ref: UGS2

7 Day - Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimps

  • Day 2

    Spend the morning tracking the exuberant chimp families in the Kibale forest. Tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above the forest floor, is a thrilling experience. Though they can be difficult to spot, you will be in no doubt of their presence as the forest is alive with their noisy calls. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The reserve is abundant with butterflies, plants, animals and, in particular, birds. Spectacular birds like Great Blue Turaco and rare Papyrus Gonolek will be of great interest to birders. The swamp is also home to more elusive animals such as Red Colobus monkeys and Sitatunga antelope. There is also the opportunity to visit local community projects that have been financed by tourism. In the evening enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the terrace with its stunning views.

    O/N: Ndali Lodge (B,L,D).

  • Day 3

    Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park. On route, take a short walk in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and take in the views of this magnificent mountain range. Alternatively drive straight to the park and take a game drive. 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).

  • Day 4

    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).

  • Day 5

    Your safari now continues to the primeval Bwindi forest. Travelling via Ishasha - subject to road conditions - you can observe the unusual behaviour exhibited by the tree-climbing lions. 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 to explore the lodge grounds with its clear mountain stream or visit the local village. 

    O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (B,L,D).

  • Day 6

    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).

  • Day 7

    Leave with the 10:55 am or 14:05 pm return flight to Entebbe, arriving at 11:55 am and connect in time for your return flight.  (B)

Safari Prices

2013
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.
2013 High Season
High Season runs all year EXCEPT between the 15th October to 15th December 2012 and 1st March to 31st May 2013.
2013 Low Season
From the 15th October to 15th December 2012 and 1st March to 31st May 2013.
Per person sharing a twin room $5,711 $5,140
Single room supplement $621 $559

What's Included in This Price?

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.