Imagine yourself deep in the heart of Africa’s ancient rainforests, emerging through the mists and the dense undergrowth for an experience unlike any other. Gorilla trekking in Africa and chimpanzee trekking offer wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers an opportunity to encounter our closest living relatives in their natural habitat.
How to combine chimpanzee and gorilla trekking
Combining these two iconic experiences requires careful planning to ensure logistics and timings work out. The simplest combination would involve visiting Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park for some chimp trekking, then tracking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) or Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). This option minimizes travel time and maximizes your wildlife experiences.
This combination also makes it easier to pinpoint the best time to go to Uganda and the best time to go to Rwanda so you can find that sweet spot for the perfect primate expedition.
With that said, this is by no means the only option. You could combine gorillas in Uganda with a classic safari in Kenya and perhaps search for chimps on Rubondo Island – a remote paradise in Tanzania.
Speak to one of our safari experts for the best advice on creating an itinerary to suit you and your unique needs, or have a look at our Primate Edition small group safari tour, which covers all the logistics for you already.
Why you should combine chimp and gorilla trekking
Combining these two incredible primate experiences offers several benefits.
Experiencing both species offers a fascinating insight into these apes’ behaviour and social structures. While gorillas display largely peaceful family dynamics, chimpanzees show more complex social interactions and animated encounters.
In addition, each species inhabits slightly differing forest habitats. Chimpanzees can be seen in Kibale’s lower-altitude forest and on the unique island paradise of Rubondo Island, in the southwest corner of Lake Victoria in Tanzania. Conversely, Gorillas spend their time in the mist-covered peaks of Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking offer differing hiking experiences and diverse flora and fauna.
A typical itinerary for a gorilla and chimp trekking combo
Day 1-2: Kibale Forest National Park
- Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda
- Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
- Afternoon nature walk or bird watching
- Early morning chimp trek
- Optional afternoon cultural activities or forest walks
Day 3-4: Transfer and Gorilla Trek
- Scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Evening at leisure with mountain views
- Morning gorilla trek
- Afternoon community visit or relaxation
Day 5: Departure
- Return transfer to Entebbe
- Departure or extension to other destinations
Why book a chimp and gorilla combo with Asilia
We’ve got decades of experience crafting memorable safari adventures in East Africa for our guests. Our team of safari experts can arrange everything from permits, transfers, and accommodation, ensuring a seamless journey.
Our team can craft the perfect itinerary for you based on your budget, travel style, and desires. Over the years, we’ve formed strong relationships with various safari partners to ensure that you get only the best when travelling with Asilia. Whether you stay in all Asilia camps or at one of our trusted partner properties, we’ll ensure you’re taken care of from the moment you land to the moment you depart.
When staying at our camps and lodges, our camp staff will tend to your every need, while our guides, who are some of the best in the business, will offer you a magical and immersive experience of the African wilderness.
Our commitment to the people and places of East Africa is what drives us to partner with local communities and conservation initiatives. Travelling with us makes you our partner in creating a sustainable tourism economy.
Contact our expert team today to start planning your ultimate primate experience, combining the best of chimpanzee and gorilla trekking in East Africa.
