Gorilla vs Chimpanzee: Differences in Size, Diet, Behaviour and Habitat
Both are great apes; gorillas are bigger and mostly vegetarian, chimps are smaller, more social and omnivorous.
Gorillas and chimpanzees are both great apes, not monkeys: they have no tails and are closely related to humans. The main differences are in size, diet and social life, as the table shows. In Uganda you can see both: gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga, chimpanzees in Kibale and Budongo.
See gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.
This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Uganda tours and safari packages.
At a glance
- Gorilla: Bigger, mostly herbivorous
- Chimpanzee: Smaller, omnivorous
- Both: Great apes, no tail
- Uganda: Bwindi vs Kibale
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Gorilla | Chimpanzee |
|---|---|---|
| Adult male weight | About 140 to 200 kg | About 40 to 60 kg |
| Diet | Mainly leaves, stems and shoots | Fruit, leaves, insects and some meat |
| Social group | Family led by a silverback | Large community that splits and joins |
| Movement | Knuckle-walking, mostly on the ground | Knuckle-walking and climbing |
| Uganda sites | Bwindi, Mgahinga | Kibale, Budongo, Kyambura |
Which Experience Suits You
Gorilla treks involve one hour with a family group; chimp treks offer lively encounters in the canopy. Many itineraries combine both: 5-day gorilla and primate safari.
Want to see them in the wild? Send us your dates and we will arrange permits and a guide.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Gorilla Species and Subspecies: Mountain, Eastern Lowland, Western Lowland and Cross River
- Chimpanzee Height, Weight and Size: How Big Is a Chimp?
- Are Gorillas Dangerous? Aggression, Attacks and Safety on a Gorilla Trek
- What Do Gorillas Eat? Gorilla Diet, Foraging and Feeding Habits
- Gorilla Lifespan and Life Cycle: Mating, Pregnancy, Infants and Old Age
- Animals of Uganda and East Africa: Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Big Five and Bird Fact Guides
Ready to Plan Your Uganda Safari?
Tell us your dates, group size and interests and our Kampala team will reply with a clear, personal itinerary.
Explore Uganda safari holidays with Ameera Africa Safaris for Uganda tours, our featured tours and the latest Uganda park fees.