Gorilla Tracking Vs Chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda
Two of the most popular wildlife activities in Rwanda are gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Walking through dense woodland in pursuit of a specific primate family is known as gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
Is trekking with chimpanzees as enjoyable as trekking with gorillas? Among the great apes besides gorillas and chimpanzees are humans, bonobos and orangutans.
Gorillas and chimpanzees have some of the biggest brains in the animal kingdom and have approximately 98% of human DNA. In terms of general intelligence, chimpanzees and humans are more similar than gorillas. Gorillas are exclusively herbivorous primates that consume roots, fruits, shoots, and bark from trees. Contrary, chimpanzees are omnivorous primates that consume both vegetation and food from animals such as termites, duikers, and smaller animals.
Gorilla tracking and chimpanzee tracking are two distinct wildlife unforgettable encounters that bring you closer to our closet relatives in their natural habitat.
Is trekking with chimpanzees as enjoyable as trekking with gorillas?
Making the choice isn’t always simple. Beyond the apparent price difference, there are other considerations, such as your level of physical fitness, the kind of wildlife encounter you’re looking for, your photographic objectives, and even the emotional effect you want to make. While some tourists praise the exhilarating and unpredictable experience of tracking chimpanzees as you observe them in the forest canopy, others describe gorilla trekking as an emotional journey that brings tears of amazement and joy.
Comparing gorilla tracking and chimpanzee tracking
Gorilla tracking in Rwanda.
Where: the only place in Rwanda where gorilla trekking takes place in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park which is in the northwest part of the country. This popular park houses over 12 habituated gorilla families that offer the rare opportunity to tourists to spend time with these gentle giants in their native environment. This wonderful park that comprises misty bamboo woods and volcanic slopes make for one of the most moving wildlife encounters in Africa.
What it’s like: Typical gorilla treks begin early morning with a meeting and briefing at Kinigi park headquarters. Groups of eight people are paired up and assigned to a particular a gorilla family with the lead of trackers and guides. The trek can last from one to six hours, depending on where you locate the gorilla family.
When you find the gorillas, it’s like magic. Watch them for an hour without direct strong eye contact, quietly observe, as they beat their chests and make the best to survive in the wild.
Unlike many other wild animals, gorillas are calm and have been habituated and made interested to being around people, which makes them great for viewing and photography.
Gorilla trekking facts:
The cost of the Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1500 per person and all permits are issued by Rwanda Development Board.
Only individuals of 15 years and above are allowed to participate in the gorilla trekking excursion.
A minimum of 8 trekkers is allowed to visit a particular gorilla family in a day.
All treks must be guided by knowledgeable trackers and park guides to ensure safety of both the trekkers and the gorillas.
The trekking time largely depends on the location of the gorillas, roughly between 2 to 6 hours.
Physical demand: Hikes range from moderate to challenging depending on the weather and the location of the gorilla family. Altitude in this park ranges from 2400 to 4507 asl. However, porters are always available for hire especially for trekkers with heavy packs and the elderly and disabled.
Best time to go gorilla tracking: This is an all-year-round activity but attracts mor visitors in the dry months of June to September and December to February.
Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda
Where: Rwanda has two main places where chimpanzee tracking is done in Rwanda, -Nyungwe forest National Park and Gishwati Mukura National Park.
Nyungwe forest national park is home to over 500 chimpanzee which are divided into two habituated groups that can be trekked from Uwinka or Cyamudongo park centres.
What it is like: Compared to gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking needs one to be more active and faster. Chimpanzees create a thrilling, nearly frantic scene as they move swiftly through the canopy and on the ground, calling loudly, grooming, and playing! This movement at times makes tracking them a bit difficult.
Once you locate a group, you will spend an hour following them as you observe their social behaviour. Visitors typically begin the walk extremely early in the morning. The encounter provides an in-depth awareness of our closest living relatives’ emotions and intelligence.
Chimpanzee tracking facts:
The chimpanzee tracking permit costs $250 for foreign non residents. this fee includes a park entrance charge.
The trek takes 2 to 4 hours.
Chimpanzees are always noisy, playful, and unpredictable
Chimpanzee hikes are always shorter and moderate as the park altitude ranges from 1600 to 2950 m asl.
All treks must be guided by knowledgeable trackers and park guides to ensure safety of both the trekkers and the animals.
Physical demand:
Moderate. Chimpanzee treks are often less demanding than gorilla treks, although the trails in Nyungwe can be steep and slick. Although you’ll have to keep up with the chimps as they move in the jungles, the hikes are usually shorter and the altitude is lower.
Best time to go chimpanzee tracking
Chimpanzee tracking can best be done in the dry season in June to September and December to February, but the best sightings are in the wet season when the chimpanzees are actively feeding on fresh fruits and foliage.
Quick comparison of gorilla and chimpanzee trekking
| Feature | Gorilla tracking | Chimpanzee tracking |
| Location | Volcanoes National Park | Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati Mukura NP |
| Permit cost | $1500 | $150 |
| Trek demand | Moderate, Hard(challenging) | Moderate(average) |
| Trek time | 1-6 hours | 2-4 hours |
| Animal behaviour | Calm, Gentle and close | Fast and energetic |
| Photography | Easier | Harder (chimps always move fast) |
Which experience should you choose as an adventure lover?
If you want a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with gentle wild apes, (endangered mountain gorillas, choose Gorilla Trekking.
If you want a quick, energetic, and cheaper primate encounter, opt for Chimpanzee tracking.
However, it also possible and pleasant to combine both activities in your itinerary for a perfect and enjoyable Rwanda safari.
Practical tips for both experiences
- Booking permits in advance is so crucial as both activities are so competitive especially during the peak season.
- Registration and briefing are done at the park centre and should be very early in the morning of the trekking day.
- Porters are always available to help carry your backpack at $15 to $25.
- Always follow the trekking rules and regulations and only one hour is allowed to stay in presence of the apes.
- Pack the right hiking gear like long pants, study hiking boots, waterproof clothing, insect repellents and the weather in the tracking parks is unpredictable.
- Carry snacks and water to remain hydrated and energetic as the trekking time is just by estimate.
- Follow the trekking rules and regulations to avoid disease transmission to the primates.
- Always be physically and mentally prepared for the trek as the park terrain varies.
Impact of gorilla and chimpanzee tracking to the community.
Gorillas and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is essential for both community development and animal protection. Permit fees support local infrastructure, habitat conservation, and anti-poaching programs.
Additionally, economic opportunities and cultural initiatives around the park benefit the local people as tourists buy their products as souvenirs.
Participating in any of these treks is a way of supporting and contributing to Rwanda’s dedication to sustainable tourism.
In conclusion, Chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking provide amazing wildlife experiences for all nature/ wildlife lovers to Rwanda. Are you’re looking for a thrilling pursuit through the jungle after chimpanzees or a rare, close encounter with gorillas, Rwanda is the best destination for your next adventure.