Trekking Great Apes

It’s easy to see why hanging out with great apes in the wild snags the top spot on many a bucket list. Their eyes a mirror to a not-so-distant past, their gestures and relationships so like our own. Perhaps you dream of trekking through lush forest to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda? Or visiting those charismatic redheads, the orangutans of Borneo? Powerful and moving, a primate safari is one of the most rewarding trips you’ll ever take in your life.

Gorilla and orangutan trekking

Hike deep into the forest and come face to face with a mother gorilla and her baby, the advanced sentries of a habituated family group in Uganda. Or trail orangutans as they journey through the canopies of ancient Sumatran rainforests or across scantly inhabited islands

Wealth of wildlife

Aside from gorillas and orangutans, these secret pockets of dense jungle also hide a wealth of other species, including monkeys, elephants, antelopes, and bird species by the bucket load. We’ve handpicked a couple of our favourite primate safari itineraries to inspire you…

Properties
Itineraries

Greystoke Mahale

Mahale Mountains, Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania

Greystoke Mahale enjoys a breathtaking position on a golden beach along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, sheltered by the lush forest of the Mahale Mountains. This isolated setting is home to the world's largest known population of chimpanzees.

Rubondo Island Lodge

Lake Victoria, Western Tanzania, Tanzania

Rubondo Island Lodge is possibly one of the most unique lodges in Africa. Situated in the south-western corner of Lake Victoria it is an adventure seekers paradise in a one-of-a-kind destination, offering a mix of wildlife and lake-based activities.

Bisate Lodge

Volcanoes National Park, Virungas and northern Rwanda, Rwanda

Bisate is the newest luxury lodge in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, home to the mountain gorillas. Owned by Wilderness Safaris the lodge offers a new level of luxury and conservation tourism to the country.

Volcanoes Virunga Lodge

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Virunga Lodge has ten cottages set in an incredible position with views of the Virunga volcanoes and shimmering lakes Ruhondo and Burera. The lodge is a great base from which to go gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Sandakan and Sepilok, Borneo, Malaysia

Borneo Rainforest Lodge, located in Sabah, is one of the most luxurious of the lodges found in Borneo. This rather special lodge offers an off the beaten track wildlife experience in the heart of the Danum Valley, surrounded by primary rainforest.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Nkuringo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge nestles in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes. The lodge accommodates guests in eight stone cottages, each of which has its own fireplace for keeping warm on cool evenings.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is situated on the edge of the Parc National des Volcans. This eight room lodge has fabulous views of the Virunga Mountains and is a great base from which to trek into the mountains to hopefully see the mountain gorillas.

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge

Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge overlooks the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve in Western Uganda, close to where the gorilla treks start. Guests stay in one of the eight simple stone cottages, each of which offers stunning views over the forest canopy.

Sepilok Nature Lodge

Sandakan and Sepilok, Borneo, Malaysia

Sepilok Nature Resort is a simple property in Sabah, Borneo, within walking distance of the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Only 30 minutes from Sandakan Airport, the resort is in a great location to start off any Borneo itinerary.

Buhoma Lodge

Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Buhoma Lodge is an intimate property that gives you stunning and picturesque views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Perfectly located for gorilla tracking and various other activities in the surrounding area.

13 nights

Imagine Uganda

Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Jinja

Let us take you on a journey through Uganda. This trip presents some truly spectacular wildlife encounters. Float down the Nile River observing crocodiles and hippos in Murchison Falls. Admire the energetic behaviour of chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. Join lion researchers in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and be rewarded with an hour observing a gorilla family. Top this off with some exhilarating water activities from a private island on the Nile River.

From

£11,700 pp

13 nights

Epic Malaysia and Borneo

Gaya Island, Kinabatangan River, Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi

We’ve set the bar high with this incredible two-week adventure to Borneo and Malaysia. Get ready for wildlife encounters in lush emerald jungles and tropical marine underworlds, dine at world-class restaurants and enjoy romantic moments under the moonlight on a deserted beach. This is a unique opportunity to discover new things and relax with the one you love.

From

£4,000 pp

8 nights

Epic Uganda

Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Located on the equator, surrounded by the Great Rift Valley, Uganda is home to a wide variety of landscapes and habitats. Ranging from the open savannah to verdant rainforest, Uganda's rich assortment of wildlife thrives due to the diverse terrain of the country. Explore this rugged wilderness, trekking through the unspoilt forests of Kibale and Bwindi in search of mountain gorilla and chimpanzee, and visit Queen Elizabeth National Park to admire its rich variety of wildlife.

From

£7,100 pp

11 nights

Family Fun in Uganda and Kenya

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest & Maasai Mara

This superb itinerary covers some of East Africa’s wildlife highlights - from the dense forests of Uganda, tracking the elusive mountain gorilla and chimpanzee, to the famous grounds of historic Giraffe Manor and finally the rolling plains of the wildlife rich Maasai Mara. A must for any wildlife enthusiast looking to tick off four major bucket list experiences.

From

£12,100 pp

14 nights

Family Fun in Malaysia and Borneo

Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Kinabatangan River, Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi

Ideal suited for families with older children this enticing itinerary will see you uncover the very best of what Borneo has to offer. From exhilarating water sports off Sabah’s coastline to peaceful river cruises along the Kinabatangan River in search of orangutans and proboscis monkeys. The whole family will enjoy exploring our top picks for Malaysia and Borneo.

From

£6,300 pp

11 nights

Ultimate Rwanda and Tanzania

Virunga Volcanoes, Serengeti and Zanzibar

Combine the wildlife thrills of tracking gorillas in Rwanda and watching big game in the Serengeti with the sandy beaches of vibrant Zanzibar. An ideal honeymoon or special celebration trip for true wildlife enthusiasts.

From

£16,200 pp

10 nights

Ultimate Borneo

Kuala Lumpur, Sandakan, Kinabatangan River & Gaya Island

A journey through the heart of Malaysian Borneo showcasing the very best this diverse country has to offer. Discover metropolitan Kuala Lumpur before exploring the dense Borneo Rainforest. See pygmy elephants and orangutans in the pristine Kinabatangan Wetlands area before enjoying some respite on one of Sabah's beautiful outer islands, Gaya Island.

From

£4,500 pp

Call us on 020 8682 5000 to start planning

Why Scott Dunn?

Unique to You

We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are bespoke to you.
We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.

Seamless Service

Global offices in the UK, US, Singapore, and Hong Kong for 24/7 seamless service.
We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.

Carefully Curated Collection

We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.

Luxury in Every Sense

We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
Awarded Condé Nast Traveller’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 13 years in a row.

You are on our UK website

We noticed that you are in US and recommend that you explore our US website instead.

switch to US website

Or continue to explore our UK website

Trekking Great Apes

Gorilla and orangutan trekking

Wealth of wildlife

Filter

Filter

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Flagship Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Why Scott Dunn?

Unique to You

Seamless Service

Carefully Curated Collection

Luxury in Every Sense