For wildlife enthusiasts seeking a deeper connection with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, combining gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in one trip offers an incredibly fulfilling experience. These two primate adventures complement each other perfectly—gorilla trekking allows for a serene and emotional encounter with the gentle giants of the forest, while chimpanzee tracking introduces visitors to the energetic, vocal, and social lives of chimp communities. Fortunately, there are a few exceptional destinations in East Africa where both activities are possible in one itinerary.
Uganda is arguably the best country for a combined gorilla and chimpanzee adventure. It is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and also boasts some of the largest populations of wild chimpanzees. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda’s most iconic primate experience. The dense forest and hilly terrain make the trek both challenging and thrilling, with the ultimate reward of standing a few meters away from a gorilla family. For chimpanzee tracking, Kibale Forest National Park is the premier destination. Known as the “primate capital of the world,” Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and offers high chances of sightings. Visitors can also explore Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, both of which offer additional chimp tracking opportunities. Uganda’s compact size allows travelers to experience both treks within a well-paced safari itinerary.
Rwanda is another excellent option for those wanting to do both gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking. The famous Volcanoes National Park is the country’s hub for gorilla trekking, where visitors trek into the Virunga Mountains to meet habituated gorilla families. For chimpanzee encounters, Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda offers thrilling tracking excursions through a rich montane rainforest. The forest is home to several troops of habituated chimpanzees as well as other primates like colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Rwanda’s well-developed infrastructure and scenic landscapes make it easy to combine both experiences with added cultural and historical highlights.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Virunga National Park offers gorilla trekking, while Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to eastern lowland gorillas—an experience unique to the DRC. For chimpanzees, the Tongo Forest within Virunga also offers tracking opportunities, though these tours are more suited to adventurous travelers due to the country’s political and logistical complexities.
While Tanzania is not known for mountain gorillas, it offers chimpanzee tracking in places like Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks, both located along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. These destinations are remote but offer unparalleled chimpanzee viewing in a truly wild setting. However, for a combination of both gorillas and chimpanzees, Uganda and Rwanda remain the most accessible and well-organized options.
In summary, if you’re looking to include both gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in your safari, Uganda offers the widest range of opportunities with diverse locations and great logistical convenience. Rwanda is perfect for those seeking a more luxurious and well-structured experience with shorter travel times between parks. Regardless of where you choose to go, combining these two primate experiences creates a once-in-a-lifetime journey that offers profound insight into the world of our closest evolutionary relatives. Let trusted operators, help tailor your itinerary for a seamless and unforgettable primate adventure.