How Gorilla Permits Are Allocated: A Complete Guide for Trekkers Gorilla trekking is one of…
Chimpanzee trekking Versus Gorilla trekking.
Chimpanzee Trekking vs Gorilla Trekking – Which Primate Safari Experience is Right for You?
When planning a primate safari in Uganda, many travelers find themselves choosing between chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking. Both offer remarkable encounters with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, but they deliver very different experiences in terms of environment, difficulty level, behavior, and emotional impact.
Whether you dream of meeting the gentle mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or watching the playful chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park, your journey will be unforgettable – especially when organized by Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, Uganda’s trusted safari specialist.
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In this guide, we compare chimpanzee trekking versus gorilla trekking, so you can choose the perfect primate adventure for your Uganda safari.
Chimpanzee Behavior vs Gorilla Behavior
One of the most noticeable differences between chimpanzees and gorillas is their behavior and movement style.
Chimpanzees are:
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Highly energetic and playful
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Rarely still
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Constantly moving through trees
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Loud and social
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Agile climbers and fast runners
Chimpanzees spend a greater portion of their day in the trees, swinging from branches, jumping, playing, grooming one another, and making loud pant-hoots that echo through the forest. Because of this, your trekking experience may involve a lot of looking up, craning your neck, and chasing their movements through dense foliage. This can be thrilling but also slightly challenging for photography.
In contrast, mountain gorillas are:
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Calm and gentle
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Mostly ground-dwelling
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Less noisy
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Slower in movement
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Deeply social and emotional
On a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, you usually find an entire gorilla family on the ground — feeding, resting, playing, or caring for their young. This offers a more intimate and close-up photographic opportunity, especially when the silverback settles just a few meters away from you.
Both encounters are magical, but gorilla trekking is more emotional, while chimpanzee trekking is more adventurous and fast-paced.
Book your gorilla or chimpanzee safari here
Trekking Difficulty: Chimpanzee vs Gorilla Tracking
Another major difference between chimp trekking and gorilla trekking in Uganda is the trekking difficulty.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi is thick, wild, mountainous, and truly “impenetrable.” Gorilla trekking can involve:
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Steep slopes
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Slippery forest floors
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Thick vegetation
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Hiking times between 1–8 hours
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Higher altitude and heavier terrain
For this reason, gorilla trekking is usually more physically demanding than chimpanzee tracking. However, the reward is extraordinary — one hour with a family of endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
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Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
Kibale Forest National Park offers flatter terrain compared to Bwindi. The forest is less dense, and paths are fairly more navigable. While the chimps are harder to keep up with once found, the actual hike is often less physically demanding.
Chimpanzee tracking can take place in:
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The morning session
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The afternoon session
This flexibility makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a lighter trek or wish to combine it with other activities.
Explore Kibale chimpanzee tours
Permit Differences: Gorilla vs Chimpanzee Tracking
Both chimpanzee tracking and gorilla tracking require permits issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Gorilla trekking permits
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Limited to 8 people per gorilla family per day
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Valid for 1 hour with the gorillas
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Minimum age: 15 years
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Must be booked early (sometimes 6–12 months in advance)
Chimpanzee trekking permits
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Limited to 6 people per group in Kibale
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Morning and afternoon options available
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Less expensive than gorilla permits
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Still requires advance booking
To avoid the stress of securing permits yourself, Monumental Expeditions and Safaris can obtain them for you efficiently.
Photography Experience: Which is Better?
If photography is your main interest, gorilla trekking offers better photographic opportunities because gorillas spend more time on the ground and move slowly. Their massive size, expressive eyes, and family interactions create magical moments for photographers.
Chimpanzees, however:
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Move fast
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Stay in trees
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Often sit in shaded areas
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Disappear suddenly
This creates an exciting challenge but may make it harder to get the “perfect shot.” That said, sometimes all you can do is enjoy the moment, take in the experience, and accept that nature is not a studio.
Both experiences are incredibly rewarding in different ways.
Best Time to Visit for Chimpanzees and Gorillas
Both chimpanzee and gorilla trekking are available year-round in Uganda, but the best months are during the dry seasons:
📅 Best time for Uganda primate safaris:
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June – October
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Mid-December – February
During this time:
✅ Trails are less muddy
✅ Weather is favorable
✅ Wildlife is easier to observe
✅ Photographs are clearer
Monumental Expeditions and Safaris can help you plan your safari around these ideal months.
What to Wear for Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking
No matter which experience you choose, proper clothing is essential. Recommended items include:
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Long-sleeved shirt
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Long trousers
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Waterproof rain jacket
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Strong hiking boots
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Gardening gloves (against nettles)
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Gaiters or tucked-in trousers (to stop safari ants)
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Hat and insect repellent
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A light backpack and water bottle
The forest is wet, wild, and wonderful — dressing appropriately makes your adventure far more enjoyable.
Combining Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in One Safari
The good news is: you don’t have to choose one over the other.
Many travelers book a combined chimpanzee and gorilla trekking safari in Uganda to enjoy the full primate experience. These tours include:
✔ Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
✔ Chimp trekking in Kibale
✔ Queen Elizabeth wildlife safari
✔ Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
✔ Scenic landscapes & cultural experiences
Monumental Expeditions and Safaris offers customized itineraries that combine both experiences at the best value.
Why Book with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris?
When it comes to chimpanzee and gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, working with an experienced company makes all the difference.
Monumental Expeditions and Safaris is known for:
✅ Reliable permit booking
✅ Flexible safari packages
✅ Experienced guides
✅ Affordable prices
✅ Luxury & budget options
✅ Excellent customer support
They handle everything from permits to transport, accommodation, and park entry — ensuring a smooth, safe, and unforgettable trip.
Final Verdict: Which Experience is Better?
Choose Gorilla Trekking if:
✔ You want the most emotional wildlife encounter
✔ You enjoy slow, intimate moments
✔ You want the best photography
✔ You don’t mind challenging hikes
Choose Chimpanzee Trekking if:
✔ You enjoy action and forest sounds
✔ You want lighter hiking
✔ You love energetic, playful animals
✔ You want more flexibility during the day
Or better yet…
DO BOTH for the ultimate Uganda safari experience.
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