Departing from Kigali you will be welcomed by your expert guide who will provide knowledge and assistance throughout your safari. Your journey takes you through the beautiful terraced hills that characterise much of Rwanda's landscape. Climbing gradually to the base of the spectacular volcanoes of the Virunga range, the five nearest peaks rising high above the verdant countryside, you arrive at the magnificent Volcanoes Virunga Lodge.
O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (L, D)
Gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans, through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga range, is a magical experience. Once you reach the gorillas, you can spend an hour with them and be back at base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families can be more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially if it is wet and muddy.
O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (B, L, D)
Either go gorilla tracking again (additional permit required, subject to availability), or choose from one of many options. There is much to explore here:
- Track the endangered golden monkeys.
- Trek to Dian Fossey’s grave and the gorilla cemetery, the final resting place of her favourite gorilla, Digit.
- Visit the local school and community projects, supported by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust.
- Visit the Ros Carr Imbabazi orphanage and meet some of the hundreds of children helped by this uplifting project.
- Visit Lake Kivu, home to some of the finest inland beaches in Africa.
- Take a guided walk to Lake Bulera, to experience local village life.
O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (B, L, D)
Enjoy a more relaxing morning during which you can do one of the activities in day 3 - except gorilla tracking and visiting Dian Fossey’s grave. After lunch set off for the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. The lodge is located at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes and near the entrance to the national park. Enjoy your pre-dinner drinks on the terrace with stunning views of the Volcanoes or warm yourself inside by the roaring fire.
O/N: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (B, L, D)
Experience the lives of the Batwa Pygmies, and walk the Batwa Trail. Accompanied by Batwa Elders, this is an extraordinary opportunity to learn about the unique cultural heritage of the forest’s indigenous people. Whilst you walk through the forest, the Batwa will demonstrate their traditional hunting techniques and knowledge of medicinal plants. You will also visit the sacred Ngarama cave and enjoy the traditional music and dance of this rich and fading culture. Alternatively there are other exciting activities for those interested in the culture and natural history of Mgahinga:
- Enjoy a performance from the Batwa Dance Group, an initiative fully supported by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust. The group now perform once a week on Volcanoes Safaris land for the benefit of the local community and Volcanoes Safaris clients. Learn more about their unique culture through their oral traditions first-hand.
- Track gorillas in Nkuringo (approximately two hours drive). Tracking is possible at Nkuringo, located at the southern sector of Bwindi National Park. Tracking here can be challenging due to steep and muddy paths.
- Hike the Muhavura or Gahinga Volcanoes. Gahinga offers a gentler hike through the bamboo forest on the lower slopes and marshy craters at the peak. The lower slopes are rich with forest birds and the marshes near the summit are home to bushbuck and elusive duiker. Muhavura is the most challenging peak in the park. The hike will take most of the day, but the adventurous will be rewarded with great sense of accomplishment and - on a good day - spectacular views.
- Take a guided nature walk through the park to track the golden monkeys. The path takes you from the bamboo stands and a forested gorge on the lower levels to the elevated heath and moorland higher up. The forest is not only home to the rare golden monkey, but also a great diversity of bird and animal life.
O/N: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (B, L, D)
The breath taking drive to Bwindi, sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of Africa, is along winding mountain roads and through thick forests. The long journey through the rapidly changing landscape takes you to Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, which looks across to the towering trees of the forest. Depending on when you arrive, there maybe time before dinner to explore the lodge grounds with its clear mountain stream or visit the local village.
O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (B, L, D)
After enjoying an early breakfast, you set off gorilla tracking. Trekking through the steep, densely forested hills and then finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged moment. Tracking in the Bwindi forest requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively there are other activities and excursions on offer in and around the national park:
- Take a guided walk in the rainforest, home to several endemic bird species, clouds of butterflies and rare plant life. This walk offers excellent photographic opportunities and the knowledgeable guide will provide a great insight into this globally important habitat.
- Walk through the local village, and learn about community projects, such as the Amagara project that assists local farmers and their communities, and Bwindi Community Hospital that started as a health clinic under a tree and now provides vital medical and educational services to over 60,000 people. The Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust supports both projects.
- Discover the traditions of the Batwa pygmies, and learn about the native tribal inhabitants of the forest. The indigenous people of Bwindi forest, though no longer resident in the forest, still practice many of their traditional hunter-gatherer skills.
O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (B, L, D)
Either go gorilla tracking again or opt for one of the other, gentler but equally rewarding alternatives available (see above).
