A 12 day safari which starts in Entebbe and finishes
in Kigali. This safari can also be done on a scheduled
basis. [The Bwindi gorilla permit is included in the
cost but the other gorilla trackings require a supplement
to be paid at time of booking.]
A safari that traces the western Rift Valley in the
heart of Africa, starting with game viewing on the
savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park -
elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and leopard. Track
the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees in Kyambura
Gorge. In Ishasha go on the hunt for the tree-climbing
lions lounging on old fig trees. See the rich wildlife
and array of birds on the Kazinga Channel. Seeing some
of the last remaining 700 mountain gorillas in the
world is a fantastic experience and this safari takes
you to three gorilla parks – Bwindi and Mgahinga
in Uganda and PNV in Rwanda. It offers an opportunity
to track gorillas five times, twice in Bwindi, once
in Mgahinga/Nkuringo, and twice in PNV.
Bwindi in Uganda has four habituated families and
the gorillas there live in thicker tropical forest
and tracking is more challenging as the hillsides are
steeper. You can also go for nature walks to see birds,
monkeys and orchids. Mgahinga, in Uganda, is a great
place to appreciate the unique Virunga volcanoes and
it has one habituated family. When this group sometimes
moves across the border, tracking at Nkuringo in Southern
Bwindi is possible. You can also climb a volcano or
go for a nature walk, visit the endangered golden monkey
or go birding.
PNV in Rwanda has five habituated gorilla families
and tracking most groups in the afro-montane forest
usually takes only a few hours. You can also climb
a volcano, visit the remains of Dian Fossey’s
grave or visit the endangered golden monkey. At the
end of the safari fly out from Kigali.
Clients stay 3 nights at Mweya/Jacana, 3 nights at
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, 2 nights at Volcanoes Mount
Gahinga Lodge and 3 nights at Volcanoes Virunga Lodge.
A choice of two safaris can be added at the end – Primates
and Birds in Nyungwe Forest (4 days), Wildlife and
Birds in Akagera (3 days).
| DAYS |
2008 prices |
12 |
U1 Classic Uganda and Rwanda (ends Kigali) |
| NUMBER IN PARTY |
|
2 |
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3 |
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4 |
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5 |
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SRS |
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Day 1
Arrive at Entebbe Airport, probably the friendliest
in Africa, welcomed by a Volcanoes guide. Briefing
on the great African adventure. Set off on
the southbound road at 10am. On the way see
the royal drum makers, stand on the Equator,
bargain at the roadside markets. Descend to
the Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping
an eye out for game. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB).
Day 2
Go for an early morning game drive to seek out wildlife,
rest during the heat of the day and then go on an evening
game drive. The game seen will depend on the season, the
Kasenyi plains are good for lion and the Mweya peninsula
for a variety of animals. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB).
Day 3
An excursion to Kyambura gorge nearby to track the fast
moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations.
The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable
but the walk is enchanting. Alternatively go for a nature
walk in Maramagambo Forest to see other primates and to
visit the bat cave and the blue lake. In the afternoon
take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife
and a vast array of birds come to drink. O/N: Mweya/Jacana
(FB).
Day 4
Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via
Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads permitting,
or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses.
Time permitting, go for a guided nature walk. O/N: Volcanoes
Bwindi Lodge (FB).
Day 5
Go gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at
time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills
before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in
the vegetation. An inspiring moment! Tracking in Bwindi
requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively
go for a leisurely nature or community walk. O/N: Volcanoes
Bwindi Lodge (FB).
Day 6
Either go gorilla tracking again (on payment of supplement
at the time of booking subject to permit availability)
or go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich
in birds, butterflies and monkeys. Alternatively go for
a stroll around the Lodge or for a community walk. O/N:
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).
Day 7
Leave for Mgahinga. Make brief stops at places of interest
including Kanaba Gap to view the dramatic Virunga volcanoes
and the beautiful terraced hills. Proceed, via the frontier
town of Kisoro, up the mountain to Mgahinga at 2,300m.
O/N: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (FB).
Day 8
Either go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga/Nkuringo
(on payment of supplement at time of booking), or climb
the Muhavura or Gahinga volcanoes, or go for a nature walk
or visit golden monkeys in Mgahinga. O/N: Volcanoes Mount
Gahinga Lodge (FB).
Day 9
Either relax or walk near the Lodge, or do one of the activities
in day 8 in the morning (except gorilla tracking) and transfer
to Rwanda after lunch. [Clocks go backward one hour]. Stroll
around the Lodge, or simply take in the panoramic sunset
over the volcanoes. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).
Day 10
Go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (on payment
of supplement at time of booking). Tracking the gorillas
through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the
Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you
can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be
back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla
families however are more elusive, and tracking can take
a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. O/N: Volcanoes
Virunga Lodge (FB).
Day 11
Either go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans
(on payment of supplement at time of booking), or visit
the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ros Carr's
orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes,
or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school,
community projects or walk to Lake Bulera. O/N: Volcanoes
Virunga Lodge (FB).
Day 12
Leave for Kigali. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit
to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops and the genocide memorial. Transfer to the airport. (HB). |
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