Uganda is one of the only countries on Earth where you can encounter both wild chimpanzees and endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. At Gentle Giants Safaris, we craft exclusive, Uganda tailor-made itineraries that help you experience the very best of both primate adventures — but if you’re short on time or wondering which to prioritize, this guide is for you.

In this article, we’ll compare chimpanzee trekking vs gorilla trekking in Uganda based on location, cost, physical difficulty, photography potential, and overall experience.

Where to Go: Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Destinations

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, making it a premier destination for gorilla trekking in Africa. Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers multiple tracking sectors, each with unique terrain and habituated gorilla families.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

• Kibale Forest National Park (top recommendation)

• Budongo Forest (near Murchison Falls)

• Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth NP)

• Kalinzu Forest

Kibale Forest is famously referred to as the primate capital of East Africa, with over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species — making it an excellent spot for chimp trekking and wildlife diversity.

Trekking Experience: What to Expect

Permit Costs (2025)

• Gorilla Trekking Permit: $800 USD per person

• Chimpanzee Trekking (Kibale): $250 USD per person

• Gorilla Habituation Experience: $1500–USD (spend up to 4 hours with mountain gorillas)

• Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: $300–350 USD (spend up to 4 hours with chimps)

At Gentle Giants Safaris, we manage all logistics and permit bookings for you — ensuring a smooth, stress-free journey.

Physical Difficulty

Gorilla trekking tends to be more physically demanding, especially in Bwindi’s steep, slippery terrain. However, with porters and the right pacing, it’s manageable for most reasonably fit travelers.

Chimpanzee trekking, especially in Kibale, is less strenuous, though chimps can move quickly, requiring some agility to follow.

Not sure what suits your ability? We’re here to advise and customize based on your preferences.

Photography: Capturing the Moment

• Gorillas are mostly ground-dwelling and stationary, offering excellent close-up photo opportunities.

• Chimpanzees are agile and unpredictable, often high in the trees or on the move, making photography more challenging but dynamic.

Pro tip: We recommend wide-angle and zoom lenses for gorilla encounters, and a fast shutter for chimpanzees!

Which Experience is Right for You?

Choose Gorilla Trekking if:

• You seek a spiritual, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter

• You’re physically prepared for a rewarding challenge

• You appreciate quiet, awe-inspiring moments

• You want to tick off a bucket-list experience

Choose Chimpanzee Trekking if:

• You enjoy high-energy wildlife experiences

• You’re traveling on a tighter budget

• You have limited time or mobility

• You love the thrill of spontaneous animal behavior

Why Not Both?

Many of our guests opt to combine both experiences on a 7 to 10-day Uganda primate safari, blending the soul-stirring stillness of gorillas with the electric energy of chimpanzees. We also include luxury lodges, private guides, cultural visits, and Big Five extensions in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls National Park.

Trek with Gentle Giants Safaris

At Gentle Giants Safaris, we don’t just book tours — we curate extraordinary journeys. From private permits to handpicked luxury accommodations, our team ensures your Uganda primate safari is seamless, exclusive, and deeply memorable.

Ready to meet Uganda’s gentle giants?
Contact us to start planning your customized gorilla and chimpanzee trekking adventure today.