Gorilla Trekking vs Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda: Which One is Right for You?
Gorilla Trekking vs Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda; the country is a premier destination for primate safaris, offering travelers the chance to experience gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in breathtaking natural habitats. Gorilla vs Chimpanzee which one should you choose? In this guide, we compare gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, helping you decide which adventure best suits your safari experience.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences in Africa, allowing visitors to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Where to Go for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?
- Volcanoes National Park – The only place in Rwanda where you can see endangered mountain gorillas. The park is home to 12 habituated gorilla families.
What to Expect on a Gorilla Trek?
- Duration: Treks can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to strenuous, as it involves hiking through dense forests and steep terrain.
- Permit Cost: $1,500 per person for a gorilla trekking permit.
- Wildlife Encounters: Besides gorillas, you may also spot golden monkeys, buffaloes, forest elephants, and exotic birds.
Best Time for Gorilla Trekking
The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) when trails are more accessible.
Why Choose Gorilla Trekking?
- A rare and exclusive experience with only 96 permits issued per day.
- Close-up encounters with one of the world’s most endangered primates.
- Photography opportunities in the lush rainforest setting of the Virunga Mountains.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda
Chimpanzee tracking offers a different but equally thrilling experience, allowing visitors to observe wild chimpanzees in Rwanda’s ancient rainforests.
Where to Go for Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda?
- Nyungwe Forest National Park – One of Africa’s oldest rainforests, home to 500+ chimpanzees.
- Gishwati-Mukura National Park – A smaller but promising destination for chimpanzee encounters.
What to Expect on a Chimpanzee Trek?
- Duration: Treks last between 2 to 4 hours.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate, but chimps move quickly, requiring a fast-paced walk.
- Permit Cost: $90 per person in Nyungwe and $75 in Gishwati-Mukura.
- Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see L’Hoest’s monkeys, colobus monkeys, and diverse bird species.
Best Time for Chimpanzee Tracking
The best time to track chimpanzees is during the wet seasons (March to May and October to November) when food is abundant, and chimps are easier to locate.
Why Choose Chimpanzee Tracking?
- More affordable than gorilla trekking.
- Highly energetic and dynamic interactions as chimps swing through the trees.
- A great option for primate lovers interested in observing other monkey species in Nyungwe’s rich biodiversity.
Gorilla Trekking vs Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda
| Feature | Gorilla Trekking | Chimpanzee Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Volcanoes National Park | Nyungwe Forest & Gishwati-Mukura |
| Permit Cost | $1,500 per person | $90-$75 per person |
| Hiking Difficulty | Moderate to strenuous | Moderate |
| Best Time to Visit | Dry season (June-Sept & Dec-Feb) | Wet season (March-May & Oct-Nov) |
| Group Size | Max 8 people per gorilla family | Larger groups allowed |
| Animal Behavior | Peaceful, family-oriented | Fast-moving, loud interactions |
| Wildlife Extras | Golden monkeys, elephants, buffalo | Colobus monkeys, exotic birds |
Which One is Right for You? Gorilla Trekking vs Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda
- Choose Gorilla Trekking if you want an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience with endangered mountain gorillas.
- Choose Chimpanzee Tracking if you prefer a more affordable, active, and fast-paced primate encounter.
For the ultimate Rwanda safari, consider combining both experiences in one trip to make the most of your adventure!
Conclusion on Gorilla Trekking vs Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda
Both gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda offer unforgettable wildlife experiences. Whether you seek a rare, intimate encounter with gorillas or an exhilarating chase through the forest after chimpanzees, Rwanda has the perfect adventure for you.
Book your Gorilla Trekking vs Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda today and experience the thrill of primate tracking in the heart of Africa!
