Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking: The Ultimate Primate Safari Experience

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking offer once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, allowing you to observe our closest relatives in their natural habitats. From the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) to the dense jungles of Nyungwe Forest (Rwanda), these experiences combine adventure, conservation, and breathtaking nature.

This guide covers:
✔ Best destinations for gorilla & chimp trekking
✔ Permit costs & booking tips
✔ What to expect on a trek
✔ How to prepare

Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking?

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

• Why Go? Home to half the world’s mountain gorillas (about 459 individuals).

• Permit Cost: $800 (2024)

• Best Time: June–September & December–February (dry season)

• Experience: 1-hour visit with a gorilla family after trekking (2–6 hrs).

2. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

• Why Go? Easier access, shorter treks, luxury lodges.

• Permit Cost: $1,500 (2024)

• Best Time: June–September

• Experience: More structured treks, Dian Fossey’s legacy.

3. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

• Why Go? Combines gorillas + golden monkey trekking.

• Permit Cost: $800

• Best Time: Dry seasons (June–Aug, Dec–Feb)

4. Virunga National Park, DR Congo

• Why Go? Cheaper permits ($400), but less stable politically.

• Risk Factor: Check travel advisories before booking.

Where to Go for Chimpanzee Trekking?

1. Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda

• Why Go? Highest concentration of chimps in Africa (1,500+).

• Permit Cost: $200\ast \ast (standard),\ast \ast$250 (habituation experience)

• Best Time: June–September

2. Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

• Why Go? Canopy walkway + 13 primate species.

• Permit Cost: $90

• Best Time: Dry season (June–Aug)

3. Mahale Mountains & Gombe Stream, Tanzania

• Why Go? Remote, beachfront chimp trekking (Lake Tanganyika).

• Permit Cost: $100–$200

• Best Time: May–October

4. Budongo Forest, Uganda (Murchison Falls Area)

• Why Go? Combine with Big Five safaris.

• Permit Cost: $90

What to Expect on a Trek?

🌿 Physical Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (steep, muddy trails).
⏳ Trek Duration: 1–6 hours (depends on gorilla/chimp movement).
📸 Viewing Time: 1 hour with gorillas, 1–4 hours with chimps.
👕 What to Wear:

• Waterproof hiking boots

• Long-sleeved shirt & pants (against stinging nettles)

• Gardening gloves (for grabbing branches)

Permit Booking Tips

• Book 6–12 months early (especially for Rwanda & Uganda gorilla permits).

• Use a licensed tour operator (they handle permits & logistics).

• Uganda offers discounts in April, May & November (low season).

Gorilla vs. Chimpanzee Trekking: Key Differences

Best Combined Itineraries

7-Day Uganda Primate Safari

✔ Day 1-2: Kibale Forest (chimpanzee trekking)
✔ Day 3-4: Queen Elizabeth NP (tree-climbing lions)
✔ Day 5-6: Bwindi (gorilla trekking)
✔ Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi relaxation

5-Day Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Tour

✔ Day 1: Kigali (Genocide Memorial)
✔ Day 2-3: Volcanoes NP (gorillas + golden monkeys)
✔ Day 4: Lake Kivu
✔ Day 5: Departure

Final Tips

✅ Get travel insurance (covers emergency evacuation).
✅ Pack rain gear (forests are unpredictable).
✅ Respect distance rules (7m from gorillas).
✅ Support conservation (permits fund protection efforts).

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking are bucket-list adventures that bring you face-to-face with intelligent, endangered primates. Whether you choose Uganda, Rwanda, or Tanzania, these encounters will leave you forever changed.

Ready to book your trek? Secure your permits early and prepare for an unforgettable journey!