a group of Game Rangers/Trackers going into the dense forest to look for where the gorillas last made their sleeping nest.  Once these advance Trackers locate the gorillas, they inform the park authorities at the headquarters to help guide the tourists on which trails to follow. Tourists are then briefed on what to expect during the trek. After the briefing on gorilla trekking, tourists are divided into groups. Each group contains 8 tourists who assigned to a Senior Park Guide and game Rangers.

Gorillas live at high altitudes and that means you may have to go through slopes during your search for them. In case you find it challenging to carry your backpack during the hike, you can hire a Porter from the park headquarters to help you carry the luggage all the way. After locating the gorilla families, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them up close. This is the time to take photographs but do not flash or make sounds as this could provoke the gorillas to charge. Gorilla charging is rare except when they are alerted. They are generally very peaceful and will go about their business like you don’t exist. You can read a more extensive article about the difference between chimps and gorillas.

Chimpanzee vs Gorilla Trekking Experience and Accessibility in Uganda

Chimpanzees on the other hand do spend most of their time on trees swinging from one branch to another. They are actually more playful and lively than gorillas and tend to make a lot of noise in the forests. This can make a chimpanzee trekking experience more exhilarating to watch. However, given their mobility on the trees, it’s a bit challenging to take their photographs.

Chimpanzees can live in large communities containing over 100 individuals. These communities get separated into smaller groups to feed in different parts of the forest. Chimpanzee Trekking is generally easier compared to gorilla trekking. It doesn’t require one to hike mountain slopes since the chimpanzee habitats in Uganda are located in relatively flat areas. It is important to note that many gorilla groups in Uganda are easy to find because they leave close to the park offices. Those who wish to have an easier gorilla trek can simply talk to the Park Authorities so that they are assigned to an easy gorilla group if they have fitness issues.

As earlier noted, gorillas are found in the western part of the country. You can access the parks by either road or by air. Traveling by road from either Kampala or Entebbe to the gorilla parks takes about between 8 to 10 hours. The road trips are long but you will have the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of Uganda. You will also get to check out how the local people trade and farm. Air transport is another alternative to get to the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking sites. With a flight, you can be sure to travel for less than 2 hours although it’s costlier than road transport.

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Permits, Costs, and Essential Information in Uganda

For one to meet the chimpanzees and gorillas in their natural habitats, he is required to purchase a gorilla trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife authority. Gorilla permits cost 700 US dollars.  Chimpanzee permits are cheaper and cost between 75 to 200 US dollars depending on where one chooses to see them. Kibale National Park is the most expensive destination for Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda. It is also the best place to see the primates in their natural setting anywhere in the world.

Note: It is important to note that Chimpanzee trekking is different from Gorilla Trekking because it can be conducted in different sessions (morning, mid-day and afternoon). Gorilla Trekking always starts at 7:30am. Both Chimpanzees and gorilla trekking sites are also surrounded by excellent accommodation facilities. You can find both luxurious and budget friendly lodges or hotels.  It’s important to pack a few items for your trek which include water proof hiking boots, a backpack to carry some snacks, water, raincoats, insect repellents, cameras and binoculars among other things. You will also require a hiking stick but that is provided during the time of briefing by park officials.

We can conclude by saying that Chimpanzee trekking is just as fun-filled and exciting as gorilla trekking. Moreover, the money collected from the trekking permits help fund conservation and primate research activities in the park. Some of the money is channeled to communities living close to the park to improve on road networks, build schools, water sources and health centers. Ensure that you choose a trusted tour operator to help you arrange for permits, accommodation, meals and transport.