In the Mist: A Primate Trekking Safari Through Uganda and Rwanda
Some journeys change you. In August 2023, I led a private safari through Uganda and Rwanda that was as humbling as it was exhilarating. Over several days, and two countries, we trekked through dense rainforests, locked eyes with endangered mountain gorillas, and followed the calls of chimpanzees and golden monkeys. It was a deeply personal adventure - one that reminded me why I do what I do.
Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest
Our first primate encounter took place in Kibale National Park, Uganda’s chimpanzee capital. The trek began early, with the forest still cloaked in mist. Within an hour, we heard the telltale hoots and rustling above. Suddenly, we were surrounded - chimps swinging through the canopy, grooming each other on the forest floor, and occasionally pausing to study us with curious eyes. It was wild, unscripted, and unforgettable.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: Big Five Bonus
Between primate treks, we explored Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we were treated to classic African game drives. We spotted lions lounging in fig trees, elephants crossing the savannah, and hippos wallowing in the Kazinga Channel. It was a beautiful contrast to the forests - open plains, golden light, and the thrill of the Big Five.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for: gorilla trekking in Bwindi. The hike was challenging - steep, muddy, and unpredictable - but the reward was beyond words. We spent a full hour with a habituated family, watching the silverback keep watch while juveniles tumbled and played nearby. One even brushed past us, so close we could feel the air shift. It was a sacred moment, and one I’ll never forget.
Crossing into Rwanda: Volcanoes and Legacy
From Uganda, we crossed into Rwanda for a second gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. The terrain was different - more open, with views of the Virunga volcanoes - but the experience was just as powerful. This time, we visited a different gorilla family, and the interactions were more intimate. This family had a newborn, which we were blessed to experience their sharing it with us. Each trek is unique, shaped by the gorillas’ moods and movements.
While in Rwanda, we also hiked to Dian Fossey’s gravesite, a moving tribute to the woman who dedicated her life to protecting these gentle giants. Standing there, surrounded by mist and mountain silence, we felt the weight of her legacy - and the urgency of conservation.
Golden Monkeys and Final Reflections
Before heading home, we tracked golden monkeys, a playful and endangered species found only in the Virunga region. Their bright coats and acrobatic antics were a joyful finale to our primate encounters.
Why Choose a Primate Safari?
This wasn’t just a trip - it was a pilgrimage. Trekking to see primates in the wild is physically demanding and emotionally rewarding. It’s also one of the most impactful ways to support conservation and local communities.
If you’ve ever dreamed of locking eyes with a mountain gorilla or hearing chimpanzees call through the trees, I’d love to help you make it happen.
Reach out today through my travel leaders profile to start planning your own journey into the mist.
