18 DAYS
FROM $4,999
Strenuous
Designed for experienced & active travellers in good physical condition. These itineraries may include full-day hikes (sometimes at high altitude) and/or full-day excursions. Trails often include steep ascents/descents on mountainous terrain.
Ultimate Journeys feature a fully immersive itinerary with a particular theme. Great distances are covered using only the best vehicles available. These itineraries are carefully designed to be comprised of daily sessions of meditation and philosophy, an intimate introduction to the rich Himalayan culture, exclusive access to remote & sacred sites, and visits/talks with local specialists & experts. All-inclusive services include: travel by the highest quality land transportation vehicles and/or plane, knowledgeable local guides, porters, first-class accommodation, healthy & delicious meals, and experienced & dynamic Himalayan Hermitage facilitators as well as local specialists & experts.
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.
Experts on this Trip
A National Geographic expert will accompany each departure to share insights and a rare behind-the-scenes perspective. Listed below are some of the experts and the departure date(s) they will be joining.
Itinerary
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.
What to Expect
This trip has an activity rating of moderate; travelers should be physically fit and prepared for multiple hours of walking or hiking over uneven terrain on some days. While tracking primates, guests will trek up to 8 hours through thick jungle at elevations that may reach 10,000 feet. Treks can be arduous; and the terrain can be steep, uneven, wet, and muddy. Travelers must be at least 15 years old. There will be several long driving days up to seven hours with multiple stops.
Accommodations
Throughout the trip, we stay in ideally located, high-end hotels and lodges with many amenities.
Expedition Team
A National Geographic Expert and an Expedition Leader will accompany this trip, and local guides join us along the way.
Transportation
We have arranged all of your transportation needs during your stay in Rwanda and Uganda as specified in your trip itinerary. When spending time on your own, you may choose to visit a site that requires transportation. If this is the case, your Expedition Leader will happily recommend convenient transportation options.