Gorillas not to be missed

Fundamentalist groups still deny the evolutionary path from the great apes to modern man. There’s even of collection of dudes in California, a schism of the Jedi faith no doubt, who maintain that we’re all the invention of the Great Flying Spaghetti Monster – are they indulging in an arrabiata of post modern irony?

Pastafarians aside, a chance to encounter wild Mountain Gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates in the forests of Central Africa though not to be billed as a religious experience does have the potential to change lives. Dragoman’s 15-night Chimps, Gorillas & Gameparks overland expedition through Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda departs Nairobi 9th May 2009.

Explore Nairobi still one of Africa’s greatest cities, then get hands-on at Langalanga helping to maintain and expand an educational community project, before striking out across the highlands of western Kenya and going on safari in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Crossing into Uganda head for the hills of the Kibale Tea plantations and a refreshing brew before entering the wildlife rich sanctuary of Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. Top sights here include elephant, leopard, buffalo, lion (four of the big five) and on an expertly guided forest walk, a troop of chimpanzees.

Here, Dragoman’s style of wild camping surrounded by hippos, elephants and lions is the ultimate reality safari experience. A boat trip on the Kazinga Channel and dugout canoe explorations from Lake Bunyonyi, visiting Muko Forest and some of the local communities, precede crossing the border into Rwanda. Next up, for many the journey’s high point, Mountain Gorilla trekking in the stunning highlands of Volcanoes National Park.

The area currently has four habituated gorilla groups, the largest is the Susa Group, comprising 35 members including 3 silverbacks, inhabits Karasimbo Volcano and is the original band studied by Diana Fossie. The Trebize, Sabinyo and Amahoro bands are smaller, with 13 members each, encounters each involve varying levels of trekking.

Returning through Kigali, a visit to Rwanda’s Genocide memorial is a pertinent reminder of man’s potential for inhumanity before heading back into Kenya through the Rift Valley and pitching up at Dragoman’s exclusive campsite on the shores of the White Nile. A guided walking safari in Mburo National Park is a fitting way to end the tour before onward travel or return flights from Nairobi.

The tour costs £550 p/p plus kitty USD$1,110 (~£774) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s rugged but comfortable customised Mercedes Benz truck, camping and hotel accommodation (90%/10%) all camp meals, one Gorilla trekking permit and the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s two person crew and accompanying African camp master.

For more information, log on to Dragoman.com.