Both are great apes and close relatives of ours, but they differ in size, diet, society and how you see them on safari.
Gorillas and chimpanzees are both great apes, and both can be tracked in the wild in East Africa. The difference between a chimp and a gorilla is clearer than it first appears. At first glance they can look similar to a casual observer, but they differ clearly in body shape, diet, social life and temperament. If you are planning a primate safari, knowing the difference helps you choose between a gorilla trek, a chimpanzee trek, or ideally both.
Quick FactsGorillas are much larger and heavier; adult male chimpanzees weigh far less.
Gorillas are mostly herbivores; chimpanzees eat fruit, leaves, insects and sometimes meat.
Gorillas live in family groups led by a silverback; chimpanzees live in large communities that split and join.
Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda; chimpanzees in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Gorillas are the largest living primates. Adult males are heavy and broad, with a prominent crest on the head, a wide chest and dark, sometimes silver, hair. Chimpanzees are lighter and more agile, with long arms, large ears and a more expressive face. Chimpanzees spend more time in the trees, while gorillas, particularly adults, are mostly ground dwellers.
Mountain gorillas feed mainly on leaves, stems and shoots, and rarely eat meat. Chimpanzees are omnivores, eating fruit as a staple but also leaves, insects and occasionally meat from small mammals. Chimpanzees are also known to use tools, including sticks for fishing termites and stones for cracking nuts.
Gorilla groups are stable families led by a dominant silverback. Chimpanzee communities are larger and more fluid, with males forming strong bonds and sub-groups splitting up and reuniting during the day. Chimpanzees are more energetic and noisy, which makes tracking them a very different experience: fast, loud and sometimes unpredictable. Gorillas are calmer and give long, quiet viewing.
Humans share a common ancestor with both. Chimpanzees and bonobos are our closest living relatives, sharing a very high proportion of DNA with us, while gorillas are slightly more distant. Both species are endangered because of habitat loss and hunting.
Gorillas can be trekked at Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park. Chimpanzees can be tracked at Kibale in Uganda, Nyungwe in Rwanda and Mahale in Tanzania. Many itineraries combine both, such as our 7-day gorilla and chimpanzee safari.
Gorilla trekking is usually a slower, quieter experience, with an hour of calm observation. Chimpanzee trekking is faster and louder, with moments of high excitement when a troop starts calling. If you are fit and have time, do both. If you can only do one, choose gorillas for the emotional impact and chimpanzees for the energy. Our primate experiences page explains how to combine them.
Chimpanzees have a close cousin, the bonobo, found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Orangutans and gibbons live in Asia. All great apes face habitat loss and need protection, which is why sustainable tourism has such an important role in funding conservation.
Frequently Asked QuestionsGorillas are larger, mostly herbivorous and live in family groups, while chimpanzees are lighter, omnivorous and live in larger communities.
Chimpanzees and bonobos are our closest living relatives.
Both are wild animals and must be respected. Habituated groups are safe to visit with rangers who enforce distance and conduct rules.
Yes. Uganda and Rwanda both offer gorilla and chimpanzee trekking.
Gorilla groups are usually found within a few hours; chimpanzees move faster and treks vary more.
We combine gorilla and chimpanzee trekking on one primate safari.
