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Where Forest Meets Savannah
Primates & Savannah
Track mountain gorillas through volcanic mist, follow chimpanzees through ancient rainforest, and finish on the open savannahs of Tanzania — one connected East African journey.
Overview
Two Worlds, One Journey
The Primates & Savannah experience combines the rare privilege of great ape encounters with the iconic wildlife spectacles of Tanzania's national parks. Track mountain gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park or Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, follow chimpanzees through Kibale or Gombe, then transition to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire for classic big-game safaris. This is East Africa's most complete wildlife journey.
Interactive Map
Primates & Savannah Regions
Key locations across East Africa for this experience.
East Africa Experience Map
MapLibre interactive map
Volcanoes NP, Rwanda
Mountain gorilla trekking in the Virunga cloud forests
Bwindi, Uganda
Gorilla trekking in ancient impenetrable forest
Kibale, Uganda
Chimpanzee tracking in primate-rich rainforest
Queen Elizabeth NP, Uganda
Savannah safari connecting forest and plains
Serengeti, Tanzania
Classic migration safari to complete the journey
Gorilla Trekking
Mountain gorilla trekking is the centrepiece of this experience. In Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, treks begin from the park headquarters at Kinigi, with groups assigned based on fitness level. In Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, treks traverse steeper terrain through ancient rainforest. Each permit allows one hour with a habituated gorilla family — a profound and strictly regulated wildlife encounter.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Kibale National Park in Uganda hosts East Africa's highest concentration of primates, with over 1,500 chimpanzees. In Tanzania, Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains offer chimpanzee tracking along the shores of Lake Tanganyika — some of the most remote and atmospheric primate experiences in Africa.
Uganda Savannah Parks
Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park bridge the forest and savannah worlds. Tree-climbing lions, boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel and Nile, and dramatic waterfall landscapes create a varied safari experience.
Rwanda Primate Extensions
Beyond gorillas, Nyungwe Forest National Park offers chimpanzee tracking, colobus monkey viewing and a spectacular canopy walk. The combination creates a comprehensive primate journey within Rwanda.
Tanzania Safari Combinations
The natural finale is a Tanzania safari — Serengeti for the migration, Ngorongoro for the crater wildlife density, or Tarangire for elephants and baobabs. Flights connect Kigali or Entebbe directly to the Serengeti, making the combination seamless.
Recommended Durations
Journey Options
Rwanda + Serengeti
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda with 6–7 days on the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Uganda + Tanzania
Gorillas and chimps in Uganda with Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro
Primates + Southern Tanzania
Gorillas with Mahale chimpanzees and Ruaha or Nyerere
Best Seasons
When to Go
Jun–Sep
Peak Dry
Best gorilla trekking conditions and prime Serengeti migration viewing
Dec–Feb
Dry Window
Good gorilla trekking with calving season on the southern Serengeti
Mar–May
Long Rains
Challenging trekking conditions; many primate camps close
Journey Examples
Sample Itineraries
Gorillas & Migration
Primates of Two Nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Good to Know
Do I need a gorilla permit and how far in advance should I book?
Yes. Permits are strictly limited (Rwanda: 96/day, Uganda: ~160/day). Book 3–6 months in advance, especially for June–September and December–February.
What fitness level is required for gorilla trekking?
Moderate to good fitness. Treks last 2–8 hours through volcanic terrain, mud and dense vegetation. Porters are available to carry your day pack.
Can I combine gorillas and Tanzania safari in one trip?
Yes. Flights connect Kigali (Rwanda) and Entebbe (Uganda) directly to the Serengeti, making a seamless primate-savannah combination.
What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
15 years in both Rwanda and Uganda. This is strictly enforced for health and safety reasons.
Begin Your Journey
Plan Your Primates & Savannah
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