Newsletter Signup
Nathab Newsletter

Nathab Newsletter

Carbon Pollution Reduction

13 days / Starting From $13,895

Print Friendly and PDF

Ultimate African Primate Expedition

Close Encounters with Rare Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees and a Multitude of Monkeys!

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a savannah among jungles, and thereby hosts a full repetoire of the classic safari species. From lion to elephant to zebra to the most diverse of habitats, it's a unique park. Here, Defassa waterbuck pose amongst the commanding Candelabra tree (Euphorbia).

Giraffe are among the park’s most intriguing and photogenic species.

Lake Edward & Lake George, each flanking the entrance of Queen Elizabeth National Park have been home to some of the world's largest hippo populations. A boat trip down the lake channels brings you up close to these true characters of the water.

Elephants escape the heat of the day in the channel and we may experience these amazing creatures from the boat or on land, during game drives in the park.

Drumming is the traditional music of Uganda. Its harmonic rhythm incites celebration and dance among the locals, and maybe YOU!?

We don't want to spoil the menu, but suffice it to say that arguably the BEST meal of the adventure, takes place at our friend Tinka's house. His wife, mother and daughter pull out all the fixin's for out of town visitors.

Why does this Cape buffalo seem to be going the wrong way? The strong males and protective females will let the herd move forward while they remain back to assess the unwanted visitor. In this case, we just want a photo so it's all good!

Our comfortable four-wheel drive vehicle takes us from forest to mountain as we keep an eye out for elephant, leopard and lion.

One of the discoveries of this trip offers is a chance to experience some of region's countryside. With each passing day, we will have impromptu encounters and observations of the daily life of the locals. They are amazingly friendly, resourceful and savvy and give this trip a very well-rounded aspect.

Uganda is immensely diverse. This Yellow-billed stork filters the shallow waters of a crater lake in Uganda's highlands. The landscape of this country rivals any in Africa, with its variety and topography.

ROAD BLOCK! Our drive to Rwanda is slowed by the local chief's herd being moved to its next grazing sight. Cattle, Nguni cattle in particular, are a sign of wealth and power.

While en route to Bwindi from Queen Elizabeth National Park, we try our tracking skills in search of the infamous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

The ascent to Bwindi National Park is a rocky village road with vista among the cultivated highlands of this lush region. Local villagers live a subsistence lifestyle cultivating bananas, potatoes and other agricultural products.

Gaitors? Check. Rain coat? Check. Camera? Check. It's time to hit the trail through Bwindi's forested hillsides, with trackers up front and porters at rear, in the quest for the greatest primate of all, the Mountain gorilla.

An orientation by the skilled trackers of Uganda and Rwanda National Parks Authority prepares us to hit the muddy slopes of the gorilla's favored habitat. These trackers are utterly devoted to the welfare of this endangered species and their energy is contagious.

Nope, that's not Uncle Larry! That's one of the 1450 individuals that call Kibale National Forest home. Our treks allow us to observe some of the very behaviors brought to light by Jane Goodall, during her studies in Tanzania. This highly social, and even somewhat volatile, species is fascinating to observe.

There is perhaps no greater blessing than to have the chance to be in the company of some of the last great primates. With approximately 700 individual Mountain gorillas in the region of Bwindi and Virunga Volcanoes National Parks, it is a cherished time with this peaceful, communicative and somewhat familiar species.

While a stinging nettle might bother you, it's like candy to this young female who forages among the lush vegetation of Virunga Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. This is where Dian Fossey pioneered her research of this gorgeous creature, and it is now where we have the chance to thank her for her conservation efforts as we enjoy the interactions of the gorilla family.

Our Expedition Leaders and our local guides provide constant interpretation, leadership and entertainment as we adventure through the wildlands of Uganda and Rwanda. Their professionalism and knowledge makes the trip come to life.

Ben & Stephen, our friends and guides.

Uganda and Rwanda offer some of the most diverse and unique safari experiences in the world, and our time here will not soon be forgotten.

What's a trip without a bit of a shopping excursion? And that's even more true when you are offered some of the most authentic and well-crafted art of the region. But can you bargain?

Telling stories after an extraordinary encounter with the gorillas....Gorilla Forest Camp is a welcome respite for the adventure weary.

Natural Habitat Adventures
Box 3065
Boulder, CO, USA 80307
(303) 449-3711
(800) 543-8917

Find Us on Facebook
Get the latest on all of our adventures and blogs on our official Facebook page.
Visit Facebook

Good Nature Blog
All-White Orca Spotted Off Russia's East Coast
5 Ways We Make Every Day Earth Day

NHA Travel Family
» Africa safari planner!
» Explorers' Corner Website
» Adventure Collection
» Gaiam Website