April - June

APRIL - JUNE

Into Uganda’s Rainforest:

A Limited Season for Primate Encounters

In April, the rainforests of Uganda come alive in a quieter, more intimate way. The trails soften, the mist settles between ancient trees, and the wilderness feels closer than ever.

It is during this season and into May that journeys into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale Forest National Park become even more special. Fewer travelers on the paths, yet the same unforgettable encounters with gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural home.

This year brings an added advantage: Uganda Wildlife Authority has introduced low-season permit rates for April and May, making this rare experience even more accessible.

As the season progresses into June, conditions remain excellent for trekking, with the forests opening into clearer trails and consistently rewarding encounters.

A quieter forest, closer encounters, and a fleeting window of opportunity—this is Uganda in its most rewarding season.

As you go through this edition, you’ll notice a few friendly updates that may just make your dream primate safari a little easier on your pocket

Property Updates

andBeyond Suyian Lodge – Laikipia, Kenya

Set within the vast wilderness of the Suyian Conservancy in Laikipia, andBeyond Suyian Lodge represents a new era of ultra-private safari experiences in Kenya.

Designed for exclusivity, the lodge sits in a remote, wildlife-rich landscape where guests experience thousands of acres of protected wilderness with very limited vehicle density offering a rare sense of space and solitude.

The lodge focuses on immersive, low-impact safari experiences such as walking safaris, guided game drives, and cultural encounters, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Kenya’s northern frontier.

With its strong conservation ethos and highly personalised approach to guiding, Suyian reflects the broader shift in Laikipia toward intimate, conservation-driven luxury safaris rather than traditional large-scale lodges.

is a classic tented safari camp set on the edge of the Musiara

in the

Mara, an area renowned for exceptional Big Five sightings and year-round wildlife activity. The camp has retained its intimate, low-impact safari feel while transitioning under the Wilderness brand, enhancing its conservation focus and guest experience. Access is via a unique boat-style crossing of the Mara River followed by a short game drive, setting the tone for an immersive wilderness stay.

Guests enjoy close wildlife encounters, expert guiding, and front-row access to one of Africa’s most iconic safari ecosystems, including seasonal Great Migration movements.

LORIEN MARA

Lorien Mara is a contemporary luxury safari lodge set in a private conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara, offering an exclusive and uncrowded wildlife experience. The lodge blends modern design with panoramic views of the savannah, creating a calm, elevated base for immersive game viewing. With access to abundant wildlife including lion, elephant, giraffe, and seasonal migration herds, guests enjoy guided game drives, sundowners, and intimate encounters away from the busier reserve areas. Lorien Mara stands out for its stylish architecture, personalized service, and its strong sense of space and tranquillity in the wild.

August 1st, 2026

A new chapter in luxury safari unfolds this August in Solio Conservancy. Set between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges, the all-new JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp offers rare access to both white and endangered black rhinos, alongside leopard, cheetah, and rich birdlife.

The camp features 18 luxurious tented suites with private plunge pools, complemented by night game drives, a private rhino orphanage experience, the Spa by JW, and curated dining—all designed around conservation and refined comfort.

Bookings Ongoing!

We would like to share an update from the Ritz Carlton Camp which remains fully compliant with all required environmental and regulatory approvals.

For travellers and partners, this means operations continue as normal, with no disruption to guest experiences or bookings.

What This Means for Travellers;

The camp remains fully operational

All bookings and future stays are unaffected

The property continues to operate within approved conservation guidelines

The Maasai Mara remains a protected ecosystem where tourism and conservation continue to coexist, supporting both wildlife preservation and local communities.

Travel News & Updates

Safari Meets Beach: New Daily Flights to Zanzibar - FLIGHT LINK

Travel News & Updates

Combining the thrill of a safari with the relaxation of the beach has never been easier.

New daily flights between the Maasai Mara and Zanzibar will commence from 1st June 2026, offering seamless connectivity between two of East Africa’s most sought-after destinations.

Travellers can now effortlessly pair a classic Mara safari with the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar in one smooth itinerary.

This new route enhances flexibility for multi-destination travel, making it easier to design well-balanced safari and coastal experiences.

Airline Update: Introduction of Fuel Surcharge

In line with adjustments already seen across international airlines, AirKenya has introduced a fuel surcharge following the continued rise in aviation fuel costs driven by global market pressures.

What this means for travellers:

Tickets issued from 17th April 2026: USD 25 per sector surcharge applies

Tickets issued before this date: remain unaffected

Amendments to existing tickets: will attract the surcharge

This adjustment reflects broader industry trends and ensures continued operational stability across regional air services.

UGANDA UPDATE: PRIMATE PERMITS & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Travel News & Updates

Uganda Wildlife Authority has announced key updates that present both immediate travel value and important considerations for future planning.

Low-Season Permits (Available Now)

With immediate effect, low-season permits have been introduced for April, May, and November:

Gorilla permits: USD 600

Chimpanzee permits (Kibale National Park): USD 200

This creates a valuable opportunity to experience primate trekking during a quieter, more intimate season in the rainforest.

Revised Permit Rates (Effective 1 January 2027)

Gorilla permits: USD 800 (no change)

Gorilla habituation: USD 1,800 (from USD 1,500)

Chimpanzee permits (Kibale Forest): USD 300 (from USD 250)

Chimpanzee habituation: USD 400 (from USD 300)

Important: Permits purchased at current rates will be honored for travel in 2027, offering an opportunity to secure existing pricing in advance.

Travel Update

Yellow fever vaccination is no longer a mandatory requirement for entry into Uganda, making travel planning more seamless.

Beyond Travel

SUPPORTING

SUSTAINABLE MOTORSPORT: WRC SAFARI RALLY KENYA

Afritrek was proud to once again support the WRC Safari Rally Kenya, held in Naivasha, one of the most iconic events on the global motorsport calendar.

Our continued participation reflects our commitment to initiatives that celebrate Kenya’s landscapes while promoting responsible and sustainable travel experiences. Events like the Safari Rally not only showcase the country’s natural beauty on a global stage but also contribute meaningfully to local tourism and community engagement.

Myths & Misconceptions

Myth: “Wildlife is only visible during the day.”

Reality: Night drives open up a completely different world of safari.

When the sun sets, the bush transforms. Many animals become active after dark, especially predators and nocturnal species that are rarely seen during daytime game drives.

On a guided night drive, you may encounter:

• Leopards becoming more active as they hunt or patrol their territory

• Hyenas moving in clans, often searching for food

• Bush babies (galagos) with their glowing eyes in the trees

• Owls and night birds quietly scanning the landscape

• Small nocturnal mammals such as civets, genets, and porcupines

Night drives are conducted with special spotlight equipment and experienced guides, ensuring both safety and minimal disturbance to wildlife. They offer a rare chance to witness predator behavior and animal interactions that don’t usually happen in daylight.

It’s not just an extension of the safari it is a completely different safari experience.

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