Safari special: Primates

Gorillas in Rwanda

It’s been a hot and humid hike – and then you hear it. The deep, throaty grunts of a troop of gorillas. As you emerge from the trees, every second of the hike was worth it. You see a silverback not too far away, pushing through the undergrowth towards a female nursing an infant.  

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of few places in the world to see wild gorillas, and we can recommend an astounding luxury jungle resort: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, where treehouses and suites – including the incredible Silverback Suite with firepit overlooking your private pool - is surrounded by vast eucalyptus trees and volcanic vistas. Pair with Nyungwe House in the UNESCO-listed Nyungwe National Park to see Eastern chimpanzees, golden monkeys and enjoy some serious spa time.  

Chimpanzees in Uganda

You step out of your lodge and gaze out over Uganda’s Rwenzori Mountains, watching the soft morning light filter over Queen Elizabeth plains. Excitement rising, today you are heading into the Kibale Forest National Park, the “primate capital of the world”. You can see them in their natural habitat, swinging from the branches in a canopy that comes alive with their noisy calls.

We can arrange for you to spend a few hours with a chimp group as part of the habituation process, and to join a fireside chat with a leading primatologist. Our recommended stay is at the newly opened Kibale Lodge, an elegant and homely mountain retreat with a welcoming climate, focused on community and conservation.    

Orangutans in Borneo

Big brown eyes gaze back at you, content as he feeds on the fleshy mango in his human-like palm. Dubbed ‘man of the forest’, it’s fascinating to see orangutans eat, socialise, and play. These endangered charismatic primates can only be found on two islands: Sumatra in Indonesia and Borneo in Malaysia. We can recommend Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo, established in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned and injured orangutans.

Today, you can take a guided tour of the centre’s rainforest trails to see them in their natural habitat. Your Travel Counsellor can arrange a twin-centre with Semenggoh Nature Reserve, where you can see orangutans feeding on raised platforms.  

Lemurs in Madagascar

Red, brown, grey, black, and white – lemurs come in many different colours and species. Some jump, some dance, some cry, so you are guaranteed an entertaining watch when you see them in the wild. All are endemic to Madagascar, and we have various lodges sited near national parks, although a 5-star standard can be harder to find here. As an alternative, take to a private island – Miavana has a resident population of crowned lemur (relocated there for their protection), while Constance Tsarabanjina offers visits to nearby Nosy Komba, known as the lemur island.

It’s now easier than ever to twin-centre with one of their renowned Seychelles resorts, as Emirates has launched an extension of its existing route to the archipelago, taking you onwards to Madagascar. The flight, via the airline’s Dubai hub, runs four times a week from September. 

Suggested itinerary

Tanzania and Rwanda make a great pairing. You can see the Big Five in the Serengeti, or the annual Great Wildlife Migration, where millions of wildebeest move across the plains – speak to your Travel Counsellor as timing is everything!

Stay at Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp for game drives, picnics in the bush, sundowners, and dining around the campfire.

In Rwanda, stay at Sabyinyo in the foothills of the Virunga Massif, where the focus is on conservation. Expect a community-inspired lodge, organic gardens, and the chance to hike into Volcanoes National Park.  

Travel style

The safari includes gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and a Golden Monkey trekking experience in Rwanda, so a good fitness level is needed. In the Serengeti, you’ll enjoy game drives and activities in shared 4x4 vehicles, though exclusive use is possible at extra cost, and you’ll travel between the countries on shared light aircraft to maximise your wildlife-watching time.