Uganda & Rwanda
Gorilla & Chimpanzee Tracking

The highlight of this safari is the gorilla tracking in 3 locations - Bwindi, Mgahinga (Uganda) and Parc National des Volcans (Rwanda). Up to 4 days of tracking and observation of the gorillas.

This gorilla safari traces the western Rift Valley in the very heart of Africa. On the savannah plains below the Rwenzoris (the Alps of Africa), see the wildlife of Africa in Queen Elizabeth National Park - elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and leopard. Look out for the rare shoebill stork. Track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. In Ishasha go on the hunt for the tree-climbing lions lounging on old fig trees. Further south visit three gorilla parks - Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda. Then cross over into Rwanda to Parc National des Volcans on the other side of the misty Virungas. Climb a volcano or explore the volcanic lakes. Fly out from Kigali.

Please see the important notes about Permits

12 Day Itinerary (Scheduled or Private)

Day 1 Arrive Entebbe and relax
Arrive at Entebbe Airport, probably the friendliest in Africa, welcomed by your guide. Set off on the southbound road at 10am. On the way see the royal drum makers; stand on the Equator and be in both hemispheres at once; and bargain at the roadside markets for fruit and vegetables. Continue to the escarpment overlooking the Great Rift Valley - an unforgettable sight. Time permitting we will visit the Tropical Bee Care Centre to look at their range of community projects from bee keeping, honey making to the community nursery for children. Descend to Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping an eye out for the wildlife. Overnight at Mweya / Jacana (FB).

Day 2 Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP)
Go for an early morning drive to seek out wildlife, rest during the heat of the day and then go on an evening game drive. The Kasenyi plains support large concentrations of wildlife especially lion. The area around the seven crater lakes in the northern hills are very scenic but wildlife viewing is erratic. The Mweya peninsula is usually good to see the large mammals, bushbuck, waterbuck, and elephant, as well as the unusual giant forest hog. Leopard may also be seen in this area. Overnight at Mweya / Jacana (FB).

Day 3 QENP - Chimp Tracking (1)
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. The walk in this "lost world" is nevertheless enchanting. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest. This forest harbors some unusual species - potto, giant forest hog, pygmy antelope and giant elephant shrew. You can also visit the bat caves and the blue lake. In the afternoon a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel which is especially rewarding for viewing a variety of animals, especially hippo, buffalo, elephant and a vast array of birds. Overnight at Mweya / Jacana (FB).

Day 4 Queen Elizabeth NP - Chimp Tracking ( 2)
Second chimp tracking in Kyambura gorge in the morning. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable. The walk in this "lost world" is nevertheless enchanting. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Mweya / Jacana (FB).

Day 5 Drive to Bwindi
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.  Overnight at Bwindi Lodge (FB).

Day 6 Bwindi - Gorilla Tracking (1)
Either go gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at time of booking), walking up steep densely forested. In this thick and humid forest you almost have to cut your way through the undergrowth but finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring moment. Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely walk on one of the different trails that meanders through the Impenetrable Forest. Overnight at Bwindi Lodge (FB).

Day 7 Bwindi - Gorilla Tracking (2)
Either go gorilla tracking again (subject to permit availability at time of booking) or go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and monkeys. Alternatively, look for monkeys and birds near the river below the Lodge.  Overnight at Bwindi Lodge (FB).

Day 8 Drive to Mgahinga
Leave for Mgahinga. Make brief stops at places of interest including Kanaba Gap to view the dramatic Virunga volcanoes and beautiful terraced hills. You can either continue directly to Mgahinga, or make a detour to Lake Mutanda.  Here you can take a gentle stroll on the lake shores whilst watching local life, or weather permitting, take a canoe to Toyo Island, before continuing to Mount Gahinga. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge (FB).

Day 9 Mgahinga - Gorilla Tracking (3)
Either go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga on the northern side of the Virunga mountains (subject to permit availability at time of booking), or climb the Muhavura or Gahinga volcano, or go for a nature walk. Mount Gahinga Lodge at 2,300m nestles in the shadow of the dramatic Virunga volcanoes. Overnight at  Mount Gahinga Lodge (FB).

Day 10 Drive to Rwanda
Either relax or walk near the Lodge, or do one of the activities detailed on day 8 in the morning and then transfer to Rwanda after lunch. Clocks go backward one hour. Visit local communities around Virunga Lodge, or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the volcanoes. Overnight at Virunga Lodge / Gorilla Nest Hotel (FB).

Day 11 Parc National des Volcans (PNV) - Gorilla Tracking (4)
Go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (subject to permit availability at time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the lush forested slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour or so 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. Overnight at Virunga Lodge / Gorilla Nest Hotel (FB).

Day 12 Leave for Kigali
Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, a widow¹s project selling quilts, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and a genocide memorial. Transfer to the airport. (HB).

End of services on arrival at Kigale airport.

Departs 2008: 19 Jan, 9th Feb, 16 Feb, 15 Mar, 19 Apr, 17 May, 14 Jun, 19 Jul, 16 Aug, 13 Sep, 18 Oct, 15 Nov, 13 Dec

Departs 2009: 17 Jan, 14 Feb, 14 Mar, 18 Apr, 16 May, 13 Jun, 18 Jul, 15 Aug, 19 Sep, 17 Oct, 14 Nov, 19 Dec

                                                                          Please see the important notes about Permits

 

Price Indication Per Person: GBP3313 / USD6510            Email for current price

Basis: The price is based on two people sharing. The US Dollar is the base currency and payment in other currencies is acceptable, but the cost will vary inline with exchange rates.  Customised trips to your design are available, subject to resources / permits.

Single Supplement: GBP392 / USD771

 

Gorilla permits must be applied for without delay, as the first stage of your booking. The cost varies, but should be in the range USD350 - USD500 per person.  Please see the important notes about Permits

 

What is Included
Accommodations, all meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on final day (see the code B,L,D), land transportation, 4 gorilla permits (subject to availability), services of local guides and English speaking leader. You stay at the Lake Victoria Hotel in Entebbe or Hotel des Mille Collines/Hotel Umubano in Kigali on arrival. In the field you have 3 nights at Mweya / Jacana, 2 nights at Volcanoes Bwindi Camp, 2 nights at Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Camp and 2 nights at Volcanoes Parc National Volcans Camp / Gorilla Nest Hotel.

What is Not Included
All travel costs to the start and from the finish of the tour, as detailed in the itinerary. Optional services of porters while gorilla tracking (approximately US$3 per trek), alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and required comprehensive travel insurance. Airfares and airport departure taxes.

Physical Requirements
The strenuous (sometimes very strenuous) trek to the gorillas usually takes between two and three hours (but could be as little as fifteen minutes or as long as four to eight hours), it is impossible to predict. We travel at a pace to accommodate all hikers. Travellers are not required to participate in all activities and are welcome to forego any portion of the program. Travellers should be aware that if they turn around do to fatigue, illness or any other reason the remainder of the group will go on. The returning traveller will be escorted by a local guide or porter.

Getting There & Getting Home
Arrive in Entebbe in the morning where you will be met and taken for lunch at the Lake Victoria Hotel. You are free to depart Kigali after 5pm on the final day.

Travel Insurance (UK residents only)
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. We recommend the British Mountaineering Council for policies with good track records for remote area repatriations  www.thebmc.co.uk

Sorry, we are unable to advise US residents about insurance matters.

map of the area