The Asilia Edit, our collection of set departure, small group tours, currently features four carefully curated safari itineraries. Each Edition of The Asilia Edit encourages total immersion into the experience of the journey and is enriched with thoughtful extras to further elevate the unique safari offering.
With four different options to choose from, there may be some uncertainty around which Edition is best suited to you, or what it is that sets each Edition apart from the others. In this series of blogs, we will unpack each Edition, providing insight into the experience, the regions and camps it covers, and what can be expected from the itinerary.
The Primate Edition
Why is it The Primate Edition?
This is no ordinary East Africa safari. Trade open savannahs and acacia trees for sub-equatorial rainforests and dense treetop canopies, as the focus of this safari shifts from the traditional Big Five to the chimpanzees of Rubondo Island and the mountain gorillas of Bwindi. Primates take centre stage in this Asilia Edit, supported by the assortment of wildlife that resides on Rubondo, and the phenomenal birdlife of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Who is it best for?
Chimpanzee tracking is fast-paced excitement that requires commitment and agility to keep up with the troop if they are on the move. Gorilla trekking, by comparison, is typically more docile and calmer, however the hills of Bwindi should not be underestimated as, when combined with the altitude, they can make for a long morning of hiking. The Primate Edition is perfectly suited to the active traveller who enjoys spending hours hiking and exploring in the mountains and countryside and holds a good level of physical fitness and mobility.
What to expect from the experience?
The Primate Edition begins with a night in Nairobi, Kenya, the easiest starting point for international access, before flying by private charter to the forested shores of Rubondo Island National Park in Tanzania. The adventure unfolds amidst chimpanzee tracking, catch-and-release fishing, game drives, boating safaris, and the phenomenal birding this destination offers. The private charter continues into Uganda, to Erebero Hills on the fringes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Trek gorillas in the ancient and biodiverse forest, amongst the myriads of birdlife that call the forest home. The lodge provides the perfect balance between available activities and opportunities to simply relax and unwind, ensuring all travellers can attain their ideal Bwindi experience.
Unpacking The Primate Edition
The Primate Edition uses a private charter to connect two extraordinary primate focussed destinations within East Africa, woven into an itinerary that offers so much more than simply chimpanzees and gorillas.
Nairobi: Emara Ole Sereni
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi provides a convenient access point into East Africa, serviced by all major international airlines. Situated on the outskirts of Nairobi National Park, the Emara Ole Sereni Hotel offers a relaxed and comfortable space in which to unwind after a long haul flight, and prepare for the primate adventure in store.
Rubondo Island National Park: Rubondo Island Camp
The forested paradise of Rubondo Island offers an experience unlike any other. From lakeshore living where the lapping of the small waves breaking on the beach can be heard from your bed to the frenzied excitement of tracking chimps through the undergrowth. The forest is alive with birdlife, small antelope, insects, and elephants, while the lake waters teem with Nile Perch, spotted-neck otters, crocodiles and hippos. Enjoy catch-and-release fishing and boating safaris, or game drives across the island in search of colobus monkeys, monitor lizards, giraffe, and sitatunga.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Erebero Hills
Built on a steep hillside slope directly opposite the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Erebero Hills offers incredible views of the giant trees and dense vegetation along the forest periphery. While the focus may lay on gorilla trekking, the forest holds an array of flora, rare insect species, and diverse birdlife, and is acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity. Spend time with the local Batwa people, learning about their connections to this land and their involvement in the reforestation project, visit the mushroom house and syntropic farm for a look at the development of the fresh produce, or hike to the nearby waterfall at the bottom of the valley. Soothe tired muscles in the spa or relax alongside the heated swimming pool opposite the towering forest walls.
What does The Primate Edition include?
Private charter plane
To limit the travel time between these unique destinations, a private plane will accompany the group throughout this journey, providing smooth connections on a schedule best suited to the flow of the itinerary.
Chimpanzee tracking on Rubondo Island
Experience the excitement and adrenaline of tracking chimpanzees in the wild. They are unpredictable and energetic, offering a loud and fast-paced sensory experience. The walk in, and out, of the forest are at a more casual pace, but once you have found the chimps, expect to hustle if they are on the move.
Catch-and-release fishing on Lake Victoria
The waters of Lake Victoria are teeming with Nile Perch, some weighing up to 100kgs. No previous fishing experience is required, just some patience and the willingness to enjoy the views across the water while you wait for a bite.
Boating safaris on Lake Victoria
Explore the shoreline of Rubondo Island in search of spotted-neck otters, African fish eagles, and Pied kingfishers darting into the shallows. Crocodiles bathe on small islands and sandy beaches, while hippo wallow in quiet pools. A perfect late afternoon activity, completed with your favourite drinks to toast the setting sun.
Game drives on Rubondo Island
See more of the island by venturing out on a game drive in search of viewpoints, elephants, giraffes, colobus monkeys, bush buck, and sitatunga. Birders will be in their element amongst the array of both forest and aquatic species.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Enjoy the unique experience of spending a precious hour in the company of the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The steep hills can make the hike long and tiring, but the experience is worth the effort.
Batwa cultural experience in Bwindi
The Batwa people lived in, and in harmony with, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for hundreds of years. They have a deep understanding of the ecosystem and traditional knowledge of trees and plants that has been passed down by word of mouth through the generations. Spend a morning with members of the Batwa in the forest, learning about their culture and ancient wisdom.
Erebero Hills spa
A 30-minute massage is included to help ease weary legs after a gorilla trek, but additional and extended treatments can be arranged through the lodge.
Positive Impact
Your stay with Asilia directly contributes to the conservation of wildlife and key wilderness areas in East Africa. Each night spent in an Asilia camp generates US$20 for conservation initiatives, while park fees contribute to the employment of rangers and ongoing anti-poaching initiatives. Park fees on Rubondo Island help fund the ongoing chimpanzee research and re-habituation, alongside the protection of the surrounding waters from poaching.
At Erebero Hills we work with Change a Life Bwindi as our implementing partner, a community focussed NGO working with local communities living on the outskirts of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Your presence in Erebero Hills contributes to the initiatives of Change a Life Bwindi and supports local community projects through the consumption of goods grown or made by the community and sold to the lodge.
The Primate Edition has been meticulously curated to provide a primate focussed safari that circumvents the logistics of combining Tanzania’s chimpanzees with Uganda’s gorillas. The result is a tailored and unique safari experience filled with adventure and wonder, alongside the flexibility to choose the level of activity participation you wish to enjoy.
If you are an active traveller with the dream of viewing two of East Africa’s most remarkable primates in their natural environment, The Primate Edition is for you.
