How does chimp trekking compare to gorilla trekking?

How does chimp trekking compare to gorilla trekking?

“Gorilla and chimp trekking are very comparable experiences. You set out with a maximum number of visitors – eight for gorilla trekking and up to 10 in some places for chimp trekking. For gorillas, trackers go ahead, and your guide will be in touch with them by radio to guide you directly to the gorillas. This is not always the case with chimp trekking. Your guide might have to do the tracking themselves, which can make the hike more challenging and the success rate lower. Once you have reached the gorillas or chimps, you get an hour to spend time with them before heading back. Gorillas don’t cover as much ground as chimps, and you will most likely stay with gorillas in a small area. Chimps, on the other hand, when on the move, can be hard to follow. All gorilla groups for tourist visits are very habituated, so time spent with them tends to be of a very high quality. This isn’t always the case with chimpanzees. They are very habituated in places such as Mahale, Gombe and Kibale, but they might be less so in other places, and tend to move off slowly. In some cases, the males are more relaxed than the females and babies. I think both experiences are highly rewarding, but the chimpanzee trekking experience is more variable depending on several factors. As well, being close to an ape the size of a gorilla has a thrill factor that might not be quite the same with chimpanzees.”