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Africa is the only continent where you can see all four great apes in the wild: Mountain Gorillas, Eastern and Western Lowland Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and the ultra-rare Bonobo. Our trips take you deep into rainforests, volcanic slopes, and remote river basins across Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. These iconic species are often the stars—but Africa is also home to over 100 other primate species, including colobus monkeys, mandrills, baboons, and guenons, many of which can be seen in the same forests. The best time to visit is June–February, depending on the region.
At A Glance
Nearest Airports
Entebbe (Uganda), Kigali (Rwanda), Kinshasa or Goma (DRC)
Best Time
June–February (dry season)
Habitats
Montane & Lowland Rainforests, Riverine Forests, Savannah-Fringe Woodland
Min Recommended Stay
05–08 Days
Main Destinations
Volcanoes NP / Bwindi (Mountain Gorilla), Odzala / Kahuzi-Biega (Lowland Gorilla), Kibale / Nyungwe (Chimpanzee), Lomako or Salonga (Bonobo)
While sightings of great apes are regulated and timed, other primates—from the striking De Brazza’s Monkey to L’Hoest’s Monkey—are frequently seen during forest walks.
Places to Go:
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Kahuzi-Biega / Odzala – Lowland Gorilla (~500–1,500 m; lowland rainforest): Larger troops in flatter terrain; deeper, more remote jungle; less visited, making for wilder, rawer experiences in DRC or Congo-Brazzaville .
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Kibale / Nyungwe – Chimpanzee (~1,000–2,200 m; moist evergreen forest): Known for habituated troops and thrilling vocal displays; sightings often include olive baboons, red colobus, and cheeky vervets .
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Lomako / Salonga – Bonobo (~300–800 m; swamp & lowland forest): The rarest great ape, endemic to DRC. Requires deep travel into primary rainforest. Observing their gentle, matriarchal society is an extraordinary experience .
Suggested Itineraries
Whispers Among Giants: African Primate Trails
12 nights, 11 days
Trek through ancient forest trails to meet mountain gorillas and playful chimpanzees in their natural habitats—an experience both humbling and transformative.
Visit world-renowned hotspots like Kibale (Uganda) and Nyungwe (Rwanda), where lush ecosystems harbor 13+ primate species—blue monkeys, red colobus, mangabeys, and more.
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Baobabs, Limestone & Coastal Calm
12 nights, 13 days
Enjoy the avenue of Baobabs at sunset
Trek Tsingy de Bemaraha’s stone forests
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DRC – The Heart of Africa
13 nights, 14 days
Gorilla trekking in Virunga’s misty forests
Track eastern lowland chimps in Kahuzi-Biega
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Lemurs, Landscapes & Living Culture
12 nights, 13 days
Lemur spotting in Andasibe forests
Explore Ranomafana’s rainforest trails
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Rwanda’s Pristine Wilderness
13 nights, 14 days
Trek to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Spot golden monkeys and enjoy the misty forest trails
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Uganda Uncovered
13 nights, 14 days
Trek to see gorillas in Bwindi’s dense rainforest
Track chimpanzees and spot birds in Kibale
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