Chimps are for wimps! Explore brave the London Great Gorilla Run.

Online, September 29, 2009 (Newswire.com) - Explore, the world's leading small group adventure holiday company, is painfully aware that the mountain gorilla - an extraordinary, almost human, species - is slipping into extinction. Such is their concern that on Saturday 26 September, a number of team members (including the company MD, 4 staff, 1 tour leader and 3 very loyal customers) dressed head-to-toe as gorillas and ran a hot and sweaty 7km through the streets of London. The Explore team have raised a whopping £4041 so far to help protect and preserve the largest living primates in the wild.

As chief sponsor of this Great Gorilla Run 2009 and sporting their funky 'Chimps are for Wimps' t-shirts and bandanas, complete with bright red company umbrellas, Team Explore each ran to achieve their individual target of £400 for the London based charity the Gorilla Organization (GO). The Gorilla Organization is an international charity led by experienced African conservationists dedicated to saving the world's last remaining gorillas from extinction through a unique community-based approach empowering local people to tackle the main threats to the gorillas' survival.

Says Explore's Managing Director, Ashley Toft: "This Saturday was challenging, rather sweaty, great fun and incredibly valuable - for us to be able to contribute directly to such an effective and vital wildlife charity as GO really contributes to the overall team spirit and enjoyment of the day. We are really proud of our achievements this weekend and of all those who took part, to help save our world's gorilla populations".

For your chance to contribute to the protection of the world's gorillas' protection, there's still time to donate online at www.gorillas.org.

The other way is to buy one of Explore's special limited edition designer t-shirts created just for the event. Give to receive - what could be better? This stunning garment can be yours for just £10 with all profits going to the cause. If you would like to buy one (or more) then you can call us on 01252 379 458.

For your own ape adventure, Explore offers the following tours for you or your family:

Gorilla Getaway - 5 days: This superb long weekend takes you into the heart of the Gorillas domain, on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda. Prices start from £1595, including flights (Heathrow), all transportation, 3 nights' accommodation, most meals and the services of a tour leader. Call AITO* member Explore on 0844 499 0901 (www.explore.co.uk). Tour code: ARW.

Gorilla and Chimp Safari - 10 days: Observe Uganda's wild and majestic gorillas and trek through the forests of Chambura Gorge in search of Chimps with Explores all-ape adventure. Prices start from £2175, including flights (Heathrow), all transportation, 7 nights' B&B accommodation, most other meals and the services of a tour leader. Call AITO* member Explore on 0844 499 0901 (www.explore.co.uk). Tour code: UG.

Ugandan Wildlife and Gorilla Safari - 17 days: Embrace the spirit of adventure with this 17 day camping tour, experiencing the very best of what Uganda can offer. From chimp trekking and gorilla sightings to an exhilarating day of rafting the River Nile. Prices start from £2250, including flights (Heathrow), all transportation, 13 nights' B&B (1 hotel, 12 camping), most other meals and the services of a tour leader. Call AITO* member Explore on 0844 499 0901 (www.explore.co.uk). Tour code: UW.

Gamelands and Gorilla Safari - 24 days: An all-encompassing exploration of East Africa's rainforests, game rich plains and culture through Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, witnessing Africa's greatest wildlife species, including the mighty mountain gorilla. Prices start from £3130, including flights (Heathrow), all transportation, 22 nights' B&B (19 camping, 3 hotel), most other meals and the services of a tour leader. Call AITO* member Explore on 0844 499 0901 (www.explore.co.uk). Tour code: KU.

For more information or to book, call Explore on 0844 499 0901 or visit www.explore.co.uk.

Ends 28 September 2009

Press: For further information, images or comment, contact Chloe Myers at Explore on 012152 379 501 or email [email protected]