This safari 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. In Ishasha go on the hunt for the tree-climbing lions lounging on old fig trees. Seeing some of the last remaining 700 mountain gorillas in the world is a fantastic experience and this safari takes you to two gorilla parks - Bwindi in Uganda and PNV in Rwanda. It offers an opportunity to track gorillas four times, twice in Bwindi 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. 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.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Gorilla in Bwindi. Arrive Entebbe airport. Meet, greet and drive on the southbound road; past captivating attractions en route: look at royal drum makers, brief stop at the Equator and be in both hemispheres at once, drive past the roadside markets aerated with fruit and vegetables. Continue to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving late in the afternoon, keeping an eye out for the game. Approximate driving time: 6 hours. Includes: (L, D).
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. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 3: Drive to the Kyambura Gorge, a deep natural ravine in the surrounding plains. Descend into the floor of the gorge, 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. Includes: (B, L, D).
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. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 5: Go gorilla tracking (subject to availability of gorilla permits at time of booking), carrying a packed lunch. You will be accompanied by a guide and porters who will carry your shoulder pack for you. You will then set off to the thick forest in search of gorillas. The terrain can be difficult, with steep slopes covered in dense vegetation that gives the park its name. In addition, the altitude of 5200 feet and more means participants do need to be physically fit. The time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 9 hours before one returns to camp. Difficulty, however, is not impossibility and coming face to face with the great primates is well worth it! Includes: (B, L, D).
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. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 7: Drive to Rwanda lunch on arrival [Clocks go backward one hour].Go for a community walk, or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the volcanoes. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 8: 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. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 9: 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 Ross Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 10: Leave for Kigali. Go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural center and the genocide memorial. Transfer to the airport for your return flight. End of service.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price excludes the Bwindi gorilla permit is included in the cost but the other gorilla tracking require a supplement to be paid at time of booking.
Note: Single Room Supplement per person using room alone - $370
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Uganda
Wildlife Viewing
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