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Rwanda and Uganda Gorillas Tours

RWANDA GORILLA SAFARI

Day 1: Kigali-Virunga
You will arrive at the International Airport in Kigali. The company Driver Guide Representative will meet and transfer you to Virunga Mountains.
Dinner & Overnight-Gorillas Nest
It is indeed a privilege to track Mountain Gorillas in any of the 3 remaining countries that they still have left as their home. However there is something particularly special about Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda, with the rich history of Gorilla study and protection started by George Schaller and continued by Diane Fossey. Add to this the relatively open habitats they are found in and the incredible interaction of the individuals in the group, and you have without a doubt one of the most rich and rewarding wildlife experiences to be found on this planet.
Protected within the Parcs National des Volcans (PNV), the lushly forested slopes of the mountains form an appropriately dramatic natural setting for what is arguably the most poignant and memorable wildlife experience in the world: gorilla tracking. The exhilarating climb to the gorillas’ natural habitat of shady bamboo forest offers fantastic views in all directions, before the trackers are immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and the chattering of rare golden monkeys. Nothing can prepare one for the impact of encountering a fully grown silverback gorilla, up to three times the size of an average man, yet remarkably peaceable and tolerant of human visitors.
Parc National des Volcanos is managed and protected by the Rwandan Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN). Access begins in the lively town of Ruhengeri, situated at the base of the entrance of the park. Ruhengeri has long been the base point for gorilla visits and entertains a stunning backdrop of Karisimbi, Visoke, Mikeno, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes.
One of the main differences between Gorillas trekking in Rwanda compared to Uganda is the larger group sizes of the trekking parties. In Uganda at present there are only six tourists allowed to trek with each Gorilla group, whereas in Rwanda that number is eight. Obviously your gut feeling would be that the smaller the group the better, not just for you personally but also the Gorillas. However from my experience a lot depends on the group dynamics and the individual behaviour of clients within that group. You can sometimes have a larger group where the tourists are very considerate of each others experience and their behavior in the presence of the Gorillas is impeccable.

Day 2: Virunga
Have a full day Gorilla Tracking. Return back to the base in the afternoon.
Dinner & Overnight-Gorillas Nest

Day 3: Virunga
Take a Golden monkey trek and later return to Kigali for an overnight in a Hotel.

Day 4: Virunga-Kigali-Home
Breakfast and proceed for a city tour. Transfer to the Airport for your flight.

Included in price:

Airport transfers in Kigali Rwanda.
Accommodation Full board at Gorilla Nest Camp.
All transport by road
English speaking Driver/Trek Guides
Gorilla Trekking permits.

Not included:

Personal expenses, drinks, tip etc.
Insurance or cancellation insurance
Visa
Any other activity
International flight

UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI $1100

Day 1: Entebbe-Mbarara
Arrive at Entebbe Airport morning Hours (approximately 0830 hrs).You will be met and transferred by road towards Bwindi to reduce the distance.
Spend a night at Mbarara Lake View Hotel.

Day 2: Mbarara-Bwindi
After breakfast depart for Bwindi impenetrable Forest arriving at the edge of the forest in time for lunch.
You may do short Nature walk in the afternoon.
Dinner & Overnight – Bwindi Tented Camp.
Bwindi's Impenetrable Forest is a true equatorial jungle, inhabited by four Gorilla groups - each led by a silverback male. It is the richest, most species-diverse forest in Uganda, as the area is one of the few large expanses of forest in East Africa where lowland and montane communities merge. Massive trees are entangled with creepers and parasitic plants such as mistletoe and orchids. Giant thickets of bamboo thrive in the humid atmosphere and where sunlight breaks through the elegant heliconia, or lobster claw, spreads its colourful petals. Amongst the dense vegetation the Colobus Monkey jumps from branch to branch, chattering its warning to its fellows hidden by the foliage. Chimpanzees, in families of 20 or 30, make the rounds searching for fruit and edible plants.
The park is located in south western Uganda, covering parts of Rukungiri, Kisoro, and Kibale Districts. It was gazetted in 1991 with an area of 331 sq.km. It is situated in a hilly countryside that, together with some remnant lowland forest outside the boundary, constitute an important water catchment area for many rivers; supplying the agricultural land of the surrounding region.
At least 120 species of mammal are recorded in one of the richest ecosystems in Africa including Gorilla, Chimpanzee, and 8 other species of primate, also Elephant, Bush Pig, Giant Forest Hog, many species of bats and rodents. No less than 346 species of birds are listed including rare forest birds, at least 14 species of snakes, 27 species of frogs and toads, 6 chameleons, 14 lizards, skinks or geckos, and at least 202 species of butterfly. There are also several endangered species of birds with limited ranges. This forest is a sanctuary for almost half the world's population of mountain gorillas; the rarest race of gorilla. Established as a safe habitat for several families of mountain gorillas it is now the location of an important scientific conservation program.
All clients wanting to go Gorilla trekking must obtain a permit, and the days of just turning up at the Park Office at Buhoma and hoping there are permits still available are long gone; the popularity of Gorilla trekking has seen to that. This is not an issue for Gorilla Trails, as all our clients would have their permits purchased in advance to ensure no problems with availability. By booking in advance your itinerary can be structured to work most effectively around available dates.
Gorilla Trekking starts in the morning with a briefing at the Park Headquarters about what the days trek will involve and to check that everyone is well enough to take part. No-one with a cold or flu or signs of other transmittable illnesses will be allowed to trek due to the risks posed to the families of Gorillas. After the initial group briefing you are split into groups of 6 and introduced to your trek leader. He will speak to you about your particular group of Gorillas and the etiquette of observing and photographing Mountain Gorillas. An assortment of vehicles will then transport the trekking groups to the starting points; this drive can range from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on the locations of the Gorilla Groups.
Due to the terrain in Bwindi all of the treks will start off with a steep (and in many cases slippy!) climb up a hillside and most people will find the use of a walking stick beneficial to help with their balance. In 2005 one of the Gorilla Groups tended to feed and live in the secondary forest, whereas the other two groups were found in the thicker darker primary forest. As a rule the groups in the primary forest required longer walks to reach them, but of course this is constantly changing depending on the movement and dynamics of the families.
When you get close to the Gorilla you must leave all of your bags and other luggage and only carry your camera/ video onwards to the family. This is to stop the Gorilla being spooked by bags and other extra equipment that has been shown to make them nervous. After dropping the bags you proceed slowly to the group with your guide and then spend a wonderful hour (strictly monitored) with the group. No flash photography is allowed, so your camera must be carefully checked to ensure the 'no flash' option is selected

Day 3: Bwindi
Breakfast, take picnic lunch and report to the park offices for briefing by the Ranger Guides before the start of the trekking to find the mountain Gorillas. Once the Gorillas are located and after approximately one hour with them return back to the camp.
Dinner & Overnight – Bwindi Tented Camp.

Day 4: Bwindi
Depart for Mbarara. Have lunch on the way. You will be arriving Mbarara for dinner.
Dinner & Overnight –Mbarara lake View Hotel.

Day 5: Bwindi-Entebbe-Home
After breakfast depart for Entebbe. The driver will drop you at the Airport for your evening flight.

Included in price: