Gorilla Trekking vs Chimpanzee Trekking: Which to Choose

Both are remarkable wildlife encounters, but they differ enough that it helps to understand the details before you choose.

Where They Happen

Gorillas: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Chimpanzees: Tanzania's own Gombe Stream National Park on Lake Tanganyika.

The Encounter

A gorilla trek ends with one carefully controlled hour beside a large, calm family. Chimpanzees are livelier and spend more time in the trees, so following them usually means more walking.

How Hard It Is

Both involve steep forest trails. Gombe's hills often make chimp trekking the tougher of the two.

Cost and Travel

Gorilla permits are expensive and limited, so they must be booked early. Gombe is more remote, reached by boat from Kigoma, but the trekking itself usually costs less.

Our Advice

If you want primates close to your Tanzania safari, Gombe's chimpanzees fit more easily. If gorillas are the goal, plan a proper extension to Uganda or Rwanda.