Can You Follow in the Footsteps of Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall in Africa?

Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall changed how the world understands great apes. Fossey dedicated years to studying mountain gorillas in Rwanda, while Goodall became famous for her long-term chimpanzee research at Gombe in Tanzania.

You cannot exactly repeat their original research journeys, but you can experience the great apes that inspired their work. For travelers interested in their legacy a Uganda safari offers an excellent way to combine gorilla trekking and chimpanzee experiences in one journey.

Who Were Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall?

Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall were two of the three researchers supported by renowned paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey. Together with Biruté Galdikas they became known as the Three Trimates.

Fossey focused on mountain gorillas and established the Karisoke Research Centre in Rwanda in 1967 and her research brought international attention to gorilla behavior and the threats facing mountain gorillas.

Goodall began her chimpanzee research at Gombe in Tanzania in 1960 and her observations revealed complex chimpanzee social behavior, tool use, communication and hunting practices.

Learn more about their shared story in our guide to the Three Trimates: Fossey, Goodall & Galdikas.

Can You Visit Places Connected to Dian Fossey?

Yes, Travelers can visit destinations connected to Fossey's research and conservation legacy, particularly in Rwanda.

The Karisoke Research Centre was established between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke in the Virunga Mountains and this is where Fossey conducted much of her pioneering mountain gorilla research.

For travelers primarily interested in seeing mountain gorillas rather than retracing Fossey's exact research route, Uganda provides another major destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are home to mountain gorillas and offer gorilla trekking experiences.

Our article on Dian Fossey and gorillas explains more about her research, conservation work and lasting influence.

Can You Follow Jane Goodall's Chimpanzee Legacy?

Jane Goodall's best-known research site is Gombe National Park in Tanzania. However travelers interested in her chimpanzee research and conservation legacy can also experience wild chimpanzees in Uganda.

Kibale National Park is one of Uganda's best-known destinations for chimpanzee trekking, Visitors can walk through the forest with trained guides and observe chimpanzees in their natural environment.

Chimpanzee experiences can also be combined with other wildlife activities in Uganda making Kibale a useful starting point for a wider great ape safari.

Read more about her work in our guide to Jane Goodall and chimpanzees.

Did Dian Fossey or Jane Goodall Conduct Their Research in Uganda?

No, This is an important distinction.

Dian Fossey's famous mountain gorilla research took place in Rwanda, while Jane Goodall's long-term chimpanzee research took place in Tanzania.

Uganda's connection comes through the country's own important mountain gorilla and chimpanzee populations. Uganda therefore allows travelers to experience the same two great ape species that became central to the women's scientific and conservation legacies.

Our guide to Dian Fossey, Jane Goodall and Uganda's great apes explains this connection in more detail.

Can You Combine Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda?

Yes Combining the two experiences is one of the most natural ways to build a great ape-focused Uganda safari.

A typical route can begin in Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking and from there, travelers can continue through Queen Elizabeth National Park, where game drives and boat cruises can add a classic Uganda wildlife experience.

The journey can then continue southwest toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for mountain gorilla trekking

Some travelers also add Lake Bunyonyi after gorilla trekking for a relaxed stay surrounded by hills and islands.

The exact route depends on your available time, preferred activities, accommodation style and trekking sector.

What Can a Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall-Inspired Safari Include?

A great ape safari with Pearl Nature Holidays can be designed around your interests and budget depending on the itinerary, your trip may include:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
• Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Boat cruises
• Nature walks and community visits
• Cultural experiences
• Comfortable accommodation
• Private 4x4 safari transportation
• Professional driver-guide
• Airport transfers

Pearl Nature Holidays can arrange affordable, mid-range and luxury Uganda safari options, allowing travelers to choose an experience that matches their budget.

How Does This Safari Connect With the Legacy of the Three Trimates?

The work of Fossey, Goodall and Galdikas helped demonstrate that great apes have complex social lives, individual personalities and important relationships with their environments.

Today responsible wildlife tourism can help travelers appreciate these animals while supporting conservation and local communities.

You can learn more about this wider impact in our article on the Trimates conservation legacy.

Plan Your Great Ape Safari With Pearl Nature Holidays

Following the legacy of Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall does not have to mean visiting only their original research sites. A Uganda safari gives you the opportunity to experience mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in protected natural environments while learning more about the conservation story behind these remarkable animals.

Pearl Nature Holidays can tailor your itinerary around gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, wildlife viewing and cultural experiences, with options ranging from affordable to luxury travel.