Primate Holidays

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Itineraries

Wildlife Safaris

Explore Epic Wildlife Safaris in East & Central Africa

Your next epic adventure begins here!

The wild heart of East Africa: The Big Five in Their Natural Habitants

From misty rainforests where mountain gorillas roam to endless golden plains where the Great Migration thunders across the horizon, East and Central Africa deliver the classic wildlife moments every traveller dreams of. We design safaris that bring you close to primates; gorillas, chimps, golden and red colobus monkeys – while also delivering Big Five game drives, birding and cultural encounters in communities that protect these habitats.

 

Why choose a primate-focused wildlife safari?

Primate encounters are rare, emotional and life-changing. Our trips pair ethical gorilla and chimp trekking with expert guides and local partnerships so your visit supports conservation and communities. Because primate sites are sensitive, we plan carefully: small group sizes, booking of permits, flexible logistics (road and flight transfers) and comfortable camp or lodge options near the parks.

 

Highlights: gorillas, chimps, colobus & more

  • Mountain gorillas (Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes) – These forests host habituated gorilla families guests can visit with permits and trained guides; the experience of spending an hour with a gorilla family is unforgettable.

  • Chimpanzee tracking (Kibale, Gombe, Mahale, Nyungwe) – Walk primate-rich forest trails searching for playful, intelligent chimp communities and hear the forest come alive with calls.

  • Unique island primates (Jozani, Zanzibar red colobus) – In Zanzibar’s Jozani Forest you can meet the endemic red colobus monkey a rare species found only on Unguja island.

  • Big Five & plains wildlife (Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Akagera) – Combine primate trekking with classic savannah drives to seek lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalo, plus vast herds of zebra and wildebeest in season.

Uganda

Bwindi, Mgahinga, Queen Elizabeth & Kidepo

Rwanda

Volcanoes, Nyungwe & Akagera

Kenya

Maasai Mara & Laikipia

Tanzania

Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Gombe/Mahale

Congo (DRC)

Virunga & Odzala

Zanzibar

Jozani Forest & Marine Excursions

Best Wildlife Safaris Itineraries: Gorillas, Primates & Big Five Tours

Top destinations & what they offer

Uganda – gorilla heartland and varied safaris

Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga offer gorilla trekking amid ancient rainforest; Kibale is a chimp hub; Queen Elizabeth combines boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel with large savannah herds; Kidepo offers remote, off-the-beaten-track wildlife. Uganda is a flexible choice for primate lovers who also want birds, cultural visits and varied landscapes.

 

Rwanda – convenient, highly managed primate encounters

Volcanoes National Park gives excellent mountain gorilla viewing with well-managed treks, while Nyungwe’s montane rainforest offers chimp tracking and canopy walks. Akagera’s savannah safaris complement a primate visit with Big Five game drives.

 

Kenya – classic savannahs & migration spectacles

The Maasai Mara offers world-class game viewing and seasonal river crossings of the Great Migration; Laikipia and conservancies deliver intimate, conservation-led Big Five encounters often combined with community visits and walking safaris.

 

Tanzania & Zanzibar – a mix of wildlife, culture and beaches

Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro are migration and Big Five highlights; Gombe and Mahale are famous for chimp research and tracking. Finish a safari on Zanzibar with Jozani Forest and pristine marine snorkel sites for a full wildlife + beach honeymoon or recovery stop.

 

Congo (DRC) – remote, rugged and rewarding

 

Virunga National Park offers mountain and lowland gorilla possibilities in a truly wild, volcanic landscape – ideal for adventurous travellers seeking less-crowded encounters.

What you’ll likely see

  • Primates: Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, red colobus, black-and-white colobus, vervet and red-tailed monkeys.

  • Big Savanna Species: Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, cheetahs, hyenas.

  • Birdlife: Hundreds of species across habitats – raptors on the plains, forest specialists in montane rainforest, and shorebirds on coastal reserves.

Best time to go

  • Dry seasons (June–Oct, Dec–Feb) are ideal for game drives and easier trekking conditions. However primate experiences are available year-round – weather may make trails muddier in wet months. Plan around migration timing if the Great Migration is a priority.

Responsible travel & conservation

We prioritize operators and lodges that invest in anti-poaching, community projects and habitat protection. Responsible gorilla and chimp trekking means small visitor groups, strict health screenings and following guide rules – your visit helps fund local conservation and livelihoods.


Packing checklist

  • Comfortable layers for cool mornings and hot afternoons

  • Good walking shoes or boots, gaiters for muddy trails

  • Rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

  • Binoculars, camera with telephoto, spare batteries & memory cards

  • Small daypack, refillable water bottle, personal medications

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