O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (B, L, D)
Your safari now continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Travelling via Ishasha - subject to road conditions - you can observe the unusual behaviour exhibited by the tree-climbing lions. After your long journey from Bwindi, enjoy the luxury of the stunning contemporary Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge. Take a cooling dip in the swimming pool or simply enjoy sunset drinks on the veranda overlooking the savannah plains with the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains in the distance.
O/N: Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge (B, L, D).
Taking an early morning or evening drive, and resting during the heat of the day, provides the best opportunity to see game. What you see depends on the season, but the Kasenyi plains are excellent for sighting lion and large herds of Uganda kob. The Mweya peninsula offers excellent game drives with magnificent views across the water to the Rwenzori Mountains. Mweya is one of the best places to look for leopard, which live in the dense, scrubby thickets. Time permitting visit the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative and its coffee processing station or the wetland reserve to spot birds. Both projects were set up and are supported by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Project.
O/N: Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge (B, L, D)
The Kyambura Gorge is an extraordinary natural environment and forms a stark contrast to the surrounding grasslands. Here you can track one of our closest animal relatives, the chimpanzee. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing can be unpredictable but the walk itself is enchanting. In the afternoon take a cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which flows between Lakes Edward and George. Kazinga is home to one of the greatest concentration of hippo in Africa and herds of elephant, buffalo and other animals come to drink at the waters edge. The channel is a magnet for waterbirds, with great flocks of pelicans and others birds on the shore, and a great spot to see African fish eagle.
O/N: Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge (B, L, D)
Leave with the 10:05 am or 14:55 pm return flight to Entebbe, arriving at 11:55 am and connect in time for your return flight. (B)
Private Departure
Prices are quoted in US$. For £ sterling and Euro payments the dollar will be converted at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment.
Prices are valid until 31 December 2013. |
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| 2013 High Season
High Season runs all year EXCEPT between the 15th October to 15th December 2012 and 1st March to 31st May 2013.
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2013 Low Season
From the 15th October to 15th December 2012 and 1st March to 31st May 2013.
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| Per person sharing a twin room | $10,214 | $9,193 |
| Single room supplement | $956 | $860 |
1. Published prices may change without notice in case of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
2. All gorilla permits need to be purchased at the time of booking or a deposit equivalent to 20% of the cost of the safari paid, whichever is higher. Gorilla viewing is subject to availability of permits, which are limited; any additional gorilla permits required should be purchased when booking. Gorilla permit prices are subject to change without warning.
3. Prices for gorilla safaris are based on clients staying at Volcanoes properties. Separate quotes are available, on request, for clients wishing to stay at other properties.
4. Volcanoes Safaris Prices include:
An expert Volcanoes driver/guide and vehicle for the itinerary agreed.
Accommodation on a shared basis and meals as stated in the itinerary (in Kampala, Entebbe and Kigali hotels bed and breakfast only and on safari full board, all inclusive in Volcanoes Lodges only).
All activities as per the itinerary agreed. So where appropriate, boat trips, park fees, nature and community walk fees, one chimpanzee and one gorilla permit are included.
At Volcanoes Lodges (Bwindi, Mount Gahinga, Kyambura and Virunga), the tariffs are on an all-inclusive basis and include unlimited consumption of all alcoholic and soft drinks; laundry services; and any activities guests wish to do around the lodges. A complimentary massage is also offered.
From the safari price paid by our guests Volcanoes contributes $100 to the Volcanoes Partnership Trust, a separate non-profit organisation which undertakes community and conservation activities. For more information on the Volcanoes Trust please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Aircraft costs and transfers for the Flying Safari experiences.
5. Volcanoes Safaris Prices exclude:
Airfares to Uganda/Rwanda
Entry visas and airport taxes
Gratuities
Personal expenditure such as drinks and laundry at non-Volcanoes Lodges.
For single rooms, a supplement (SRS) applies.
Volcanoes prices are all-inclusive so that, as far as possible, all costs for an agreed safari itinerary are fully covered rather than charging a low initial price for basic activities and then charge for extra services later or other unforeseen factors. Clients’ only extra expenditure is for personal items, items such as alcohol at non-Volcanoes lodges or gratuities. Our prices may therefore appear higher than other companies but they are all-inclusive, include more activities, are more flexible and have the safety of international back-up and insurance cover.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Passengers are allowed on board with a maximum of 15 Kg of luggage each, all extra baggage will be charged at US $ 1 per kilo – whether or not the excess baggage will be allowed on board is at the discretion of the airline.
Volcanoes Safaris will require client full names and scanned copies of their passports to be able to book flights.
Clients need to be at check in for these flights minimum 60 minutes before departure time.
Volcanoes Safaris cannot be held responsible for any delays or cancellation of this service provider.
All flights depart from and return to Entebbe International airport, Uganda.
