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Primate Safaris
A most rewarding encounter
Embarking on one of Africa’s primate safaris is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences we organise and a face to face encounter with a mountain gorilla, the world’s largest living primate, is an unforgettable event.
These wonderful beasts are one of our nearest relatives, with whom we share over 97% of our DNA. Rwanda is generally considered an easier mountain gorilla tracking destination than Uganda, as the vegetation is thinner and less arduous to walk through. A primate trip is easy to combine with other safari areas, the beach, or even climbing one of Africa’s mountains.
Aardvark Safaris has been planning specialist gorilla tracking and primate safaris for many years. We have significant experience with a variety of species, including the mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda, western lowland gorillas in the Republic of the Congo, lemurs in Madagascar, chimpanzees in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania, gelada monkeys in Ethiopia. Smaller, lesser known species like the Angola colobus monkey can be found in Kenya and the golden monkey in the Republic of the Congo. The lesser primates such as chimpanzees, lemurs, monkeys and baboons are all fascinating and immensely rewarding animals to watch. Their interactions, communications, mobility and intelligence are all readily visible, and proof of our kinship with this amazing family of beautiful animals.
Looking for inspiration? Our “Best of Rwanda” lookbook is full of exciting experiences, accommodation and information.
We Recommend…
Booking a minimum of two mountain gorilla tracking permits or opting for the four hour habituation trek. Both will allow you to sit back and take in this incredibly special moment with our closest relatives.
An extraordinary encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi, Uganda.
Travel Tips
- Booking a minimum of two mountain gorilla tracking permits or opting for the four hour habituation trek. Both will allow you to sit back and take in this incredibly special moment with our closest relatives.
- Take sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, the walk can be over slippery and uneven ground.
- Take a pair of gardening gloves to project your hands from nettles and thorns.
- Hire a porter, they are a huge support and will help carry your bags as well as provide a stabilising arm on tricky stretches.
- Make sure you pack long trousers, a long sleeved shirt and a waterproof jacket.
- Gorillas can take anything from 40 minutes to three hours to find. You should expect to walk in steep, muddy and wet conditions. We recommend booking at least two gorilla permits or opting for the four-hour habituation trek. Both will allow you to sit back and take in this incredibly special moment with some of our closest relatives.
- Rwanda is generally thought of as an easier trekking destination than Uganda as the vegetation is thinner and less arduous to walk through. If you are short of time it’s logistically a better choice as the national park is closer to the airport than in Uganda.
Some of our Primate Safaris Highlights Click on an image to find out more
