Drumbeat Autumn 2025

7 8 4 Planning our primate pursuit We started dreaming of this adventure about 18 months before our trip. We chose to go in February, which turned out to be a great time of year. Aardvark Safaris offered advice on the best time to visit, managed all our logistics, secured our permits and booked everything nine months in advance. The journey through the jungle The terrain was, as expected, quite dense in areas. However, our guide was brilliant, expertly clearing a pathway for us as we went along. And when we finally saw them, actually seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat and being so close, was simply amazing. That was, without a doubt, the most memorable part of the entire trip. You might be wondering about the physical demands. Surprisingly, it wasn’t overly strenuous. The beauty of gorilla trekking is that you can choose the trek best suited to your fitness level. Whether you prefer an easier walk or a more challenging hike, either can be accommodated. Worth every step (and penny) Was it worth the cost and effort? A resounding yes. We felt incredibly privileged to have witnessed these fascinating animals in their natural habitat. It truly was a very special, once-in-a-lifetime experience. And from a conservation standpoint, we felt our visit made Debbie, a seasoned Aardvark Safaris guest and safari enthusiast, recently fulfilled her dream of gorilla trekking in Rwanda with her husband. Here, she generously shares her first-hand insights, tips, and moments from her journey. “Having enjoyed the thrill of a traditional safari, my husband and I were eager to expand our wildlife encounters. We had heard remarkable stories about gorilla trekking. The idea of coming face-to-face with these magnificent primates sounded truly extraordinary. So, what sparked our interest in trekking with gorillas? Pure curiosity and a desire for an unparalleled wildlife encounter, unlike anything we had ever experienced before.” My exceptional gorilla encounter Trekking with giants a positive contribution to ongoing efforts to protect these incredible animals. Packing essentials and porter power For anyone planning a similar trip, a lightweight waterproof jacket, good trekking boots, and gaiters are a must. We absolutely recommend hiring a porter. We each had one, and they were fantastic. Not only did they carry our backpacks and lunch, but they were invaluable, offering a helping hand on slippery mud paths or assisting us across small rivers. Hiring a porter is a wonderful way to support the local community as well. Combining adventures For us, the gorilla trekking adventure didn’t end there, we combined it with another wonderful experience, heading to a safari camp in Kenya before returning home. This was the perfect way to cap off our African journey, with a final dose of incredible wildlife encounters. Uganda - primate safari 14th to 23rd January 2027 Discover the magic of Uganda’s primates on a safari hosted by Jo. We’ll get you up close with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, before joining a special fireside chat with a vet from the Gorilla Doctors for a behind-the-scenes insight into the crucial conservation work that goes into protecting these magnificent animals. 9 JO The primate expert Get in touch: joanna@aardvarksafaris.com ©Debbie Greaves © Debbie Greaves View Jo’s hosted trip