Gorrila and Chimp Trekking in East Africa

Welcome to the incredible world of gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in East Africa, where you can witness some of the most captivating and endangered creatures on the planet in their natural habitat.

East Africa is home to some of the world’s last remaining gorillas and chimpanzees, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Gorillas and chimpanzees are both primates that are native to East Africa, but they differ in a number of ways.

Chimpanzees share 98% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest living relatives, and observing them in their natural habitat offers a fascinating insight into their behavior and social dynamics.

Things to know about Gorilla and Chimpanzee

Gorillas

Are generally larger and heavier than chimpanzees, with adult males weighing up to 400 pounds or more.

They are also primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, stems, and fruit. Gorillas are found in the forests of central and East Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Chimpanzees

On the other hand, are smaller and more slender, with adult males weighing around 100-120 pounds.

They are omnivorous, eating both plants and animals and are known for their use of tools and their social behavior.

Chimpanzees are found in a range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and savannas, and are distributed across a larger area than gorillas, including parts of Central and West Africa, as well as East Africa.

In East Africa specifically, gorillas are found in the highland forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while chimpanzees are found in a wider range of habitats, including the forests of Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.

It’s worth noting that both gorillas and chimpanzees are endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and other threats.

Gorillas:

There are two species of gorillas: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla. The eastern gorilla is further divided into two subspecies: the mountain gorilla and the eastern lowland gorilla.

The western gorilla is divided into two subspecies: the western lowland gorilla and the Cross River gorilla.

Mountain gorillas are the most well-known and studied of the gorilla subspecies, and are found in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The eastern lowland gorilla is found in the forests of eastern Congo, while the western lowland gorilla is found in the forests of central and West Africa.

The Cross River gorilla is the most endangered gorilla subspecies and is found only in a small area on the border of Nigeria and Cameroon.

Gorillas are known for their social behavior and are generally found in family groups led by a dominant male known as a silverback.

They are also known for their strength, with the ability to lift several times their own body weight.

Chimpanzees:

There are two species of chimpanzees: the common chimpanzee and the bonobo chimpanzee.

The common chimpanzee is found in West and Central Africa, while the bonobo chimpanzee is found only in a small area of the Congo Basin in central Congo.

Chimpanzees are highly intelligent and have been observed using tools to obtain food, such as using sticks to extract termites from mounds.

They are also known for their complex social behavior, with strong bonds between family members and the ability to form alliances with other chimpanzees.

Unfortunately, chimpanzees are also facing a number of threats, including habitat loss and hunting for the bushmeat trade.

What are the best places to see gorillas and chimpanzees in East Africa?

1. Where to see Gorillas in East Africa?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park,

Uganda – This park is home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and offers several different gorilla trekking experiences.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

This park is also home to a large population of mountain gorillas and offers gorilla trekking experiences that allow visitors to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.

Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

This park is home to both mountain and eastern lowland gorillas and offers gorilla trekking experiences as well as the opportunity to climb the Nyiragongo volcano.

2. Where to see Chimpanzees in East Africa?

Kibale National Park, Uganda 

This park is home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda and offers chimpanzee trekking experiences as well as other activities such as bird watching and nature walks.

Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania

This park is home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in the world, and visitors can go on guided chimpanzee trekking experiences to see them in their natural habitat.

Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania

This park is famous for being the site of Jane Goodall’s pioneering research on chimpanzees.

Visitors can go on guided chimpanzee trekking experiences and learn about the ongoing research and conservation efforts in the park.

It’s worth noting that gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experiences are highly regulated and require permits, which can be expensive and must be obtained in advance.

Additionally, visitors are required to follow strict guidelines to minimize their impact on the lives of these animals.

When is the best time for Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking in East Africa?

The best time for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in East Africa depends on a few different factors, including the weather and the behavior of the animals.

For gorilla trekking, the dry season (June to September) is generally considered the best time to visit, as the trails can be muddy and difficult to navigate during the rainy season.

However, gorilla trekking can be done year-round and some visitors prefer to go during the low season (April and May or November) when there are fewer tourists and permits may be easier to obtain.

For chimpanzee trekking, the dry season is also generally considered the best time to visit, as the trails can be slippery and difficult to navigate during the rainy season.

However, chimpanzee trekking can also be done year-round, and some visitors prefer to go during the rainy season when the forest is lush and green.

It’s worth noting that weather patterns can vary from year to year and that there is never a guarantee of wildlife sightings.

Additionally, permits for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking can be limited and should be obtained in advance to avoid any disruption on your trip to either Tanzania, Rwanda, or Uganda.

What are the do’s and don’ts for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in East Africa?

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experiences in East Africa are an incredible opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

However, it’s important to remember that these animals are wild and can be dangerous if provoked or approached inappropriately.

Here are some do’s and don’ts for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking to ensure a safe and responsible experience:

Do’s: for Gorilla and Chimp trekking

Follow the instructions of your guide at all times. They are experienced in gorilla and chimpanzee behavior and know how to keep you safe.

• Keep a distance of at least 7 meters (21 feet) from gorillas and 10 meters (30 feet) from chimpanzees.
• Stay in a tight group while observing the animals.
• Speak softly and avoid making sudden movements or loud noises.
• Turn away if a gorilla or chimpanzee charges or approaches you.
• Use a handkerchief or tissue if you need to sneeze or cough to avoid spreading germs to the animals.
• Follow park regulations and guidelines to minimize your impact on the animals and their habitat.

Don’ts: For gorilla and chimpanzee Trekking

• Do not approach or touch the gorillas or chimpanzees.
• Do not feed the gorillas or chimpanzees.
• Do not use flash photography.
• Do not smoke or use perfumes or other scents.
• Do not litter or leave any trash behind.
• Do not trek if you are feeling ill, as gorillas and chimpanzees are susceptible to human diseases.
• Do not run away if a gorilla or chimpanzee charges or approaches you, as this may provoke them further.
• By following these do’s and don’ts, you can have a safe and responsible gorilla or chimpanzee trekking experience while minimizing your impact on these incredible animals and their habitat

Conclusion

Chimpanzee and Gorilla trekking are remarkable experiences that offer a unique opportunity to observe these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.

Both activities require careful planning and preparation to ensure a safe and memorable trip.

When it comes to planning a trip for chimpanzee and gorilla trekking in East Africa, Blessing Safaris is an excellent choice.

We have a team of experienced professionals who are knowledgeable about the region. We create customized itineraries to meet your specific needs and preferences.

We also place a strong emphasis on responsible tourism, ensuring that our trips have a minimal impact on the environment and local communities.

We work with local guides and conservation organizations to promote sustainable tourism.

By choosing Blessing Safaris to plan your chimpanzee and gorilla trekking adventure, get ready for a wonderful trip in East Africa