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This Uganda safari traces the western Rift Valley, from the Virunga volcanoes to the Rwenzori mountains. It takes you to 3 gorilla parks, each offering unique attractions, in addition to 5 opportunities to go gorilla tracking. Seeing some of the remaining 600 mountain gorillas in their different habitats is a fantastic experience.
Other highlights include climbing the Visoke, Muhavura and Gahinga volcanoes, visiting the grave of Dian Fossey, seeing the wonderful flora and fauna of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You will also have the opportunity to visit local pygmy groups and medicine men for a cultural experience.
Day 1: Arrive in Rwanda
Itinerary
You are met on arrival at the airport and transferred to Kigali.
After lunch depart for Park National des Volcans. The journey north goes through the beautiful, terraced hillsides that characterise much of Rwanda's landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome volcanoes, sometimes with as many as 5 peaks visible.
Rustic mountain lodge near the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Day 2: Track Gorillas in the Virungas
Itinerary
Go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (subject to permit availability at the 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 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.
Rustic mountain lodge near the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Day 3: Visit Endangered Golden Monkeys
Itinerary
There is a wide selection of activities for you to choose from today. You can either go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking), visit the endangered golden monkeys or trek to Dian Fossey's grave.
Other options available include driving to Gisenyi, visiting Ross Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climbing the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, visiting the local school and community projects or walking to Lake Bulera.
Rustic mountain lodge near the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Day 4: Cross into Uganda
Itinerary
In the morning either relax or walk near the lodge, visit the golden monkeys or trek to Dian Fossey's grave.
After lunch you transfer to Uganda (clocks go forward 1hr), before continuing to Mount Gahinga.
Accommodation Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge
Gorilla-tracking lodge at the base of 3 dormant volcanoes.
Day 5: Go Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga
Itinerary
You can go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga National Park on the northern side of the Virunga mountains, (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or climb the Muhavura or Gahinga volcano; go for a nature walk, or visit Lake Mutanda.
Accommodation Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge
Gorilla-tracking lodge at the base of 3 dormant volcanoes.
Day 6: Head for Bwindi National Park
Itinerary
Drive to Bwindi through the 'Switzerland of Africa', with the road winding through many hills and valleys, offering distant views of the volcanoes and lakes.
Time permitting, 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.
An eco-lodge overlooking the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 7: Search the Forest for Gorillas
Itinerary
Gorilla tracking on day 7 (on payment of supplement at time of booking) involves walking up steep densely forested hills. 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; viewing can be restricted due to the dense vegetation.
Alternatively, go for a shorter, more leisurely nature walk on one of the different trails that meanders through the Impenetrable Forest.
An eco-lodge overlooking the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 8: Enjoy Guided Nature Walks
Itinerary
Either go gorilla tracking again (on payment of supplement at the time of booking subject to permit availability), there are 4 habituated gorilla families living in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Another option is to go on a guided nature walk to see birds, butterflies, orchids and primates, or you may prefer to go on a community walk.
An eco-lodge overlooking the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 9: Set Off for Queen Elizabeth National Park
Itinerary
Leave for Queen Elizabeth National Park. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree-climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses.
If you have enough time on arrival, you can go for an evening game drive.
Safari-style lodge in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 10: See Wildlife and the Crater Lakes
Itinerary
Go for an early morning game drive to seek out wildlife, the game seen will depend on the season. You have a good chance of spotting lion, which inhabit the Kasenyi plains in large numbers.
The Mweya peninsula is usually good for viewing large mammals, such as bushbuck, waterbuck, and elephant, as well as the unusual giant forest hog; leopard may also be seen in this area. The area around the 7 crater lakes in the northern hills is very scenic but game viewing is erratic.
You can rest during the heat of the day and later there is the option of an evening game drive.
Safari-style lodge in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 11: Track Chimps at Kyambura Gorge
Itinerary
You partake in an excursion to the nearby Kyambura gorge to track the fast-moving, elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. It's worth noting that the chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable, nevertheless, the walk in this "lost world" is enchanting.
Alternatively, go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest; this forest harbours some unusual species - red-tailed and L'Hoest's monkey, 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 is an especially rewarding occasion to view a variety of game, especially hippo, buffalo, elephant and a vast array of birds.
Standard tree house lodge tucked away in the dense forest of Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 12: Travel to Kampala
Itinerary
En route to Kampala you stop to see the royal drum makers, stand on the Equator and be in both hemispheres at once, and bargain at the roadside markets bursting with fruit and vegetables.
You have the chance to freshen up in the day rooms at Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel in Entebbe until your transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Included in tour:
Transport
Driver/guide
3 nights at Volcanoes Virungas Lodge
2 nights at Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge
3 nights at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
3 nights at either Jacana Safari Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals as stated
Boat trips
Park fees
Chimpanzee permits
1 Gorilla permit
At Volcanoes gorilla lodges (Virunga, Mount Gahinga & Bwindi): unlimited consumption of all alcoholic beverages & soft drinks, laundry services & any activities around the lodges
A complimentary massage
Excluded:
Airfares to Rwanda/Uganda
Entry visas
Airport taxes
At non-Volcanoes lodges: laundry & drinks
All personal expenditure such as tips & telephone calls
Additional Gorilla permits:
Parc des Volcans in Rwanda - USD 500.00 per permit
Mgahinga - USD 500.00 per permit
Bwindi - USD 500.00 per permit
Display rates in:
Standard Rates
Dates
Rates From
1 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012
€ 5572£ 4723R 56343$ 7592
All rates are quoted per person sharing
Pricing is meant as a guide only. Contact us - via Request a Quote - for an accurate, market best rate
Go2Africa contracts rates that are significantly below accommodation general public rack rates. Due to contract confidentiality we are often not able to publish our best rate.
All prices are subject to availability, change/increase without notice and seasonality.
Single supplements are often applicable. Options and rates vary from supplier to supplier
Triple share rates are sometimes available. Options and rates vary from supplier to supplier