OUGANDA WITH LOVINGJUNE TRAVELS

The Primates Journey

Uganda | October 2027

Some journeys stay with us because of the places we visit. Others because of the wildlife we encounter. This one does both.

In October 2027, I tale just 10 guests to join me on a seven-night adventure through Uganda, designed around what I believe are two of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on Earth: wild chimpanzees and mountain gorillas.

Over the course of the week, we will discover two remarkably different regions of Uganda, each with its own landscapes, atmosphere, wildlife and rhythm. And, at the same time, we will experience two encounters that, while equally unforgettable, could not be more different.

Chimpanzees are pure energy. The forest echoes with their calls, movement and excitement. Following them is exhilarating, fast-paced and wonderfully unpredictable.

Gorillas are the opposite. Their world is quieter, slower and almost contemplative. Sitting just a few metres away from a silverback or watching a mother gently care for her infant is one of the most moving experiences I have ever had in nature.

The contrast between these two moments is what makes this journey so extraordinary. Two forests. Two habitats. Two completely different ways of living. Two species that share so much of our DNA, yet express themselves in such remarkably different ways.

Of course, Uganda has far more to offer than its primates. Along the way, we will also enjoy wonderful safaris, spectacular scenery, exceptional birdlife, beautiful lodges and all the small moments that make travelling through this country such a privilege.

My hope is that this journey will leave you as captivated as I was the first time I did this.

Only 10 places are available, allowing us to travel as a small, intimate group and enjoy every experience at a relaxed pace.

ENTEBBE (1 night: 1st of OCtober 2027)

OCT 2nd: MORNING FLIGHT TO KISORO (1 Hour)

GORILLAS-LAND (3 nights: 2, 3, 4 October 2027)

Hidden high in the mist-covered mountains, this is one of the most extraordinary places in Africa. Ancient rainforest blankets the hillsides, creating a landscape of remarkable beauty where clouds drift silently through the treetops and every walk feels like stepping into another world.

The reason for coming here is, of course, the mountain gorillas. Guided by expert trackers, you will set off through the forest in search of one of the habituated families, whose movements are monitored daily by the rangers. The trek can be challenging, crossing steep slopes and sometimes muddy terrain, but every step is forgotten the moment you come face to face with these gentle giants.

Spending an hour in their presence is an experience that is almost impossible to describe. There is a quietness, an intelligence and a sense of connection that few wildlife encounters can match. Watching a silverback calmly observe his family, mothers caring for their young and playful juveniles tumbling through the vegetation is both deeply moving and profoundly humbling.

Perched on a ridge overlooking the forest, your lodge enjoys breathtaking panoramic views across the mountains and volcanoes that stretch towards Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Intimate, warm and beautifully integrated into its surroundings, it provides the perfect place to relax after your trek, with cosy fireplaces, exceptional hospitality and a peaceful atmosphere that reflects the tranquillity of the forest itself. Every detail invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and savour one of Africa’s most unforgettable destinations.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge by @robertmichaelpoole 297.jpg

OCt 5th: MORNING FLIGHT TO KASESE (1 Hour)

CHIMPANZEE-LAND (3 nights: 5, 6, 7 October 2027)

This is one of Africa’s most wonderfully diverse wilderness areas, where vast open savannahs, shimmering crater lakes, dense forests and winding waterways come together to create an extraordinary variety of landscapes and wildlife.

The days here are wonderfully varied. You may spend the morning searching for elephants, buffaloes, lions and the famous tree-climbing lions, before exploring the Kazinga Channel by boat, where some of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa share the water with enormous crocodiles and an astonishing diversity of birdlife. Every outing feels different, revealing a new side of this remarkable ecosystem.

One of the highlights is undoubtedly tracking wild chimpanzees through the forest. Their calls echo through the trees long before they appear, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Following them on foot, watching them interact, communicate and move effortlessly through the canopy is an exhilarating and deeply moving encounter that contrasts beautifully with the slower rhythm of the savannah.

Your home here sits peacefully on the banks of the river, blending naturally into its surroundings. Small, intimate and full of character, it offers a relaxed atmosphere where wildlife is never far away. Between activities, you can simply enjoy the views, listen to the sounds of the bush and watch life unfold along the water’s edge, making every moment here feel connected to nature.