Expedition Overview
Expedition Overview
- Join a National Geographic-funded primatologist on treks in search of chimpanzees, gorillas, and endangered golden monkeys.
- Watch the antics of chimpanzees up close at a sanctuary established in association with the Jane Goodall Institute.
- Meet with scientists at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center to learn about ongoing conservation projects.
- Get an in-depth perspective on National Geographic grantee Dian Fossey’s 18-year-long gorilla study as you trek through her living laboratory in Volcanoes National Park.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Set off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the lush hills of Uganda and Rwanda to encounter chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in the wild. Observe chimpanzees with a primatologist, and track gorillas in the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Stay in stunning lodges, from a lakeside bungalow at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains to a hilltop eco-lodge with spectacular views of Rwanda’s volcanoes.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and transfer to our hotel. The next day, visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island, established in association with the Jane Goodall Institute as a habitat for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees. Later, explore the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.
Fly from Entebbe to Kasese en route to Kibale National Park and check in to our lodge, set on a crater lake. Meet with National Geographic grantee Emily Otali, the Field Director of the Kibale Chimpanzee Project, and hear about the many conservation and education projects they support. Head into the park to search for chimpanzees; and look for other primates in the Bigodi Weland Sanctuary, including black-and-white colobus, red-tailed, and blue monkeys; and the rare l’Hoest’s monkey.
Spend a second morning tracking chimpanzees. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, and go on safari to look for elephants, lions, and Ugandan kobs before an afternoon wildlife cruise.
Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The next morning, head into the park’s forests, home to roughly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Sit among these gentle giants, observing one of the planet’s most endangered creatures up close.
Cross into Rwanda and settle into your private villa overlooking the surrounding volcanoes and lakes. Meet experts at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Center to learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Spend the next day tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, where National Geographic grantee Dian Fossey conducted research on gorillas for 18 years. Enjoy a traditional dance performance this evening.
This morning, search for endangered golden monkeys in the park alongside wildlife biologist and National Geographic grantee Deogratias Tuyisingize. After lunch, transfer to the Kigali International Airport (KGL) for your flight home.