Things to do before or after your gorilla or chimp trek

No matter which country you choose for your gorilla or chimp trek, there will be an array of amazing cultural, natural and adventurous experiences that you can add on to your itinerary before or after your trek. To get the most out of your trip, consider visiting several other East African countries, rather than staying in the country where you have done your gorilla or chimp trek - each one has unique cultures, wildlives and experiences that are unforgettable.

To help you decide what other experiences you would like to add on to your trip, we have put together a list of our top picks in each country where gorilla and chimp treks are available. If you’re considering a gorilla trek, you are no doubt a nature-lover, so in addition to reading our list below, make sure you check out our blog ‘A comprehensive guide to going on safari in Africa’. For more ideas on things to add to your itinerary, check out our blog ‘Things to do before or after your safari’.

Things to do in Uganda

If you trek to see the gorillas or chimps in Uganda, you can also make the most of your trip by adding on a range of other incredible adventures, including:

• Chimp trekking in Kibale National Park or Kyambura Gorge

Why not visit all of our primate ancestors while you’re at it? Seeing chimpanzees in their natural habitat is a breathtaking experience and an unmissable adventure for any wildlife lover.

• Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park offers single or multi-day safaris for all budgets - cheap, mid-range and luxury. Located in Uganda’s Kasese district, the park hosts a breathtaking medley of ecosystems, including vast savannas, dense forests, lakes and wetland. You’re guaranteed to spot an amazingly diverse array of wildlife, which can be seen from different perspectives, with hot air ballooning and river cruises, as well as walking and driving tours available.

• White water rafting down the Nile River 

If you are looking to add an adrenaline-pumping addition to your holiday, try a full or half-day white water rafting trip down the Nile River. Plunge down raging rivers and cruise through still pools for a fun new perspective of Uganda’s wild environment.

• Murchison Falls

While Murchison Falls is only 43m high, it is one of the of the the most powerful waterfalls in the world, with 200 bathtubs of water per second thundering down a narrow gorge in dense jungle surroundings. Its water pressure is so great you can feel the ground rumble! Murchison Falls National Park is also home to a rich ecosystem of wildlife. We recommend a three-day stay to take in everything this beautiful location has to offer, but if you don’t have the time to spare, day trips to see the Falls are just as spectacular.

• Fishing or sailing on Lake Victoria

If you are an avid fisher or sailor, experiencing Africa’s largest lake should definitely be on your bucket list! With over 200 species of fish and breathtaking views of the natural landscape, the lake spans a whopping 68,800 square metres, making it an incredibly expansive playground on water!

Things to do in Rwanda 

If you plan a gorilla or chimp trek in Rwanda, there are a number of other experiences you can add to your itinerary, including:

• Wildlife spotting at Nyungwe National Park

If you’ve just completed a chimp trek at the Nyungwe National Park, put aside an additional day to spend here - Owl-faced and Colobus Monkeys can also be found in the area, along with plenty more amazing wildlife. If you’re seeking an adventure, check out the Canopy Walkway. 160m long and 70m high, the canopy walkway is a suspension bridge hung over the lush rainforest of Nyungwe National Park. The height is sure to get your heart pumping, and the view is breathtaking. The bridge can be accessed as part of a guided tour along Igishigishigi trail or to those hiking the Imbaraga or Umuyove trails.

• Rwandan Genocide Memorial

Between 7 April and 15 July 1994, approximately one million Tutsis lost their lives in one of the worst genocides in history. Visiting the Rwandan Genocide Memorial is your chance to learn more about this tragedy and to pay your respects to those who lost their lives. Although the visit is extremely confronting, we recommend it because it is also an educational experience that tells the story of an international disaster that could, and should, have been prevented. Rwanda is also an incredible story of survival and hope. The country has come a long way since 1994. It is now a thriving economic hub with a stable government and it is consistently ranked as one of Africa’s safest countries.

Things to do in Tanzania 

To make the most of your time in Tanzania, there are some other experiences we recommend, including:

• Safari (home to Africa's best safari park; The Serengeti National Park)

There are a number of world-class national parks in Tanzania where you can enjoy once-in-a-lifetime encounters with some of the rarest animals on the planet. Tanzania is home to the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Nyerere National Park (previously Selous), Lake Manyara and many others. Our blog ‘A comprehensive guide to going on safari in Africa’ has all the information you need to plan a great experience.

Picture shot by the amazingly talented Val Simons.  

• Trek Mt Kilimanjaro

Africa’s highest peak and the most accessible of the Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list trek for many adventurous travelers. Learn more at our blog ‘The ultimate guide to trekking Mt Kilimanjaro’.

• Zanzibar and Mafia Island

Relax and unwind after your trek at Zanzibar and/or Mafia Island. These picturesque archipelagos off the coast of Tanzania will take your breath away with their warm temperatures, clear waters and amazing marine life. It’s the perfect place to snorkel or just kick back and relax on the beach.

Things to do in DRC

Virunga National Park is often referred to as the lungs of Africa, as it is the African equivalent of the Amazon. Virunga is home to 218 mammal species, 706 bird species, 109 reptile species and 78 amphibian species. It is also home to more than 3,000 fauna and flora species, as well as two active volcanoes, one of these being Mount Nyiragongo. To make the most of your time in the DRC, there are some other experiences we recommend, including:

• Chimpanzee trek in Virunga National Park

DRC has the largest population of chimpanzees, many of whom live in Virunga National Park. While you’re at Virunga for your gorilla trek, why not add chimpanzee trekking to your itinerary?

• Virunga National Park and Mount Nyiragongo

Standing at 3,470m elevation, Mount Nyiragongo contains the world’s largest lava lake. Visitors can trek to the top of the volcano, an experience that takes 2 days with and overnight stay and a spectacular view.

Gorilla & chimp itinerary ideas