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Primates

Explore the vast jungles of Central and South America, Africa and southern Asia, home to a variety of primates that include lemurs, lorises, tarsiers, monkeys and apes. We work alongside many charitable wildlife organisations and can provide privileged insight into the conservation of endangered primates.

The familiar social behaviours of primates capture the hearts and minds of travellers who choose to go in search of monkeys and apes around the world.

Unlike any other wildlife encounter, there is an unmistakable connection when watching primates – the line between observer and observed is at its most blurred. There are few more poignant wildlife encounters than sitting peacefully with a family of mountain gorillas in the forests of Uganda or Rwanda. Watching orangutans feed in the wilds of Borneo, tracking howler monkeys in Costa Rica or listening to the ear-piercing call of the indri in Madagascar are just a few of the experiences we have recently organised for our wildlife loving clients.

Sifaka on Lemur Island, Andasibe, Madagascar — Sifaka, Andasibe, Madagascar

Why Steppes?

Experience and sustainability

Whether organising gorilla trekking, chimp tracking or orangutan tours, such is our knowledge, we have arranged itineraries for film crews, shown CNN journalists the ropes and have even been approached by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority to help habituate the Nkuringo group of gorillas. In short, no-one knows primates better than Steppes.

We adhere to a strict code of conduct when operating our primate holidays. Responsible tourism can be used as an effective tool towards conservation and in the past, we have operated wildlife tours in conjunction with conservation agencies such as Fauna and Flora International, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Jane Goodall Institute. We currently work with the Orangutan Foundation, offering group tours to Indonesian Borneo where you can see first-hand the conservation work being carried out by the foundation, in Tanjung Puting National Park.

Why Steppes?

Our contacts

Exceptional guides are an essential component of a successful wildlife holiday. For example, Ashley Leiman, who often joins our Borneo Orangutan Conservation Tour, founded the Orangutan Foundation in 1990 and is one of the leading figures in orangutan conservation. Another is Charles Randrianantenaina; born and raised in the wilds of Madagascar, there is not much he does not know about lemurs and where to find them. Talk to our team about meeting the team from the Gorilla Doctors in Rwanda or award-winning primate conservationist, Gladys Kalema in Uganda.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Orangutan, Borneo Expedition, Sabah, Borneo

Orangutan Conservation

Stay at Rimba Lodge deep in Indonesian Borneo and join experts from the Orangutan Foundation, travelling deep into the forest in search of orangutan to gain privileged insight into conservation projects.

Orangutan Experience

Come face to face with orangutan in the rainforests of Malaysian Borneo and learn about conservation efforts to save the species. Spend time observing them at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah or Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Sarawak.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Spend time at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Meet Dr Magda Bermejo

Spend time with gorilla researcher, Dr Magda Bermejo for a fascinating insight into her work.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Lowland Gorilla in Tree, Republic of Congo

Track Gorillas and Elephants

Trek in search of western lowland gorillas, spending an hour with a habituated family.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Chimpanzee in tree, Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda

Track Chimps

Keep your feet on the ground but your head in the trees, as you track Nyungwe National Parks habituated troop of chimpanzees.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Track Elephants and Gorillas

Experience thrilling encounters with lowland gorillas and forest elephants.

Aye aye, nocturnal lemur, Palmarium Private Reserve, Madagascar

Nosy Mangabe Nature Reserve

Travel by boat to the Nosy Mangabe Nature Reserve, home to white-fronted brown lemurs, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, tree boas and even aye-ayes.

Suggested lodge

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

At the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, spot big cats and meet the last two surviving northern white rhinos.

Bbay gorilla playing, Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Gorilla Sanctuary

Visit Senkwekwe – the only orphan mountain gorilla sanctuary in the world.

Suggested Holiday Idea

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Republic of Congo

Lowland Gorilla Trekking in the Congo Basin

Explore the wildlife riches hidden deep within the dense forests of the Odzala National Park. Track lowland gorillas and encounter forest elephants in a jungle wilderness that hides in the far north of Congo.

10 days from £13,495pp

Young male gorilla in tree, Ngaga Camp, Odzala, Rep of Cong

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Rwanda

Highlights of Rwanda

Rwanda has become synonymous with gorilla trekking, but this holiday also showcases the diverse wildlife and landscapes elsewhere in this fascinating country. As well as trekking for endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Virunga Massif, explore the lakes, savannah and hills of Akagera…

11 days from £14,595pp

Young wet gorilla, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

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Malaysia

Best of Malaysian Borneo

This two-week holiday to Malaysian Borneo explores the state of Sabah, from Danum Valley to Sepilok and Kota Kinabalu. Rainforest and river exploration combines with mountain conquering, before the holiday culminates with time to chill out on the beach.

14 days from £4,545pp

Young orangutan in soft release programme in Lamandau, Indonesian Borneo, Orangutan Foundation

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Uganda

Mountain Gorillas and the Masai Mara

Trek in search of gorillas in the forests of Uganda. Encounter these iconic primates, whose very existence is under threat, then fly north to the open plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara. Here, spends several days on safari, in search of the wide…

10 days from £6,925pp

Baby gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

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Democratic Republic of Congo

Grauer’s Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega

Explore the UNESCO-listed Kahuzi-Biega National Park in DRC, home to rare Grauer’s gorillas, beautiful birdlife and volcanic peaks. Trek in search of this critically endangered gorilla subspecies, before soaking up the colourful, colonial charm of the tropical lakeside town of Bukavu.

from £2,300pp

Eastern lowland (Grauer's) gorilla, Kahuzi Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

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Looking for Holiday Inspiration?

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Idea

Republic of Congo

Lowland Gorilla Trekking in the Congo Basin

10 days from £13,495pp

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Idea

Rwanda

Highlights of Rwanda

11 days from £14,595pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Malaysia

Best of Malaysian Borneo

14 days from £4,545pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Uganda

Mountain Gorillas and the Masai Mara

10 days from £6,925pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Democratic Republic of Congo

Grauer’s Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega

from £2,300pp

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each tailor-made itinerary I create.

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Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

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