Understanding the Differences between Gorillas and Chimpanzees

Mountain and chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are some of your most sought-after tourist activities. These celebrated primates attract hundreds of individuals like you to these countries annually, providing an opportunity to catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures.

Gorillas and chimpanzees are both apes that share 98% of their DNA with humans, making it unsurprising when they are often mistaken for each other. They do bear a striking resemblance, with their hairy bodies, clear faces, well-formed limbs, and group-oriented lifestyles. Both species consume herbs and fruits, care for their offspring similarly, and inhabit forest environments.

With these similarities, it is easy for you to mistakenly assume that chimpanzees and gorillas are identical. To help you distinguish between the two, here are some notable differences:

Size

While both species are large primates, the gorillas are indeed larger than the chimpanzees. A typical adult gorilla weighs between 100 to 270 kgs, while an adult chimpanzee generally weighs between 40 to 70 kgs.

Appearance

Chimpanzees have pink-colored faces, while gorillas have brown or black-colored faces. Gorillas have small ears directed towards the back of their heads, whereas chimpanzees have larger ears protruding from their heads.

Ground Time

Mountain gorillas spend most of their time on the ground, unlike chimpanzees, who spend a significant amount of time in trees.

Intelligence

Although gorillas are larger, they have smaller brains than chimpanzees, making chimpanzees the more intelligent species.

Animal Category

Gorillas belong to the Gorillini tribe and Gorilla genus, while chimpanzees belong to the Hominini tribe and genus Pan.

Lifespan

Gorillas tend to live longer than chimpanzees, with an average lifespan of 35 years compared to chimpanzees' 15 years.

Habitat

Gorillas inhabit either mountainous forests or lowland forests, while chimpanzees prefer average land rainforests.

In East Africa, you can observe gorillas in Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Tanzania, you can visit Gombe and Mahare. In Uganda and Rwanda, you can visit Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Budongo, Ngamba Island, and Volcanoes National Park. The Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is another popular place to observe gorillas and chimpanzees.

Trekking these primates is an activity that you can enjoy throughout the year. Trekking involves walking through the forest, either uphill or on flat ground, in search of these primates, where you then get to spend an hour observing them and enjoying their company.Mountain gorilla trekking is a vital conservation measure for mountain gorillas and their habitats. Similarly, chimpanzee trekking contributes to the conservation of these primates.

Consider planning a trip to see these renowned primates in any of these three countries this season with Kiliserengoro Tours which known as the best tour operater in Africa. The sight of these animals will undoubtedly thrill you.